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Home » Minerals in Diet » Sodium
 

Sodium

Sodium is one of the essential macro elements of the body. According to the American health experts intake of at least 2,300 milligrams of sodium is necessary per day for the adults. Sodium is available for consumption in the table salt that is sodium chloride. Moreover sodium is consumed form various packaged foods where sodium is present in the adequate amount in the form of salt. Get an insight on sodium, an important mineral element constituting the daily diet.

In chemistry sodium is referred to as soft, silvery white compound. It is highly reactive and is a member of the alkali metals. The isotope of sodium is 23Na. Sodium is available in the nature not as free element but as compound. Sodium reacts with water exothermically. The sodium ion are consumed by water completely. Sodium ions help in the regulation of body fluid. It aids in the transmission of nerve impulses. It also regulated and various other metabolic functions. Sodium is required in adequate amount to the animals, in order to maintain high concentration of blood level and extracellular fluids. Herbivores sometimes suffer from lack of sodium in their body. T hey obtain sodium from salt licks and other minerals. Sodium is available in the everyday salt as sodium chloride. This salt is used for cooking, preparation of salads and food preservation. Salt is required for perfect balance and metabolism of thee body. Human beings require less than fifty miligrams salt in their daily diets. It is not advisable to consume more sodium than what that the body actually requires. Excessive consumption of salt may increase the blood pressure level creating harmful effect on the health.

Sodium is available in the form of sodium chloride in various foods and ingredients. The sodium used in sodium chloride is used in chemically processed foods, tinned foods and daily cooking elements. Sodium is available in foods like fish, meat, milk, poultry and eggs.

People should not consume more sodium exceeding the prescribed amount determined by the nutrition experts, dietitians and physicians. Sodium chloride is available in 40% by weight in the table slat. One teaspoon of table salt contains two thousand three hundred miligrams of sodium. While buying packet foods and junk foods check out the amount of salt in the food. Reduce the amount of sodium as far as possible. Excessive intake of salt may lead to fluid retention and result into swelling. Always select fresh, frozen or canned foods without added salts. Try to consume unsalted nuts and peas, dried beans and lentils. Avoid consuming salty snacks like potato chips and pretzels.

Do not add too much salt on your homemade dishes. Try to have fat-free and less slated soups or broths. Have low-fat milk for breakfast. Low-fat cheeses and low-fat yogurt also have less salt in them. Add other ingredients like spices, sauces and herbs to make your palate delicious and tasty but cut short the amount of salt as much as possible. The site sitagita provides comprehensive insight on sodium.