Three Whites that blacketh health - Part III: White Salt

After apprising you of the detrimental effects of white sugar and white flour, I’d like to introduce you to the third maniacal ingredient that falls in this league ; White Salt. Yes; The most common ingredient in any cuisine. The salt has a unique quality to it. If used in just the right amount, it accentuates the taste of a dish, but if in excess, spoils the delicacy. This is the exact impact salt has on our body. If consumed in right quantity, or I should say moderate quantity, it benefits the body largely. But when in excess, causes adverse impact to our system. Let’s have a look at the problems caused by consuming a high salt diet.

1. Blood pressure

 It is the amount of pressure that blood exerts on our blood vessels as it is circulated through the body. Diet that is high on salt diet increases your blood pressure, resulting in heart attacks and strokes. For a normal blood pressure, the systolic pressure should be around 120-130 mmHg and diastolic between 80-90 mmHg. Above it, the blood pressure is in high range and needs concern.  B.P can be maintained by reducing the intake of salt and with regular exercising.

2. Stroke

Reduced flow of oxygen to the brain due to blood supply cut off causes a stroke. High intake of salt causes the vessels of rupture and causes stroke.

3. Stomach cancer

A high salt diet increases the risk of stomach cancer by damaging the stomach lining, making it susceptible to further damages by various substances.

4. Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis means thinning of bones, making them brittle and prone to breaking. A high salt diet removes calcium from bones and leads to osteoporosis. 

Other than these major problems, high intake of salt also leads to Obesity, Kidney Stones, Asthma, Dementia and Diabetes.