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However, consuming too much of it could be bad for you.
Photographed by Irving Penn,Vogue, October 2000
But how much salt is too much?
How much salt should we have in a day?
However, many of us exceed this limit.
Excessive sodium consumption is a global problem.
What happens if you eat too much salt?
Excess sodium intake can also trigger cardiovascular and kidney diseases.
What are the symptoms of excessive salt consumption?
How can we reduce our salt consumption?
The first step to reduce excessive salt intake is to opt for fresh,unprocessed foodswhenever possible.
In aMediterranean diet, we are fortunate to have a rich array of herbs, both fresh and dried.
From basil and oregano to parsley, marjoram, sage, and mint, the choices are abundant.
How can we know if a food has too much salt?
Reading a food label is good practice.
As best practice, you should pick foods with a short ingredient list.
Are some types of salt better than others?
Although the general guideline emphasizes reducing salt intake, salt remains crucial for our health.
High-quality salt contains essential minerals likemagnesium, potassium, and calcium.
Interestingly, cravings for salt can sometimes indicate a potassium deficiency, making moderate salt consumption beneficial.
Which foods contain the most salt?
Additionally, sausages, bacon, ham, and aged cheeses are often high in sodium.
Also check ready-made sauces and canned vegetables, which may contain significant sodium amounts.
Canned olives, dried tomatoes, and capers, while nutritious, can also be very salty.
Dont be fooled either by a simple, pre-made vegetable soupalthough convenient, it can be sodium-dense.
