heart health

A Nutritionist’s Guide to Lentils

There’s a reason we’re in love with lentils. Packed with protein, fiber, antioxidants and key minerals, lentils are among the most underappreciated nutrition powerhouses. Intrigued? We’re breaking down the basics of lentils, including the different types, their health benefits, and how to cook them. Types of Lentils Lentils, which are part of the legume family along with beans and peas, come in various shapes and colors. Here’s a quickie rundown of the most popular types of lentils. Green Lentils Also known as “French lentils,” green lentils are among the most commonly consumed lentils in the U.S. One-quarter cup dry (which is about two-thirds cup cooked) provides 11 grams of protein along with 8 grams of fiber for 170 calories. You’ll also get 10% and 15% of your daily recommended intake of potassium and iron, respectively. Black Lentils Black, or beluga, lentils tend to be smaller in size than their green counterparts. But don’t let their miniature appearance fool you—just one-quarter cup of dry black lentils serves up an impressive 11 grams of plant-based protein and 5 grams of dietary fiber for 150 calories. Just like with green lentils, you’ll get 15% of your daily recommended amount of iron from this serving. Black lentils are slightly lower in potassium compared to their green and red cousins, offering 6% of one’s daily potassium needs per one-quarter cup uncooked. FYI: Both black and green lentils tend to come whole (with their outermost layer, called the husk, intact), so they keep their shape even after cooking. Split lentils, on the other hand, tend to cook and break down quicker, making them a great choice for soups and stews. We’re all about tossing cooked beluga lentils into salads or sauteing them with caramelized onions and warming spices like cumin for a nourishing dinner side. Red Lentils If protein is your priority, opt for red lentils. The same one-quarter cup serving (dry) provides an impressive 14 grams of protein (more than you’ll get from two eggs!) and 180 calories. Fiber-wise, expect to get a solid 7 grams, plus that same 10% and 15% of your daily potassium and iron needs, respectively. Brown Lentils Brown lentils clock in similar to their peers from a nutrition standpoint. One-quarter cup (dry) delivers 11 grams of protein, 9 grams of dietary fiber, and the same amount of potassium and iron for 180 calories. Health Benefits of Lentils Clearly, lentils are a no-brainer for those seeking to up their plant protein consumption (which should really be all of us). Unlike animal proteins that deliver saturated fat—the type of fat that can raise our bad LDL cholesterol—plant-based proteins like lentils are free of saturated fat. Friendly reminder: we’re all for fats, but the type of fats we consume is key. Limiting our intake of animal proteins packed with saturated fat (think: bacon) and replacing them with plant-based alternatives like lentils is never a bad idea. Lentils are packed with dietary fiber, which is critical for stabilizing blood sugar levels as well as—you guessed it—helping to lower bad LDL cholesterol levels. Of course, fiber also supports digestion, so it can help keep us regular. Also amazing: lentils contain a type of non-digestible carbohydrate called resistant starch that acts as a prebiotic, meaning it helps maintain a healthy gut microbiome. We recommend sticking with about one-half cup cooked lentils as a serving; eating a large quantity at once may bring on gas and bloating in sensitive individuals. Lentils also provide key vitamins and minerals like folate, iron, potassium, and manganese. Folate (AKA vitamin B9) is critical for red blood cell function and heart disease prevention, while potassium helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels. Wondering which type of lentils are the healthiest? Don’t stress. Since each variety serves up a similar nutritional profile, we recommend simply choosing your favorite. You’ll get a hit of plant-based protein, gut-friendly fiber, and key nutrients regardless of the type you choose to cook up. How to Cook Lentils Unlike dried beans that require soaking, lentils can be cooked in 20 minutes start to finish. Yes, please! For a large batch of lentils, combine 1 cup of dried lentils with 3 cups of water in a large pot. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot until the lentils are soft. Whole green, black or brown lentils can take 20 to 30 minutes to become tender, while split red or orange lentils may be ready in just 10 to 15 minutes. Looking for more tasty ways to enjoy lentils? We’re obsessed with this Grilled Cod Over Lentil Currant Salad! (Image: Shutterstock)

