What does the phrase “being worth your salt” and the word “salary” have in common? It comes in the form of a small (but very important) mineral known as sodium chloride – commonly referred to as salt.
Salt has gotten a bad rap these days. High sodium diets lead to high blood pressure. Chronic high blood pressure can lead to health problems, like heart failure, cirrhosis, and kidney stones.
It is important to watch your sodium intake. But, salt isn’t completely bad. Without salt, food would taste different, history would be different, and your muscles (including your heart) would cease to function.
In our hunter-gatherer days, humans maintained adequate salt intake from animals. Animals found salt naturally in the earth and wore paths to these sources. With the invention of farming came the need to add salt to our food.
Extracting salt was difficult and hard work. But because it ws so necessary, salt was once traded ounce for ounce with gold.
In a time before refrigeration, salt was used to preserve meats. These provisions were sent with soldiers on long voyages or battle. Salt was even used to pay soldiers. The word salary derives from the Latin solarium argentum. And, if you weren’t “worth your salt,” your pay would be cut.
Why is salt so important?
Our bodies use sodium to control important functions like the absorption of amino acids, glucose, and water. Sodium also controls the amount of fluid outside of our cells. Without salt, we would be unable to retain water.
Not all salts are created equal
Processed table salt is 97.5 percent sodium chloride and 2.5 percent man-made chemicals. Natural, unprocessed salt (like Ilocano Asin Sea Salt from xroads Philippine) contains about 86 percent sodium chloride and 14 percent naturally occurring trace minerals.
Eco-friendly and traditionally made, Ilocano Asin Sea Salt is naturally white. Each hollow crystal creates beautiful texture for a variety of foods, like grilled fish and roasted meats, even salty caramel desserts.
Medical associations recommend limiting salt intake to 2,300 mg per day. This is equal to about 1 teaspoon of table salt.
Choose quality over quantity on the salt you add to your foods.
*The information in this post is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for information regarding diet and sodium intake.
Post by Barbara Lee.
Barbara is a world traveler who is passionate about sustainable food systems, responsible consumerism, and holistic living. Her professional background and interests include writing, cooking, non-profit work, and eco-conservation.
