Sodium Sin: The truth about salt
Salt is a key component in our diet but too much of it can be harmful. Here are some small changes you could adopt for a healthier you.
You may have heard many medical professionals extolling the benefits of a low sodium diet. And while that may be true, it is hard to adhere to it with so many types of hidden sodium in our food.
If you paid attention in science class, you’d know that salt contains sodium. Sodium can help control blood pressure and volume as well as help your muscles work correctly. Your sodium intake should not exceed 5g per day, according to the Health Promotion Board. Now, the average adult usually consumes 9g a day.
HIDDEN SALT
Sodium occurs naturally in food sources like milk, guavas and passion fruit. But sodium is also an additive in many processed food products. These range from monosodium glutamate (MSG), sodium nitrite and sodium bicarbonate (aka baking soda).
Our favourite hawker dishes are quite often high in sodium as well. Opting for items in soup like fishball soup or yong tau foo may seem like the healthier option compared to items like chicken rice, but there is most likely some form of MSG within the soup.
SMALL CHANGES
The Health Promotion Board advises to avoid drinking up the soup stocks or sauces to reduce your sodium intake, when eating out.
When cooking at home, instead of salting your food, try to use natural herbs and spices like ginger, garlic, chilli and cloves. Try to boil your own soap stocks as well instead of using bouillon cubes or commercially prepared mixes.
Make simple adjustments to your diet for a healthier you.
Cheryl Lee
