People suffering from high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases usually follow a low-sodium or low-salt diet. The development of salt substitutes that contain potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride provide an alternative for those on sodium-restricted diets to enhance the flavor of their food. If you're using them, you should be aware of their composition and features.
Chemical Composition
One of the major differences between salt and its substitutes lies in the chemical composition. Pure salt is sodium chloride or NaCl while most salt substitutes are potassium chloride or KCl.
Health Benefits
The mineral sodium helps maintain water levels in the body. Sodium also assist with the normal functioning of the brain and restoration of healthy skin. It participates in the removal of excess carbon dioxide from the body and allows easy absorption of glucose, leading to smooth transportation of nutrients in the cell membranes. Potassium chloride-based salt substitutes can reduce risks of stroke. In addition, they lower the risk of heart failure, left ventricular hypertrophy and ventricular arrhythmia in people suffering from heart-related diseases.
Excess Effects
Although salt plays an important role in maintaining the body's blood pressure, excess consumption can boost it dramatically, leading to risk of high blood pressure and cardio-vascular diseases. In addition, intake of excess salt can increase risks of stroke. According to the World Health Organization, individuals should consume only 5 grams or 1 tsp. of salt in a day, but an average man takes in more than 10 grams, or double the recommended amount. On the other hand, excess consumption of salt substitutes can be harmful to your health too, especially if you are suffering from kidney problems. Too much potassium can also lead to heart disturbances in people already suffering from heart diseases.
Other Salt Substitutes
Potassium salts can be dangerous for people with kidney problems. Another way to go salt-free is by adding other flavorful herbs and spices like garlic powder, flavored vinegar, lemon juice, cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, tarragon, freshly ground pepper and oregano. These eliminate the need for salt, but also add a different flavor to the dishes.
Tags: salt substitutes, suffering from, blood pressure, excess consumption, high blood, high blood pressure, kidney problems
