No Sodium? No Problem! A Guide to Healthy Salt Alternatives

Salt is not evil. Sodium plays an important role in maintaining the body’s hydration levels, electrolyte balance, and blood pressure, and has long been used as a food preserver and flavor enhancer. There are even some reported health benefits of TRUE salt. But everything in moderation, right?

Certainly, people with elevated blood pressure and some other health conditions may need to limit their sodium intake. And others may just choose alternatives to the salt shaker. Nobody really needs to over-do it on sodium, anyway.

Whatever the reason for limiting sodium, there are plenty of tasty and healthy alternatives to salt, both for cooking/baking and tabletop flavoring!

1. Braggs Liquid Aminos – liquid aminos are SO much more than a soy sauce alternative! This flavorful sauce is awesome on steamed vegetables, used to season pan-fried tofu or tempeh, or in all kinds of sauces. A ½ tsp serving contains just 160 mg of sodium and has 16 essential and non-essential amino acids.
2. Kelp Granules – this sea vegetable is a great source of calcium, magnesium, B vitamins, iodine, and a number of other vitamins/minerals. Braggs and Maine Coast’s shaker versions are a simple and nutritious swap for salt!
3. Nutritional Yeast – Nutritional yeast has a rich, savory, “cheesy” flavor that makes is a great salt substitute. It is an excellent addition to creamy sauces, sprinkled over popcorn, or added to rice or quinoa (learn more about the health benefits here!) Nutritional yeast is sold at many health food stores, and is also widely available online. Look for Bob’s Red Mill, Red Star, Braggs, or Now Foods brands.
4. Herbs and Spices – season your meals with the right combination of herbs and spices and you won’t even miss the salt! The possibilities are endless, but a few favorites include basil, cumin, dill, garlic, ginger, oregano, rosemary, and thyme.

Did we forget your favorite salt substitute? Drop us a line and let us know, or share it in the comments section below!

Image Credit: stlbites.com/Flickr