WHO warns: The spice you use every day may be carcinogenic

The food we eat is the main source of energy, providing the body with the necessary calories that allow us to perform various tasks and activities such as work, study, sleep and walk. We need to get all the main groups of nutrients: proteins, carbohydrates, healthy fats and antioxidants. One of the main factors to consider is the time of preparation, cooking and adding of seasonings, spices and dressings used to flavor foods. Therefore, below we will see a seasoning that you use every day and it is not at all useful, it is harmful and detrimental to the body.

According to the Harvard School of Public Health, salt, also known as sodium chloride, is made up of 40% sodium and 60% chloride. Among its most common functions and uses are to add flavor to food, as well as to act as a binder and stabilizer. “It is a food preservative because bacteria cannot grow in the presence of large amounts of salt,” explain the Harvard School of Public Health. In turn, they mention that the human body requires a small amount of sodium to conduct nerve impulses. contract and relax muscles and maintain the correct balance of water and minerals. In this sense, it is estimated that for the effective development of these vital functions, we need about 500 mg of sodium per day. However, despite the contribution it makes to some body functions, it is important to consider the consequences that occur with an excess of the spice, which is not at all healthy if its values ​​​​exceed the recommended amounts.

The seasoning you use every day may be carcinogenic

According to a report by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), high blood pressure is a major risk factor for the global burden of disease and mortality. It is estimated to cause about 9.4 million deaths per year, representing more than half of the 17 million annual deaths associated with cardiovascular diseases.

“High sodium intake (more than 2 g per day, equivalent to 5 g of salt per day) increases blood pressure in both normotensive and hypertensive individuals; therefore, it contributes to high blood pressure and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke,” says a report published by the Pan American Health Organization.

The organization, which specializes in research, studies and development of health policies, promotes a pedagogical tool through the SHAKE guide. “This material is intended to help Member States to design, implement and monitor various strategies aimed at reducing salt consumption by the population,” warns PAHO.

What does the WHO say about sodium intake?

When it comes to this condiment that we eat every day and that is present in all kitchens and foods, the WHO warns that 1.89 million deaths each year are linked to excessive sodium consumption, a well-known cause of high blood pressure and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

In 2013, the Health Assembly therefore agreed on nine global voluntary targets for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases, including halting the rise in diabetes and obesity and reducing salt intake by 30% relative by 2025.

What effects does this seasoning have on the body?

People who consume too much salt are prone to certain consequences in the medium and short term. “Common short-term side effects of excessive salt consumption include swelling of the hands and feet or swelling of the face. “Some people experience bloating due to fluid retention or feel excessive thirst after eating salty foods,” say experts at Bumrungrad International Hospital.

The effects are usually short-lived, and the main action to help the body recover is to drink several glasses of water and intentionally reduce sodium intake in subsequent meals. In this way, the body eliminates excess sodium and returns to a less swollen state.

Authorities at Bumrungrad International Hospital say the most serious side effects occur when consumers consume large amounts of salt over a long period of time. In this regard, they say, elevated sodium levels in the bloodstream reduce the kidneys’ ability to remove water, which increases overall blood volume and puts strain on the body’s blood vessels.

“High blood pressure can eventually lead to strokes and congestive heart failure. Because the kidneys are constantly working overtime to eliminate excess salt, they can develop kidney disease,” warn doctors at the medical center.

How to Prevent Excess Sodium in the Body

Accurate and clear information from official sources is one of the first steps to maintaining a healthy salt intake. So, knowing which foods are high in sodium will help you organize your diet and cook food in a more natural, healthy and conscious way.

According to the Harvard School of Public Health, snacks such as French fries, seafood or dried meat and salted nuts are high in sodium. In turn, canned foods such as vegetables and soups contain salt in the form of flavor enhancers or preservatives, as do packaged foods.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that the top 10 sources of sodium in our diets include: bread/rolls; pizza; sandwiches; cold cuts/sausages; soups; burritos, tacos; salty snacks (chips, popcorn, pretzels, cookies); chicken; cheese; eggs and omelets.

In conclusion, we note that salt is a very harmful seasoning for health; excessive consumption of it has a harmful effect on the heart and kidneys.

To reduce salt intake, WHO recommends:

• Eating mostly fresh, minimally processed foods.
• Choose foods that are low in sodium (less than 120 mg/100 g sodium).
• Cooking with little or no added sodium/salt.
• Using herbs and spices to flavor food instead of salt
• Limit the use of commercial sauces, dressings and fast food products.
• We remove the salt shaker from the table.