Salt has been one of the world’s most important elements since its discovery. Its name came from the Greek word meaning “salt”. Salt is the common generic term used to describe any organic material made by the decomposition of an organic matter using an acid. This organic matter can be in solution or in solid salt form and their crystal structure as a crystal is what makes salt so special.
Throughout history, salt has been used for many purposes because of its many positive attributes. Early man used salt to preserve foods. In those days, salt was the only way to preserve food because the other methods were too dangerous, most often involving boiling, which is not very safe for human consumption. The earliest use of salt canisters is recorded in the Bible, when food was gathered from the desert and stacked in hollowed out gourds. Since then salt has been used not only for preservation but also as a preservative in many recipes.
The table salt we are used to eating today originated in the ancient world, along with all of the other artifacts of ancient civilizations. These objects included table salt, which was used for bread making and for sprinkling on meats to preserve them. During the industrial revolution, salt became saltpans, which were used for curing meats. And while table salt was once a product that we bought and used in restaurants, it has now become almost a necessity for most households.
Most household salt today is made from refined salt, which is a by-product from the refining of saltpans. Refined salt contains one to four percent more sodium than unrefined salt. In addition to having less sodium in it, table salt contains manganese, calcium, zinc, and carbon dioxide, whereas refined salt simply contains sodium chloride, no other minerals or additives. Many people believe that refined salt is healthier because it does not contain such impurities as sodium, but recent research has shown that there are still significant health risks associated with using table salt on a regular basis.
The first major risk factor associated with high salt intake is blood pressure, as it raises blood pressure to an excessive level. This is true regardless of salt intake, and even if the salt does not raise blood pressure levels, the effect on the cardiovascular system can be severe. People with hypertension should reduce their salt intake by at least 20 percent, and should also include fresh fruits and vegetables in their diet more often. Avoiding foods that are high in salt and trans fat is important for overall health, and can help to prevent heart attacks, stroke and other circulatory disorders.
Smoking has been known to contribute to hypertension, as well as certain types of diets. When trying to control blood pressure, it is important to remember that it’s not only the food you eat that counts; it’s what you do with what you’ve eaten. Eating healthily and exercising regularly can not only help lower your blood pressure but also lower, other health risks. And it can be fun to do!
Some things that you can do to naturally lower your pressure include increasing the amount of exercise you get each week. Many people don’t realize that regular physical activity lowers the pressure in the body, so if you’re not already doing it, start now. If you have hypertension, you should also try to cut down on your salt intake and avoid salty foods. It’s also a good idea to increase your consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Another natural way to control your blood pressure is to sleep well. The fact is that when you are tired, your body releases more adrenaline, which increases your heart rate. This in turn increases your blood pressure. Thus, if you need a little boost in the morning, try drinking some warm milk or other sports drink. This can help you feel energized and get some sleep.
These are just a few ways to naturally lower your blood pressure. You can start by avoiding caffeine. If you have too much coffee, try taking it gradually over a period of time. It may take a few days but you will see your BP automatically come down.
