8 weirdly interesting things about salt we bet you didn't know
Salt is the most common ingredient in the kitchen. It is the most widely used and the oldest form of food seasoning. Though some amount of salt is already found in most foods, it is also added to improve the flavour and taste of food.
Also known as sodium chloride (NaCl), salt has 40 per cent sodium and 60 per cent chloride, by weight. Sodium, which is an essential mineral in salt acts as an important electrolyte in the body. But excessive intake of salt can also take a toll on your health.
But apart from this, there are a number of other interesting things you should know about salt.
It has a symbolic value
It is well known to all that salt is a necessity of life, but do you know the holy bible contains numerous references to salt? If you have ever read the bible, you would notice that in different context word salt is used metaphorically to signify permanence, loyalty, durability, fidelity, usefulness, value, and purification.
Every cell of our body contains salt
Salt is present in each and every cell our body. It is even essential to flush out toxins from the body.
It gave rise to new cities
Production and the transportation of salt gave rise to new cities like Salzburg of Italy, which means "city of salt". It ancient times it was so expensive and profitable trade.
It was used as money
You will be amused to know that the word "salary" is derived from the Latin word sal, which means salt. It is believed that salt was so expensive in the ancient times that the roman soldiers were paid in salt.
Black salt are made with harad seeds
In India, black salt are processed by mixing salt water with harad seeds. This is why the salt is slight pink in colour.
WHO recommended salt level
Most people consume too much of salt. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends less than 5 grams of salt per day, which is equal to one teaspoon. Do not keep salt shakers on the table to reduce the salt intake.
Salt intake causes several health risks
Excess of salt intake can lead to several health related issues. Heavy intake of salt may also hurt your head and can be a cause of hypertension.
Salt is essential for life
Salt is the main source of sodium and chloride ions in the human diet. It is the source of transportation of nutrients and oxygen and even allows nerves to transmit a message.