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- MedLine Plus: National Institutes of Health: Low-salt diet
- American Heart Association: Shaking the Salt Habit: Seasoning Alternatives
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Spices for Low Sodium Diet
According to MedLine Plus of the National Institutes of Health, sodium works in the body to control blood pressure and blood volume, among other functions 1. However, if an individual has high blood pressure or heart disease, their physician may prescribe a low-sodium diet, which would involve consuming less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day, or 1,500 milligrams a day for greater effectiveness. Besides cutting out processed foods, such as cured or smoked meats, salty snacks, or many convenience foods, it is also important to cut down on adding salt to foods when on a low sodium diet. There are many low salt and salt-free spices and seasonings that can add flavor to food in place of salt.
Spices and Herbs
Spices and herbs are two types of seasonings that differ in the part of the plants that they come from, according to the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Spices come from the bark, root, buds, seeds, or fruit of tropical plants, while herbs come from the leaves of low-growing shrubs. Examples of spices include cinnamon, which is derived from a plant bark, and ginger, which is derived from the ginger root. Examples of herbs include parsley, chives, and thyme.
- Spices and herbs are two types of seasonings that differ in the part of the plants that they come from, according to the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.
- Examples of herbs include parsley, chives, and thyme.
Sweet Spices
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Spices such as:
- anise
- cardamom
- cinnamon
- cloves
- ginger
- mace
- nutmeg,
- allspice are low-sodium spices that provide a sweet flavor to foods
Also known as the Jamaica pepper, allspice can also be used on fruit and vegetables, such as
- sweet potatoes
- carrots,
- spinach for a subtle
- sodium-free flavor
Savory Spices
Savory spices such as black pepper, curry powder, dill seeds, and ginger provide a low-sodium bite to many foods. MedLine suggests using the powdered forms of such spices instead of the salted versions to ensure a low-sodium spice. Cumin seeds, according to Whole Foods Market, are also a great savory spice that provide a nutty, peppery flavor to foods without the sodium 4. Cumin can be used to make tea, or it can be added to beans, rice, and vegetables for a unique flavor. It provides a good source of iron and benefits the digestive system.
- Savory spices such as black pepper, curry powder, dill seeds, and ginger provide a low-sodium bite to many foods.
Spicy Spices
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Spicy spices such as cayenne pepper add heat to a variety of dishes without the sodium. In addition to providing heat to foods, the high capsaicin content of cayenne pepper has been shown to have pain-reducing effects, decongestant properties, and cardiovascular benefits, such as:
- reducing cholesterol
- triglycerides
- according to research reported by the Whole Foods Market 4
Herb Blends
Herbs and herb blends provide a variety of opportunities to create unique, low-sodium flavorings for foods. Adding cilantro to foods can provide a Mexican flavor, while adding marjoram can give a French flavor to foods without the added sodium. In addition, low-salt herb blends such as Mrs. Dash and Mr. Spice provide a variety of ways to flavor food without adding salt.
- Herbs and herb blends provide a variety of opportunities to create unique, low-sodium flavorings for foods.
- In addition, low-salt herb blends such as Mrs.
- Dash and Mr. Spice provide a variety of ways to flavor food without adding salt.
Related Articles
References
- MedLine Plus: National Institutes of Health: Low-salt diet
- American Heart Association: Shaking the Salt Habit: Seasoning Alternatives
- Gourmet Sleuth: Allspice
- Whole Foods Market: Cumin seeds
- Beneficial Effects of Spices in Food Preservation and Safety - PubMed
- Health Benefits of Culinary Herbs and Spices - PubMed
- Health Benefits of Culinary Herbs and Spices - PubMed
- CPG Sec 525.750 Spices - Definitions | FDA
- Food Product Dating
Resources
Writer Bio
Originally from Maryland, Staci Gulbin started writing professionally in 2010. Her work has been published on a Baltimore news website as well as other online entities. Gulbin holds graduate degrees in biology and nutrition from New York University and Columbia University, and is a registered dietitian and certified personal trainer.