6 Benefits of Salt for Health, Also Know the Limit of Consumption

Kapanlagi.com - Salt is one of the essential seasonings that must always be in the kitchen. Salt is always used in almost all types of dishes. Not only does it provide a salty taste to the dishes, but salt can also add nutrition to the food. So, besides enhancing the flavor of the dishes, there are also benefits of salt for health.

Salt, which contains sodium, is actually needed by the body. However, everyone also needs to control the amount of salt consumed. Because excessive salt consumption is also not good for health. The most common consequence of excessive salt consumption is hypertension or high blood pressure.

To explain further, here are some benefits of salt for health and the recommended amount of consumption, summarized from various sources.

1. Maintaining Dental and Oral Health

Maintaining dental and oral health (credit: pixabay)

For a long time, people have been using saltwater to address various dental and oral problems. Saltwater solution is believed to be effective in treating issues such as canker sores, toothaches, and dental plaque. Using salt as a mouth and dental remedy is relatively easy. Simply dissolve salt in water and use it as a mouthwash. The saltwater solution is believed to be able to kill bacteria that cause various oral problems.

2. Preventing Dehydration

Perhaps not many people know that our bodies actually need salt to prevent dehydration. Sufficient salt consumption is believed to balance sodium and potassium levels in the body. Both are needed by the body to retain fluids. Therefore, consuming salt within normal limits will prevent dehydration.

3. Good for Nervous System and Brain

The third benefit of salt is related to nerve health. As reported by drstevenlin.com, the sodium content in salt helps to facilitate the flow of water throughout the body. This will have a positive impact on nerve function. Salt can act as a good conductor or signal transmitter for nerves. In addition, the brain also needs sodium found in salt as an electrolyte that will facilitate its functioning.

4. Provides Relaxation Effect

It is not uncommon for people to use saltwater for bathing. This turns out to be not just a random thing. The next benefit of salt is that it can provide a sense of relaxation to the body. Not only does it give a relaxing impression, saltwater is also believed to be a means of detoxification and can help lower blood pressure.

As reported by drstevenlin.com, salt also has electrolyte properties. The electrolytes found in salt are believed to stimulate hormones that can make the body feel more relaxed. Therefore, the benefit of providing a relaxation effect can be achieved not only through bathing or soaking, but also by consuming salt in sufficient amounts.

5. Improving Body Metabolism

Improving body metabolism (credit: pixabay)

Besides being needed to bind fluids, it turns out our bodies also need salt for the metabolism system. Salt containing sodium will help the body in the process of absorbing water. So, our body organs will work more smoothly. This means that not only the body metabolism will be improved, but also various organ functions will be better maintained.

6. Overcoming Respiratory Problems

Overcoming respiratory problems (credit: pixabay)

Not many people know that consuming salt in the right amount will keep us away from respiratory disorders such as asthma and bronchitis. This is because salt has the ability to absorb negative ions that enter the body when inhaled with air. Therefore, for people with respiratory disorders, salt should be consumed to reduce the risk and symptoms of attacks.

7. Salt Consumption Measurement

Safe dosage of salt consumption (credit: pixabay)

In addition to causing hypertension, various health problems such as kidney failure and heart attacks can also be triggered by excessive salt consumption. However, as previously explained, the body also needs the nutrients in salt. This means that if our salt consumption is insufficient, it can also cause various health problems, such as headaches, muscle pain, and even susceptibility to depression.

So how much salt should we consume? According to the American Heart Association (AHA), as reported by heart.org, the ideal amount of salt that adults should consume is no more than 1,500 mg per day. However, AHA further states that consuming 2,300 mg per day is still relatively safe.

Those are some of the benefits of salt for health and the recommended daily consumption limit. So, from now on, you can maintain your body's health by regulating your salt consumption.

(kpl/psp)