Salt cannot be completely abandoned as it provides sodium, which is essential for the body to function properly. However, consuming it in excess is harmful, which is why salt is often referred to as the "white death". The daily salt intake should not exceed 5 grams (1 teaspoon), including the salt contained in highly processed, ready-to-eat products and spices.
Over-salting the body can cause osteoporosis, as the kidneys also flush out valuable calcium when excreting salt from the body. In addition, excess salt slows down the metabolism and retains water in the body, which leads to obesity. Conscious and rational consumption of salt is therefore essential for our health.
According to the recommendations of the World Health Organisation, daily salt intake should not exceed one level teaspoon. Meanwhile, research shows that the vast majority of Poles significantly over-salt their food, so that their average diet contains almost three times the recommended dose of white powder.
The question is, therefore, how to reduce salt intake in order to enjoy good health and preserve the taste of food? Nutritionists and doctors are sounding the alarm that the excessive use of salt is one of the factors contributing to the emergence of civilisation diseases such as hypertension. It also has other side effects.
If we want to reduce our salt intake without depriving food of its taste, the best way is to find a suitable alternative to it. Specialists from the Japanese company Kikkoman suggest replacing our traditional seasoning with a Far Eastern speciality. This is a naturally brewed soy sauce, made exclusively from natural ingredients: soya beans, wheat, water and salt. It is worth noting that the frequency of use of soy sauce in Asian cuisine is comparable to the use of salt in Polish cuisine. Soy sauce is an ideal addition enriching and enhancing the taste of soups, salads, dressings, marinades, dips, as well as fried and stewed dishes.
It goes well with meat, fish and vegetables. Thanks to the traditional seasoning of the cuisine of the Land of the Cherry Blossom, we can reduce the salt content in our daily diet without depriving our favourite dishes of their flavour. The oriental note of the sauce will bring out the fullness of flavour while taking care of our health. Reducing the amount of salt in the daily diet can significantly reduce the risk of contracting certain diseases. Replacing salt with soy sauce will certainly contribute to salt reduction. In this way, the dishes prepared will not lose their flavour and we will take care of our own health and that of our loved ones.