Now, fast forward to the present, and we've got a bit of a situation in the U.S.
Many have cut down on table salt, worried about blood pressure.
Turns out, that concern might've been a bit overblown.
The real issue isn’t the iodine-rich sodium-chloride (electrolyte) table salt we've been avoiding. Which is essential for maintaining health and avoiding death.
No, it's the sodium nitrate and monosodium glutamate in processed foods—stuff that's missing iodine—that's the problem. Found in products that are in cans, bags and boxes. Think middle of the grocery store.
While trying to sidestep high blood pressure by ditching table salt, people might be skipping out on essential iodine.
Meanwhile, they’re loading up on other types of salt that don’t do any favors for health.
In addition, our daily table salt intake is less than half of what it was back in the 1950s.
But here's the kicker: blood pressure issues?
It's more than doubled since then.
Doesn't really add up when you think about it.
Especially with all the fuss about cutting salt to keep blood pressure in check.
So here’s the thing about sticking to "recommended guidelines" without thinking it through: it's not how the whole nutrition game works for humans.
Once again, take salt, for example.
Salt isn't just some random ingredient.
It's crucial for life.
Our bodies need it to do a bunch of important functions, like keeping our muscles and nerves working right.
So, what's going on here?