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6 Herbs To Help You Use Less Salt

Salt is in just about everything you eat. This is particularly true if you eat out often. Although, the recommended intake is around 2,300 mg, the average intake of salt is 3,400 mg a day.  If you have high blood pressure or other sodium related complications, then you’re generally required to keep it below 1,500 mg a day. Too much sodium causes heart and renal disease. In addition, a variety of other health problems have been linked to excessive consumption of salt, including cancer. The key to cutting sodium is to get savvy with your cooking.

 Herbs can help. Herbs add a powerful flavor punch while offering a variety of health benefits. Here are 6 herbs to help you use less salt and still enjoy delicious meals.

1. Garlic - Garlic is the queen of seasoning. It is one of the most flavorful seasonings and you can find it in just about every culture. From Mexican to Greek, garlic is always a favorite. And garlic is versatile too. You can roast it for a sweet flavor, saute it for a nice rich flavor and you can even boil it. Try adding a bit of roasted or boiled garlic to your next batch of mashed potatoes and skip the salt. You won’t miss it.

 2. Chives - Chives are another great herb. A member of the onion family, the smallest of the onion family, they work well in salads, on fish and in potato dishes as well.

 3. Basil - Basil is fantastic and tastes great in Thai and Italian recipes. It also adds a nice touch in salads. Use fresh or dried to add flavor to a number of meals.

 4. Oregano - Commonly used in Italian cooking and when combined with basil, oregano has a complicated flavor that ranges from sweet to spicy depending on the meal. It is also used in Turkish, Greek, Portuguese, Spanish, and Latin cooking. It is also often used to season sauteed vegetables and grilled meat including chicken. Fresh or dried, oregano is a favorable herb.

5. Sage - We most commonly think of sage as a Thanksgiving stuffing herb however sage is great for adding flavor to any meat. Enhance the flavor of roasted chicken by sprinkling inside the cavity or under the skin. It is also used in sausage, soup and some Italian cooking.

 6. Ginger - Ginger has quite a kick and will make anyone forget about the salt. It is wonderful in soups and can be found in Indian, Chinese or Japanese recipes. It works well with meat and vegetables. It is also noted for its ability to aid digestion.

Salt is a necessary mineral that should be consumed in moderation. Switching to Sea Salt allows you to use less salt and contains trace minerals not found in ordinary table salt.  As a society, we’re consuming too much sodium and should make a concerted effort to reduce our intake whenever possible. It's easier than you think, when you can experiment and enjoy the delicious variety of herbs available in most supermarkets.

Using an Herb Keeper to properly store your fresh herbs will maintain their freshness longer and reduce waste.