Put Down the Salt Shaker

Salt is something that is overly consumed as a nation. It is in our foods in astronomical amounts. It is a perservative that is put in foods during the manufacturing process. Anything that has a expiration date that seems like 'forever'. Take time to learn the truth about food in Jill Fullerton's book Truth About Food

Take the time to read labels. Anything with sodium is also salt. Salt in 40% sodium and 60% chloride. Although some salt is required for our bodies to function, as a nation we eat way too much salt. Salt and sodium greatly increase the risk of high blood pressure.

Daily intake of sodium should not exceed 2400 miligrams which is about 1 teaspoon. We get this already in the foods that we eat. Processed foods are notorious for having large quantities of salt.

We can lower our salt intake and still bring out the flavor by the following these basic guidelines.
1. Use fresh ingredients.
2. Choose low sodium.
3. Stop putting salt in the pot when cooking pasta
4. Use fresh meat.
5. Choose fresh chicken and turkey.
6. Use lower and reduced sodium cheeses.
7. Use no salt canned vegetables and soups.
8. Use hot and cold cereals low in sodium.
9. Choose fresh fruits and vegetables.
10. Use herbs, spices, garlic, onion powder, and other seasonings.

So get rid of your salt shaker, try your food first and re think your usage of salt and sodium in order to reduce your risk for high blood pressure and hypertension.