Where are the numbers? That referred to a study, but did not show data. It said a reduction in salt in combination with a special diet lowered blood pressure, it did not say that it prevented hypertension. My husband’s blood pressure is low enough if it goes down any he has serious problems. I have not seen data saying that lowering blood pressure in those with normal blood pressure is a good thing.
I believe it is rude to salt food prepared by someone else until you have at least tasted it. Then I would suppose that if you then go crazy with the salt that could be interpreted as an insult too. There would be no need to do that to anything I have prepared unless I warned you first that I had not salted enough. I do salt as I am cooking, and taste for correct seasoning. Occasionally I salt at the table. I also do not believe that salt is “evil” as it has been given a bad rap. Living things require salt. But I find that many people use salt much more than necessary. It can indeed mask the true flavor of food. It is a habit that one gets accostomed to the flavor of salt. I have often had to cut back on my salt intake for this very reason. Many people who do are suprised at fresh and different their food can taste. But I do believe that food benefits from the flavor of salt, sugar and black pepper. Some foods would not be appetizing without. It is also generally understood that canned or foods preserved with salt should not require an extra sprinkle. I never salt canned soup for instance.
As for blood pressure, salt intake does not “cause” high blood pressure but I am told it can agrevate it. If you are female then a high salt intake can also greatly contribute to water retention or “bloating”, so can a diet high in carbohydrates. When you are cooking you just need to remember that many foods are often high in salt to start with, things like white bread, cheese, and condiments.
Need2know
Well the difference in this latest DASH study is that they found cutting salt intake also reduced blood pressure in people in the high normal range. The other accounts I read said that high normals are at risk for developing high blood pressure. I think it’s mincing words to say that salt doesn’t cause high blood pressure when reducing salt intake reduces high blood pressure.
As I said, I love salt, but I am working on cutting down a bit. It’s actually the osteoporosis thing that worries me more. I couldn’t find the actual study on line, just references, but apparently salt increases the amount of calcium excreted. Since most women have trouble getting enough calcium anyway, this could lead to bone loss over time.
This is not something I’m passionate about, but, in fact, the DASH study was very well done and the results shouldn’t be dismissed out of hand.
However, what you choose to do with your own body is, fortunately, still your own business and salt-shaker thieves should be sharply reminided of this.
Oh wow, I thought I was the only one who did this!!
I’m not so much a salt fiend as much as I like highly seasoned food. I despise the typical bland Midwestern fare!
Salt does well in a pinch (haha) and I love spicy or hot foods.
Oh, and I’m a sugar junkie too. Mainly for chocolate, but doughnuts are a close second.
The thing people used to harass me about is that I won’t drink any kind of cola. The smell turns my stomach. “Aw, come on, just try a little bit!” Ugh. No way. I drink maybe one soda every 2 months at the most, and it’s coffee, tea, water or beer the rest of the time.
–tygre
I know this girl (I used to work with her), she put salt on everything. We used to eat lunch and she would put more salt on before every bite she took. HOW MUCH SALT COULD YOU HAVE!!! (not to be nasty or anything, but no wonder she is over 200lbs)
I thought I was the only one who did this!
And by the way, I don’t think a lot of salt would necessarily cause overweightness, unless it’s water weight gain. ?