From the desk of Dr Nandita Shah
Life itself depends on salt, and people in early civilisations went to great lengths to acquire it from salt mines and sea water. It was, and still is, used to preserve and season food, and it is important in medicine as well as religious ceremonies. Some early cultures even used it as a form of currency. The history of human civilization is closely linked to the history of salt.
Both human beings and animals need salt. Domestic animals are often sick if they do not get salt and farmers often provide salt licks. Wild animals also seek out places to get their salt needs satisfied. Because salt enhances the taste of food and makes it more addictive it is overused these days by the food industry.
Salt intake is often connected to blood pressure. Although excess salt may raise the blood pressure especially in sensitive individuals, and therefore should always be avoided, salt itself need not be avoided completely. The very best way to naturally control and reduce the blood pressure is to remove the causes of high blood pressure – i.e. excess fat, excess salt, lack of fibre, stress, lack of exercise, lack of vitamin B12, tea, coffee, colas, smoking and alcohol. Since high blood pressure can lead to heart disease and stroke, it’s important that we take charge of it systematically as soon as possible.
Lots is happening this weekend at SHARAN. Check out a new immunity booster and destroyer in our Immunity Revolution. Join us at Clubhouse this Saturday to discuss whole food plant based nutrition. And the Vegan India Conference begins this Saturday with lots of exciting talks, demos, discussions on offer!
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