Going a step further, replacing the traditional salt with the MSG will be the right step in this direction....
health
When it comes to our health, good or bad, we are what we eat. Nothing can hide the truth that a human body’s regular diet determines its well-being especially in the long run. One food-related health condition is hypertension. It is a leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke that affects about over 25 per cent of adults in Pakistan, according to a study which appeared in the Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association. And if that is not bad enough, another Lancet study mentions that in terms of accessibility and quality of healthcare, Pakistan ranks miserably 154th among 195 countries, well below its counterparts in South Asia.
This should serve as a wake-up call for a nation globally known for its unwavering love for oily food, highly sugar-sweetened beverages, and food replete with common salt. Salt contains sodium, which must always be taken with precaution and in limited amounts. According to a research study published in the Pakistan Heart Journal, high sodium consumption leads to a litany of critical health issues such as hypertension and high blood pressure, resulting in cardiovascular diseases and stroke as well as various kidney-related disorders. The regular table salt sitting beside your plate may not be as healthy as you think but salt in its pure form is divine and chefs or those who love cooking will agree with us. According to the study, traditional table salt is not completely safe for human consumption and it is time to think for substitutes. In contrast, Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), commonly known as the Chinese salt, is the best alternative of table salt with numerous health benefits and nutritional add-ons. MSG contains a limited amount of sodium and is thus the best replacement.
Despite being a vital mineral for human health, sodium needs to be taken in smaller quantities within foods throughout the day. Many studies have been conducted on the harmful effects of salt and yet we continue to consume it in large amounts. Health organisations recommend that daily sodium intake should be not more than 2,300 milligrams, which is equal to about one teaspoon of salt. Because of its low sodium content, MSG is considered safe for regular consumption and can be used as a replacement. In order to undo the damages being done to our bodies, now is the time to revisit our food consumption patterns and dietary intake. Going a step further, replacing the traditional salt with the MSG will be the right step in this direction.
TRY THESE TIPS FOR EATING LESS SALT
While a little salt in your diet is necessary, it’s important to keep the amount in check.
* Eat mostly fresh food instead of processed food which tends to be high in added salt.
* Go for packaged and canned foods labelled ‘no added salt’, ‘low salt’ or ‘salt reduced’.
* Look at the food labels carefully and choose an item with less sodium.
* Use small amounts of sauces containing high salt content.
* Flavour your cooking with a variety of herbs and spices.
* Avoid adding salt at the table – you could even leave the salt grinder in the cupboard.
* If you have high blood pressure, ask your doctor about salt substitutes that are safe for you to try.
-You desk!
