Salt, a key ingredient in cooking, serves not only as a taste enhancer but also plays a crucial role in biological processes. But, is it also an antidote to sugar, especially when those cravings hit us post meals? According to Dr James Dinicolantonio, a scientist and expert on health and nutrition, it is.
Taking to Instagram, Dr Dinicolantonio said:
*If you have sugar cravings, drink salt and electrolytes.
*Salt + lemon/lime will kick your sugar craving.
*Low salt diets increase sugar cravings.
“So, salt is the antidote to sugar,” he concluded.
To verify his claim, turned to some experts who broke it down for us.
Notably, salt’s molecular formula is NaCl, where sodium accounts for 40 per cent and chloride for 60 per cent. “When compared with sugar, salt can potentially be considered healthier in many ways. Salt helps maintain electrolyte balance, facilitates nutrient transportation to cells, regulates blood pressure, and aids in nerve function. Inadequate amounts of sodium and chloride can lead to fatigue and other health issues,” said Aarya Jagushte, nutritionist and quality assurance executive, Mumbai.
Conversely, “sugar lacks a significant role in biological processes”. “Compared to sugar, salt is required in much smaller quantities for taste,” stressed Jagushte.
How are your blood sugar levels impacted? (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
Sugar and salt are not only opposites in taste, they also interact differently in the body. “Sugar provides sweetness, while salt enhances savoury flavours and can also suppress bitterness, often noticeable in overly sweet dishes,” said Dr Manjeeta Nath Das, senior consultant, internal medicine, Narayana Hospital, Gurugram.
Let’s now answer the burning question.
No, salt is not an antidote to sugar, exclaimed Dr Das. “In cooking, a pinch of salt can enhance the flavour of sweet dishes, creating a more balanced taste profile. It can help bring out the sweetness without making the dish taste overly sugary. However, using salt as a way to counteract the negative effects of consuming too much sugar is not recommended,” said Dr Das.
To derive all the health benefits from salt, it is crucial to use high-quality salt that is minimally processed and contains essential nutrients. “It is important to note that salt cannot be considered an antidote to sugar unless its intake is moderated. Excessive consumption of anything, including salt, can pose health dangers.
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Experts urge that a balanced diet that includes moderate amounts of both sugar and salt is the key to promoting overall health and well-being.
