Photo: kidmissile

Many Americans consume more sodium than they know. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report that claims that nine out of 10 Americans eat too much salt.

According to the report, the average person consumes around 3,300 milligrams of sodium daily. The figure, which does not include the amount of added salt to a meal, exceeds twice the recommended intake for half of Americans. Those who are 51 and older, African-American or have high blood pressure or kidney disease are advised to consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day.

Sodium is responsible for increases in blood pressure and has been responsible for numerous health problems, including strokes and heart disease. In fact, the effects of high consumption of sodium go beyond health-related issues. The country reportedly spent approximately $273 billion in health care money on such health problems in 2010. Read More

Photo: Tattooed Tentacle

Pop quiz:  What is the one ingredient to most any food that everyone worldwide can agree is necessary?  I’ll give you a hint-it’s the 6th most abundant compound on Earth.  Still perplexed?  Here’s another-it begins with an “S” and ends in “alt”.

Salt makes everything taste better; it preserves foods; it’s essential for normal bodily functions.  There’s only one problem:  humans consume way, way too much of it.  In fact, according to a CDC report, Americans consume almost 90 percent more sodium than the body actually needs and at least twice as much as the highest recommended level. Read More

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Spring means it’s time to exfoliate away the winter and let your skin glow. But don’t worry, you don’t need spend much in order to attain healthy skin. Here are a few ways to find ingredients in your own kitchen to make homemade skin exfoliants. Read More

Photo: L. Marie

This question has been on diners and chefs’ minds alike for many years. Already in 2011, several articles have been published sharing news for and against this mineral. Read More

Salt may get a bad rap for health reasons, but to me, it’s incredible that this naturally occuring element is the basis of flavor for so many good dishes.  For a seemingly mediocre meal, add a dusting of fine sea salt and the food tastes infinitely better. Read More