More studies have been coming out that talk about the negative effects of salt, since too much salt can increase your cholesterol levels, and it can also increase your odds of developing high blood pressure. Cardiovascular disease is quickly becoming the number one killer of both men and women, and one way you can cut your risk of cardiovascular disease is to cut down the amounts of salt you eat on a daily basis. If you want to try some alternatives to salt, which can help better your health and decrease your risk of developing high blood pressure, here are some great options.
Sesame is one of the best salt alternatives out there on the market because it has a taste that is similar to salt. Sesame is found naturally in the environment so it has no harsh preservatives or adding flavorings to it. You can use this product on anything from bread, salad, chicken and vegetables and makes a great addition to any meal. One of the main reasons why this is a better alternative to salt is because it is made naturally and it adds a lot of flavor to foods without the negative health risks. You can get a bottle of Sesame at your local grocery store in the spice area for about four dollars.
Garlic is also a good salt alternative and can be very beneficial for your health, especially if you have conditions like diabetes. Garlic is said to be an antioxidant if eaten in small amounts and can help get rid of colds and congestion. Garlic is often added to foods such as chicken, salad, bread, lean meats and fish to give a very nice flavor. You can eat garlic raw in the cloves or you can cut some up to add it to your favorite meal. Garlic is a very good alternative to salt because it is high in antioxidants and is very good for the body and heart. You can find garlic in your grocery store near where the produce is kept if you want a fresh clove or you can go to the spice area and pick up a bottle of the garlic powder. Fresh garlic is the better option though because the health benefits are weaker in the powder form.
Cumin is a good salt alternative to add to things such as chili, beans, stew and roasts. Cumin is a very good salt alternative because it has a lot of antioxidant properties as well and it promotes a healthier immune system. Cumin is often bought in your local grocery store in the spices area and it costs a few dollars per bottle. Cumin has a taste similar to a salt but the texture and smell are very different. Cumin makes good additions to those types of foods you cook for a long time which is why chili and stew are often associated with it.
Basil is also a salt alternative that you can use and it smells so wonderful when it is cooking. Basil is a green-leaf spice that is found in your local grocery store near where the spices are kept. Basil is a great addition to meats such as chicken, roast, pork and pretty much all other meats as well. Basil also goes good in mashed potatoes which is something I often do. Just sprinkle a few times in your meat or potatoes and let the flavor of the basil soak into what you are cooking. This is often a good idea even for salads or a tomato salad because the basil especially when mixed with onion gives off this wonderful summer smell. Basil is a great antioxidant and holds many beneficial properties which is why it is a better product to use than salt.
Curry is also a spice that you can find in your grocery store that will serve as a salt alternative. Curry is very fine and has a very rich color to it, and it is one of the best salt alternatives. You can find it in your local grocery store area where they keep spices and it will cost you about three dollars a bottle. Curry is often used in meals that have meat, chicken, fish, rice, pasta and tomatoes. Curry is a very beneficial product because it serves as both a flavor-enhancer as well as a antioxidant.
If you decide to use some of these products instead of salt, you will find that you feel better overall, and you will also get less inflammation through your body. You also will notice that you do not feel as swollen, since regular salt can lead to swelling in the legs and ankles, even if you do not have high blood pressure. The good thing about all of these alternatives is that they cost just as much or less as regular salt, so it’s not expensive to use alternatives.
