Are you tired of hearing your doctor tell you to cut back on salt to manage your blood pressure? I feel you! But have you heard of Salicornia Green Salt? It’s a way healthier option than regular table salt. This cool plant, also known as pickleweed or samphire, grows in salty areas and has been used in cooking for centuries, especially in Korea. You can find green salt made from dried salicornia plants in coastal areas of Baja California. The best part? Green salt has 50% less sodium than normal salt but still tastes great. So why not try it out and see if it can help you stay healthy? Let’s give this yummy asparagus a shot and see if it fits our daily diet.
What is green salt?
It is prepared by dehydrating sea asparagus (Salicornia) that grows in the salty wetlands of the Baja California seashore. This plant, 30 centimeters tall, grows in highly saline and infertile lands on sea shores and needs salt water to grow. So the dehydrate of this plant contains sodium chloride along with other nutrients and minerals, making it a healthier substitute for table salt.
What does green salt taste like?
Green salt, made with dehydrated plant greens, contains 50% less sodium than regular salt and gives dishes a lovely green color due to chlorophyll. However, it requires almost twice the quantity compared to table salt to achieve the same level of saltiness.
The nutritional profile of green salt
Packed with vitamin B3, chlorophyll, iron, potassium, and magnesium, all essential for good health, this salt can be considered a superfood and is loaded with the following nutritive quantities;
| Nutritional Components | Value per 100g |
|---|---|
| Sodium | 18467 mg |
| Niacin | 160 mg |
| Iron | 6.7mg |
| Potassium | 667mg |
| Magnesium | 867 mg |
Salicornia dehydrates, along with these minerals, are also rich in ascorbic and dihydro ascorbic acid, polyphenols, flavonoids, tocopherols, carotene, iodine, and lutein.
Health benefits
With so much concern over health and a good lifestyle, Salicornia salt is a blessing as it can be added to food without much effort as a substitute for table salt. The health benefits we get from this wonderful salt are;
lowers blood pressure
Green salt is most suitable for those having high blood pressure and struggling with a low-sodium diet to control it. With 50% less sodium content, this salt helps prevent high blood pressure, and its nutritional benefits, in the long run, help lower blood pressure.
good in kidney diseases
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of green salt help in maintaining kidney health. Green salt is ideal for a kidney-friendly diet as it is low in sodium and rich in vitamins A and C.
keeps heart healthy
A low-sodium diet helps reduce the amount of fluid in the heart, thus reducing the workload of the heart. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of green salt help to keep the heart free from inflammation and scavenge free radicals, which may cause oxidative stress leading to heart disease.
prevents cancer
Studies have shown that chlorophyll can reduce the formation of tumors by suppressing carcinogenic chemicals called aflatoxins. Green salts are naturally rich in chlorophyll, so their regular inclusion in the diet can considerably lessen the chance of developing cancer.
Promotes gut health
Salicornia salt, with a high fiber content, helps to promote gut health. It helps in regular bowel movements, thus fixing constipation. Furthermore, as gut bacteria feed on fibers, it enhances the gut biome.
Side effects
With so many health benefits, this nutritionally rich asparagus salt has some downsides, too. Its primary use for low sodium content can sometimes be harmful, as too much consumption can result in a rise in blood pressure.
In addition, people with seafood allergies can experience allergic reactions like hives, rashes, and swelling during their consumption.
People on blood pressure prescriptions should consult their doctor before including it in their everyday diet.
Final words
By gradually integrating green salt into your diet and reducing the amount of regular table salt, you can reap the maximum health benefits with minimal side effects. Your body will adapt to this healthier option, leading to a happier and healthier you.
Hope you find this post useful!
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DISCLAIMER – The tips provided are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice.
