Diets that are rich in sodium are known for raising blood pressure. Though salt promotes heart health, maintains electrolytes, etc., in the body, over-consumption of it affects health in several ways. Around 1.13 billion people suffer from elevated blood pressure or hypertension.
Individuals can refrain from taking excess salt by avoiding readymade sauces, processed foods, etc. Moreover, individuals can also turn to salt alternatives. A systematic review has revealed that including dietary salt substitutes in diet plans reduces the risk of heart diseases to a large extent. Even opting for cashless health insurance will ensure one of high-quality healthcare facilities needed to treat heart diseases.
Amazing Salt-substitutes to Lower Heart Disease Risk and Add Flavour to Food
Consuming excess salts not only hampers taste buds but also results in health issues. Individuals can cut their salt intake by including the following low-sodium or salt substitutes in their diets:
- Lemon juice or zest
As lemon juice or zest is citrus, it makes for an excellent salt substitute. In addition, being a source of acid, it effectively brings out the flavour of food. Individuals can drizzle lemon zest on vegetables and use it in salad dressings as well.
- Ground black pepper
Individuals willing to cut back on salts can go for ground black pepper – a common Indian spice. It is versatile and can enhance the taste of foods. Moreover, it has anti-inflammatory properties that help in lowering inflammation that rises from heart diseases.
- Mango powder (Amchur)
Mango powder or Amchur, filled with antioxidants, is a great salt substitute. The spice can be used on chutneys, curries, etc.
- Garlic
Garlic is an allium vegetable that helps in reducing blood pressure. It is a pungent spice that adds flavour without increasing the sodium content in the food. Ione can double the amount of garlic in recipes and slash adding salts.
- Dill
Dill is rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which are known to secure heart health. Dill, with the hint of celery and fennel, is a wonderful alternative to salt.
- Onion powder
Another delectable alternative to salts is dried onion or onion powder. Individuals can easily swap salt with onion powder.
- Truffle oil
Truffle oil is another potent alternative to salts. Individuals have to use a slight amount of it instead of pasta, and it will provide the same taste as that of salt.
- Cinnamon and sage
Cinnamon is a warm spice that is a great replacement for salts. Sage has hints of citrus and eucalyptus; its strong flavour is an excellent substitute for salts.
Besides shifting to salt substitutes and keeping a check on their salt intake, individuals must opt for health insurance policies. A health insurance policy will help one receive timely treatment for coronary heart disease. Moreover, policyholders will be able to reap the benefits of cashless health insurance, where they do not have to pay any cash for undergoing treatments or settling bills. They can receive the best treatment at affordable premiums at any network hospital.
Under a cashless health insurance plan, one can get individual cashless health insurance, family floater cashless health insurance and senior citizens cashless health insurance.
Salt is the most used seasoning that is added to food. However, going overboard affects health and leads to serious heart ailments. In this regard, opting for salt substitutes will help one get rid of heart diseases. Furthermore, individuals can purchase cashless health insurance to sail through hefty expenses incurred from treating heart diseases.