Why Cashews May Be Your New Go-To Nut

Whether you’re a health junkie, a nutrition coach helping others, or you’re simply looking to add to your healthy-snack repertoire, we think it’s safe to say that including nuts like almonds, walnuts, and pecans is great thinking. Nuts are as full of health benefits as they are delicious, and their crunch and versatility are next-level. But what about cashews? Those c-shaped, golden wonders that sometimes get a bad rap because the commercially packaged varieties contain added unhealthy refined oils and usually way too much salt. We say you should give them a try! (In their healthy form, of course.) Health Benefits of Cashews Like almonds, cashews boast an impressive list of nutrients. In fact, just an ounce of cashews supply you with: Protein (5 grams) Fiber (1 gram) Copper (67% of Daily Value) Magnesium (20% of DV) Manganese (20% of DV) Zinc (15% of DV) Phosphorus (13% of DV) Iron (11% of DV) Selenium (10% of DV) Thiamine (10% of DV) Vitamin K (8% of DV) Vitamin B6 (7% of DV) Cashews are low in sugar, rich in heart-healthy fats and plant protein, and they also contain antioxidants. Big win! So what does all this mean? Cashews may help regulate or enhance: Heart health Brain health Bone health Blood sugar levels Energy production Healthy weight management Strong immunity Cash in on Cashews Since cashews are delicious, they’re easy to add to most eating plans. And you don’t need large servings to make a big impact—just an ounce gives you all the nutrients listed above. Raw or Roasted? While there are far fewer studies on cashews than, say, almonds, prevailing research suggests that the roasting process may increase the cashew’s antioxidant profile. To make sure you’re not getting the extra oils and salt that can come along with packaged varieties, roast the cashews yourself at home. How To Roast Cashews Place cashews in a single layer on a baking tray and roast in the oven at 350°F until golden (about 10 minutes). Be sure to mix the nuts every 3-5 minutes so they don’t burn. You may also toss cashews into a skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes. To Soak or Not to Soak? Cashews contain phytates, which may make absorbing their vitamins and minerals more challenging for the body. Soaking the nuts overnight reduces their phytate content and may even make cashews easier to digest. It’s Go-Time! Here are Some Cashew Recipes To Try Today Now that we’ve got you convinced that adding cashews to your meal plan is a winning strategy (assuming you’re not allergic to tree nuts, which cashews are considered), here are some recipe ideas to get you started. Stir-fries Cashew toast like this delicious Kiwifruit version Iced drinks like this Iced Yerba Mate Cashew Latte Protein balls or energy bites made with cashew butter Cashew cheesecake You can also use cashews for: Soup, salad, yogurt, or oatmeal toppers Dipping sauces Venus Williams’s spicy cashew cream, which is a kicked-up, dairy-free version of sour cream Image: Shutterstock

Pucker Up! Kissing Is Great For Your Health

Pucker up! If it’s been a minute since you’ve engaged in a saucy smooch session, may we suggest you dim the lights and get to work? Not just because it’s fun (and it so is), but because kissing is great for your health. Wait, kissing is healthy? (Yep, it is.) The health benefits of kissing are surprisingly vast. They range from immediate hormone releases to preventing cavities over time (really!). Dive into the many reasons kissing is good for you below and share this article with your friends. No one should be left out of this fun. Kissing Partner Perks When you and your partner engage in a lip-lock, both of your bodies jump into health-boosting action without you having to do a single thing other than enjoy yourselves. Help Out Your Hormones Kissing releases our favorite feel-good hormone, oxytocin, which can lower anxiety, increase feelings of trust between partners, and help us feel relaxed. Kissing also triggers the release of endorphins, which may lessen stress and depression and increase positive feelings. Together, oxytocin and endorphins also stimulate a metabolic process that may reduce calorie intake, tamper down hunger pangs, and slow the digestion of fat. All vital components to living a nutritious life. RELATED: Are These Psychological Barriers Messing With Your Weight Loss? Spark Some Sexy-Times Not surprisingly, a passionate kiss can get you and your partner in the mood for something more, if you catch our drift. As you kiss, testosterone is released, and this can have a big impact on your sex drive. Kissing also decreases levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, which can definitely help get you in the mood. And since getting horizontal burns calories, this is just another health benefit of locking lips. Personal Health Benefits of Kissing Smooching not only delivers partner-centric health benefits, it packs a healthy punch for you as an individual too. Get Mouthy When you kiss, you produce more saliva. Adequate saliva production is important for everything from tasting, chewing, and swallowing, to washing away oral germs and keeping bad breath at bay. Since tasting and fully enjoying your meals (AKA mindful eating) is a huge contributor to building a great relationship with food, you’re getting a double whammy of awesome when you share a kiss before eating. Extra bonus: When you swap spit, you’re exposed to your partner’s mouth microbiota, which can help boost your immunity over time. Jump Start Your Heart Kissing of all types (but espesh the super-heated kind), increases your heart rate, which causes your blood vessels to dilate. The dilated vessels increase your blood flow, which then decreases your blood pressure. Aren’t our bodies amazing? Since a healthy blood pressure is part of living a nutritious life, we say let that heart of yours get a workout—both from the metaphorical “flutters” and from its actual pumped-up pumping. RELATED: 6 Cardiologist-Recommended Ways to Strengthen Our Heart Health Kissing is part of a healthy lifestyle and can leave you feeling connected, self-assured, and even a little bit healthier. Pucker up … and enjoy! For more tips on how to have happy relationships and a fulfilling sex life—all part of the Love More pillar of living a Nutritious Life—check out our top stories. (Image: Shutterstock)

