We have previously discussed that seaweed for salt replacement is one of the key seaweed benefits.
In this blog, Doctor Seaweed will highlight some new studies and reveal various opinions on this issue. As new research is constantly emerging we want to help you to keep an eye on changes in the food industry.
So, are you ready?
A 2015 study gives even more positive reasons to use seaweed to replace salt.
One of the important research findings is that if you increase your salt intake by 1g it could lead to an increasing risk of becoming overweight by 26% for adults and 28% for children.
The researchers are now trying to identify the mechanism behind these outputs.
The first possible reason is a vast salt consumption increases the volume of extracellular water (body fluid) which leads to weight increase. A second hypothesis claims that high salt intake may change the body’s fat metabolism and, consequently, more fat deposits appear.
Victoria Taylor, who works as a dietician in the British Heart Foundation suggests that the mechanism should be found soon but the significant output must be understood and finally accepted: ”Most of the salt we eat is already in the foods we buy”, – she says, so we have to be responsible and check the nutritional information on packages. Clearly as part of this, we must address the food industry, – Sonia Pombo, Consensus Action on Salt and Health campaign manager adds, – as most of our salt intakes comes from there.
Whilst the food industry is making great strives, there is clearly more to be done.
Salt, Seaweed and Weight Management
It is worth mentioning that this is the first study that allows us to make a connection between salt intake and weight management.
Of course there were similar claims in the past few years. For instance, one of the research projects suggested that a vast amount of salt consumed can lead to thirst. As a consequence, people may prefer drinking more sugar-containing beverages which can lead to obesity.
However, as this blog strives to be objective, we must consider as many aspects as we can.
The fact is that, another dietitian, Catherine Collins, from one of the NHS Trust hospitals claims that criticising just one component of your daily meals is not the best way of fighting excess pounds. She says: ”Obesity per se increases your risk of hypertension, which is made worse with higher salt food choices. [But] it’s impossible to select out one aspect of a whole diet to critique”
Despite various claims, Consensus Action on Salt and Health chairman, Graham MacGregor believes that the results call for an immediate action both from political authorities and food industry. He sees the main aim in reducing population salt intake by 30%.
Please remember seaweed for salt replacement when considering how to reduce your salt intake.
We do need salt (sodium) intake to a degree, and its unlikely you anyway could remove all salt from your diet. Consequently, seaweed not only provides a good salt alternative, and a relatively small amount of much needed sodium, it also can boost the natural flavours of foods and will also enhance your meal with various vitamins and minerals.
What do you think about salt intake and how do you maintain the amount of salt in your diet?
Get in touch to let us know your thoughts.