Health – Seasoning Alternatives

“Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?”

Luke 14:34 NIV

Salt is essential, but too much can cause medical problems

Salt has a fascinating history. At times it has been used as currency and has even been used as a reason to start a war. It is a natural component of seawater and today it is mined from areas where water has evaporated long ago. Dietary salt provides the body with sodium, which is essential for life. Although consuming sodium in appropriate amounts is necessary, when you take in too much, it can cause a serious imbalance in the body, raising the risk for several potentially serious medical problems.

The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recommends healthy adults consume no more than 2,400 milligrams of sodium daily, equivalent to 6 grams of table salt or about 1 teaspoon. If you have or are at risk for high blood pressure, consume only 1,500 milligrams daily. Use less salt at the table or substitute salt-free herbs and spices, and check condiment labels for salt content. Choose fresh fruits and vegetables over processed types and rinse salted canned vegetables before serving.

Some (Additional) Seasoning Alternatives

Many of us realize the harmful effects of using too much salt, but don’t really know how to season without it. Here is a basic list of different herbs and in what foods they can be used to create a pleasant flavor. So, next time you’re cooking something, think before you shake in the salt, and try using some culinary herbs. You will open up a new and pleasant taste sensation.

HERBS FOR REPLACING SALT
Asparagus lemon juice, tarragon Lima Beans sage, savory
Beans mustard, savory, mint, chili pepper Potatoes parsley, chives, oregano, rosemary, paprika, savory, tarragon
Broccoli garlic, oregano, dill Green salads and dressings basil, garlic savory, mint, lemon juice
Cabbage dill, caraway Soups bay leaves, celery seeds, marjoram, basil, rosemary, chervil
Cauliflower caraway, dill, oregano, basil, garlic, savory, tarragon, lemon juice Soybeans dill, garlic, thyme, parsley
Coleslaw caraway, dill,mustard, turmeric Squash savory, tarragon, coriander
Fruit lemon juice, coriander Tomatoes basil, bay leaves, rosemary, oregano, garlic, celery seeds
Garbanzo cayenne, garlic, parsley Zucchini garlic, basil, marjoram
Green beans dill, lemon juice, savory

 

ADDITIONAL SEASONING ALTERNATIVES
Basil Sweet basil is a favorite in tomato dishes. The delicate taste enhances spreads, dressings casseroles, soups, and salad dressings.
Celery Because celery is naturally rich in sodium, it is a good choice for a salt-free novice. Both the seeds and leaves add zip to coleslaw, potato salad, cooked vegetables, tomato dishes, dressings, tofu, stews, and soups.
Coriander The seed of this hardy annual may be added to cookies, pies, rolls, fruit crisps, etc., and also bean dishes.
Cumin This seed is a common ingredient in chili and bean dishes. The unique flavor grows on one the more it is used.
Dill Weed Chop it into garden salads, spreads, potato salad, soupls, and stews. Dill seeds add a fresh flavor to breads, tofu, legume dishes, and bean salads.
Fennel Both the seeds and leaves taste pleasantly of licorice, Use it in entrees, green salads, cream soups, potatoes, beets, and pastries.
Garlic In salad dressings, soups, dips, sauces, and Italian recipes, garlic can’t be beat. Add it finely minced to all types of legumes, and vegetable dishes.
Marjoram, sweet This attractive herb tasting of thyme (only stronger and sweeter) is most versatile. Include it in vegetables, soups, stews, salad dressings, and green salads.
Mint Add a touch of mint to new potatoes and peas. Also, use it sparingly in bean and lentil dishes, eggplant, casseroles, carrots, split pea soup, and Mid-Eastern dishes.
Oregano As a salt replacement, oregano ranks high. Use it in pizza and lasagna sauce, bean soup, and vegetables.
Paprika Add this herb, loaded with vitamins A and C, to stews, sauces, soups, green vegetables, potato salad, and coleslaw.
Parsley Add lots of this bright green herb full of vitamin C to sauces, dips, salad dressings, breads, tofu, soups and vegetables. Parsley is a good breath sweetener.
Rosemary Include it in pasta sauce and tomato dishes. Use it lightly with rice, herb bread, stuffing, and peas
Sage Strong flavored, it peps up bean soup, tofu, bread, dressings, and some casserole dishes.
Savory, summer Its biting flavor goes with stuffing, beans and peas, tofu dishes and dressings.
Tarragon Essential to “finest herbs, it helps relieve salt-craving. Add it to soups, herb spreads, salad dressings, beets, green beans, celery, potatoes, and tomato dishes.
Thyme This herb has an affinity for soups, tomato juice, spaghetti sauce, stews, stuffing, tofu, and most vegetables.

God’s Plan From S.A.D. Standard American Diet, to G.L.A.D. God’s Life Activating Diet, Natural Foods Cookbook.