6 Cardiologist-Recommended Ways to Strengthen Our Heart Health

Valentine’s Day isn’t the only matter of the heart being recognized this month. National Heart Health Month has been recognized each February since 1964. According to the American Heart Association’s 2021 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics, heart disease is still the leading cause of death worldwide. The CDC reports that one person dies every 36 seconds from cardiovascular disease in the United States—that’s 655,000 (or 1 in every 4) deaths from heart disease each year. To understand more about this disease, we spoke with Dr. Stephen T. Sinatra, MD, a board-certified cardiologist specializing in integrative medicine and a certified bioenergetic psychotherapist. He explained to Nutritious Life that the best ways to protect your heart include the Mediterranean Diet, some forms of daily walking, light weights, swimming, or cycling. “Taking targeted nutritional supplements, such as omega-3s, coenzyme Q10 and magnesium are also recommended,” he says. Read on for Dr. Sinatra’s six insights into how we can protect our hearts starting today. Be Aware of the Signs In any male or female, chest discomfort on exertion that radiates into the neck, arm, or jaw should be taken seriously. Women have many more atypical symptoms than men. One atypical symptom is the onset of weakness and extreme fatigue with activities such as walking up a flights of stairs, vacuuming, or carrying a basket of laundry. Any extreme shortness of breath while laying down, or if awakened in the middle of the night with difficulty breathing where sitting up relieves it, these may be heart-related issues. Don’t overlook any unexplained neck, jaw, or arm pain associated with activity that goes away with rest. Any unusual sensation in the chest, such as a rapid heartbeat that seems to occur spontaneously and not related to any strenuous activity ,should not be overlooked—especially if it lasts for more than several minutes. Cut Back On Sugar to Increase Immunity There is no doubt that the more dysfunctional your sugar metabolism is, the more vulnerable you are to heart disease, and to illnesses such as COVID, Dr. Sinatra says. Those most vulnerable to cardiac issues include people with insulin-dependent diabetes and overweight individuals with insulin resistance. So, it makes sense to protect your heart and strengthen your immune system at the same time. Ingesting the least amount of added sugar as possible will offer some form of protection. RELATED: 5 Tips for Better Heart Health No Matter How Young You Are Exercise to Lower Blood Sugar Exercise is one of the easiest ways to lower blood sugar as active cells do not require the typical insulin requirements to metabolize sugar. Eating less sugary foods and fewer carbohydrates is also appropriate. Cinnamon, different forms of chromium, and berberine are frequently used in targeted nutritional supplements to help support sugar metabolism. Ask Your Doctor the Right Questions Before a doctor visit, you should arm yourself with the right questions. This is especially important if you have a family history of the disease. Some may include: If I have a family history for early heart attack or even sudden cardiac death, what steps do I need to take to protect my heart health? Should I be eating a certain diet? What symptoms are typical for heart disease? What should my ideal blood pressure be? How low should my LDL or “bad” cholesterol be? Eliminate These Foods From Your Diet You should eliminate: table sugar white bread soda donuts pies cakes cookies Very small amounts of maple syrup and dark chocolate (greater than 70% cacao content) are appropriate as a sweetener and dessert. RELATED: 5 Heart-Healthy Foods You’ll Really Love Follow Dr. Sinatra’s 6 Pillars of Health I would strongly suggest my “Six Pillars of Health and Healing” to improve the vibrational nature of our cells, and especially our hearts. Follow a Mediterranean Diet, especially with generous amounts of olive oil, on a daily basis. In clinical research, 4 tablespoons of olive oil per day not only has a positive impact on progressive heart disease (patients had fewer heart attacks or high blood pressure, and better cholesterol dynamics), but also olive oil helps to prevent diabetes, aids in Alzheimer’s cognitive decline, and even impacts some forms of cancer. Recent research has demonstrated that olive oil has a remarkable affinity to change pro-inflammatory genes that we all have back to a non-inflammatory state. Perhaps this one fact may be related to why those living in the Mediterranean Basin have the best longevity in the world. Any form of physical activity like walking and strength training. Targeted nutritional supplements. A mind/body program to attenuate the overactive and charged sympathetic nervous system. Yoga, meditation, and prayer are just a few techniques to support the mind and body. Detoxification with sauna or steam. Walking barefoot on Mother Earth. Mother Earth energy is the embodiment of the Schumann effect. In our research, we demonstrated that grounding the body not only helps to attenuate neuro-chemicals like cortisol and adrenaline, it also helps to balance the sympathetic nervous system. In addition, earthing and grounding thins the blood, which, in my opinion, is one of the most important remedies as sludgy “red ketchup” blood is more and more invasive in the 21st century due to computers, 5G, and harmful electromagnetic energies which may cause the blood to stagnate. (photo credit: Shutterstock)

