Five Unique and Healthy Alternatives to Salt

Jeanne Rose
People use salt everyday to add flavor and spice to their foods but they are also adding many possible health risks as well. Salt is something our body needs in small amounts but cooking with salt and using too much salt can lead to high blood pressure and many other serious health problems. If you are looking to add flavor to your food but want alternatives to salt that has a healthier value then you need to try some of these ideas.

Sesame is a very good salt alternative because it has a taste that is similar to salt. Sesame is found naturally in the environment so it has no harsh preservatives or adding flavorings to it. You can use this product on anything from bread, salad, chicken and vegetables and makes a great addition to any meal. One of the main reasons why this is a better alternative to salt is because it is made naturally and it adds a lot of flavor to foods without the negative health risks. You can get a bottle of Sesame at your local grocery store in the spice area for about four dollars.

Garlic is also a good salt alternative and can be very beneficial for your health. Garlic is said to be an antioxidant if eaten in small amounts and can help get rid of colds and congestion. Garlic is often added to foods such as chicken, salad, bread, lean meats and fish to give a very nice flavor. You can eat garlic raw in the cloves or you can cut some up to add it to your favorite meal. Garlic is a very good alternative to salt because it is high in antioxidants and is very good for the body and heart. You can find garlic in your grocery store near where the produce is kept if you want a fresh clove or you can go to the spice area and pick up a bottle of the garlic powder. Fresh garlic is the better option though because the health benefits are weaker in the powder form.

Cumin is a good salt alternative to add to things such as chili, beans, stew and roasts. Cumin is a very good salt alternative because it has a lot of antioxidant properties as well and it promotes a healthier immune system. Cumin is often bought in your local grocery store in the spices area and it costs a few dollars per bottle. Cumin has a taste similar to a salt but the texture and smell are very different. Cumin makes good additions to those types of foods you cook for a long time which is why chili and stew are often associated with it.

Basil is also a salt alternative that you can use and it smells so wonderful when it is cooking. Basil is a green-leaf spice that is found in your local grocery store near where the spices are kept. Basil is a great addition to meats such as chicken, roast, pork and pretty much all other meats as well. Basil also goes good in mashed potatoes which is something I often do. Just sprinkle a few times in your meat or potatoes and let the flavor of the basil soak into what you are cooking. This is often a good idea even for salads or a tomato salad because the basil especially when mixed with onion gives off this wonderful summer smell. Basil is a great antioxidant and holds many beneficial properties which is why it is a better product to use than salt.

Curry is also a spice that you can find in your grocery store that will serve as a salt alternative. Curry is very fine and has a very rich color to it, and it is one of the best salt alternatives. You can find it in your local grocery store area where they keep spices and it will cost you about three dollars a bottle. Curry is often used in meals that have meat, chicken, fish, rice, pasta and tomatoes. Curry is a very beneficial product because it serves as both a flavor-enhancer as well as a antioxidant.

Published by Jeanne Rose

Jeanne Rose has a background in the Allied Health department and spent 3 years working in a hospital. Featured Contributor on Associated Content in Health and Wellness 2010-2011 (program terminated). An avid...   View profile

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