SALT & SUGAR
Herbal Salt Substitutes
One good way to cut down or eliminate your intake of salt is to take advantage of several herbal combinations which can be placed in shakers and used as salt substitutes. Here are two basic herbal salt substitutes:
1) The most basic herbal salt substitute consists of garlic powder, basil, oregano and powdered lemon rind. Place 2 teaspoons of garlic powder and one teaspoon each of basil, oregano, and powdered lemon rind in a blender and mix thoroughly. Keep the mixture in a glass container with the addition of rice to ensure that it doesn’t cake.
2) For a more spicy salt substitute, place 1 teaspoon each of cloves, pepper, and crushed coriander seed, 2 teaspoons of paprika, and 1 tablespoon of rosemary in a blender and mix well. Keep the mixture in an airtight container.
Should You Use Real Sugar Or A Sweetener Substitute?
It’s true that, except for supplying calories and energy, sugar has no nutritional value. However, it is not true that sugar prompts hyperactivity in children or causes diabetes, heart disease, and acne. And while sugar can contribute to obesity, it is much less a factor than fatty foods in causing a person to be overweight. The problem with using sugar is that many people don’t know «when to say when». Consumed in small amounts, sugar actually provides some healthful benefits. Sugar can help relieve anxiety and stress, induce relaxation and sleep, act as an antidepressant, help heal wounds, and eliminate bacteria. New studies also suggest that small amounts of table sugar might even be safe for some people with diabetes.
On the negative side, sugar does promote cavities, and can cause sudden increases in insulin and blood glucose (although some vegetables, such as potatoes and carrots rank above sugar in ability to spur a quick rise in blood sugar). As mentioned earlier, sugar can promote weight gain if consumed in excess. It can also replace nutritional value when sugar-laden junk foods are a main part of one’s diet.
Unless a medical condition dictates the use of artificial sweeteners rather than sugar, it’s a matter of individual choice. If you do use sugar, do so moderately, and make sure you don’t replace nutritional value for the sake of a «sweet tooth».
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