Health Benefits of Flaxseed

Flaxseed—you may not know this, but it appears in so many of your favorite foods; in your morning cereal? Check! In your bread? Check! In your Beyond Burger? Check! So why is it everywhere? Sure, we’ve heard that seeds aren’t just for the birds (see what we did there?), but what exactly makes it such a popular superfood? Read on to discover why health experts love this little seed and how to integrate it into your own recipes (plus some of our faves to try)! What is Flaxseed? Flaxseeds are harvested from flax plants called Linum Usitatissimum that were believed to have grown first in Egypt, but are now found all over the world. Since the fiber within the seeds is so strong, they were originally used to make clothing fibers before cotton came into play. Today, flaxseeds are more often added to our diets as a nutty-flavored, versatile ingredient. They’re sold in whole seed form, ground flaxseed (or flaxseed meal) and as flaxseed oil. You’ve probably seen them in breads, crackers, and perhaps as a binder in meatloaf or meatballs. Linen clothing is made from cellulose fibers that grow within flax plants, too. RELATED: How to Lower Heart Disease Risk, According to a Top Nutritionist (Including Eating More Flax!) The Health Benefits of Flaxseed The American Heart Association has tapped flax as one of the top two seeds for your ticker—alongside chia. They’re a good source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of unsaturated fatty acid that converts to omega-3 fatty acids generally found only in fish and a few other foods. They also offer a dose of cholesterol-lowering lignans, which are large groups of polyphenols that line some plant walls. (These may also help control blood pressure and reduce the risk for certain types of cancers.) An ample source of fiber, heart-healthy fats, and plant-based protein, a 2-tablespoon serving of flaxseeds contain the following nutritional information, according to the USDA’s Food Data Central database, 130 calories 10 grams of fat 4 grams of protein 7 grams of carbohydrates (including 7 grams of fiber) 8 percent of your daily recommended intake of iron 6 percent of your daily recommended intake of calcium Since flax contains so much protein per bite, it actually will contribute towards your daily protein quota. It’s worth noting, however, that you can overdo it. Since the itty-bitty seeds are so rich in healthy fats, they’re also fairly calorie-dense. All that fiber can do a number on your digestion as well if you’re not used to consuming your recommended 25 to 38 grams per day. Quick tip: Be sure to drink plenty of water with any high-fiber food, including flax, to help your body usher it through the digestive system more easily. Supplementing your diet with flaxseed has been linked to a lighter body weight, smaller waist measurement, and lower body mass index (BMI)—perhaps due to all of that filling fiber and protein. RELATED: 3 Edible Seeds That Make Awesome Snacks How to Use Flaxseed in Healthy Flaxseed Recipes Now that you’re well-versed on all of the health benefits of flaxseeds, let’s dish about how to add them to your menu. Since the body has a tough time breaking down the hard outer shell of whole flaxseeds, purchase them pre-ground (or grind the whole seeds yourself) to consume them for the biggest health boost. Note: Ground flaxseeds do spoil faster than whole seeds, so store them in the freezer to extend their lifespan from about a week to 2 months or so. Buy it: Spectrum Essentials Organic Ground Flaxseed ($8.63 for 24 ounces, amazon.com) If your body doesn’t respond well to consuming eggs, trade out the white and yolk of an egg in nearly any recipe with a “flax egg”. (Mix 1 tablespoon flax seeds with 2 ½ tablespoons of water, allow to soak for 5 minutes to thicken, then incorporate into recipes in place of one egg.) Beyond that, flaxseeds work brilliantly as an incognito addition to smoothies, bread recipes, waffle and pancake batters, oatmeal recipes, and even meat mixtures (think meatballs, meatloaf and burgers). Here are some of our fave healthy flaxseed recipes to try this week: (photo credit: Shutterstock)

The 411 on Flavanols

Created in partnership with CocoaVia. You know about the importance of antioxidants and vitamin B12, but you may not have heard about the health benefits of flavanols. These compounds are one of the reasons cocoa (in its pure, non-sugary form!) is considered by many to be a health food (thanks, flavanols!). So, we’re guessing you want to get to know them pretty intimately. Here’s what you need to know, including why you should get yours from CocoaVia supplement. What Are Flavanols? Flavonoids are naturally occurring compounds found in plants. Among flavonoids, there is a distinct sub-group known as flavonols. These flavanols are predominant in foods and beverages such as tea, apples, grapes, red wine, and cocoa. And cocoa flavanols are special on their own—they’re a unique blend of phytonutrients found only in the prized cocoa beans. Before you run out and buy your favorite chocolate bar, be aware that although cocoa beans are a natural source, the processing of cocoa beans—fermentation, roasting, and alkalization—can lead to the destruction of some of these unique flavanols. What Do They Do? Of course, what they do for your body is what matters, and research points to some pretty impressive health benefits. Numerous studies have demonstrated that cocoa flavanols help support blood vessel health and healthy circulation. That’s good news for your heart and your overall health, since the circulatory system is the pathway for delivering vital oxygen and nutrients to organs and tissues. Where to Find Them Flavanols are found in a variety of foods, including many fruits, but the levels can be variable, so there’s no way to know how much you’re actually getting. The best way to guarantee that you’re getting a lot of them in your diet is through CocoaVia, a daily cocoa extract supplement. CocoaVia provides 375mg of cocoa flavanols in every serving and comes in a variety of flavors, including a chocolatey flavor that’s great in a smoothie or overnight oats. That’s a pretty good deal, right?

Diets Decoded: The Mediterranean Diet

Is the Mediterranean Diet healthy? We’re going to let you in on a little secret. Most popular healthy diets that are touted for weight loss share many of the same basic principles. All involve eating whole foods (as opposed to packaged and processed) and filling your plate with quality sources of protein, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and vitamin-, mineral-, and fiber-rich vegetables. (Again, we’re talking about the ones that fall somewhere on the healthy spectrum, not unhealthy fad diets.) However, each proposes a slightly different path that leads to fulfilling those principles. In this column, we’ll be breaking them down for you one by one so you can figure out which (if any) is right for you. We’ll explain the facts and then provide quick, actionable tips on how to follow the diet as part of a Nutritious Life (with recipe suggestions). The One-Liner The Mediterranean Diet is inspired by the traditional diets of people who live around the Mediterranean Sea, particularly in Greece and Southern Italy. It emphasizes plant-based foods like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, plenty of extra-virgin olive oil, and fresh fish. True followers focus on eating seasonally (although depending on where you live, the seasonal foods available may not exactly be those that are available near the Mediterranean). How you eat also matters: preferably with friends and family while enjoying red wine and each other’s company. RELATED: Olive Oil vs. Coconut Oil: Which is Healthier? What You Eat Tons of fresh veggies, some fruit, whole grains like brown rice, beans, and nuts. Fish and chicken are key, especially flavored with fresh herbs and spices. Dairy is included occasionally—in the form of fresh cheeses and yogurt—as are eggs. While pasta is a staple, it’s usually consumed in small portions at the start of a meal and freshly prepared. Picture a vibrant Greek salad with greens, juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta tossed in EVOO and herbs and topped with a piece of grilled chicken or fish. RELATED: 7 Healthy Chicken Dinners That Actually Aren’t Boring What You Don’t Eat You generally stay away from processed, packaged foods made with added sugar or refined grains and oils. Red meat is limited to an occasional option (i.e. a few times a month), and you stick to olive oil in lieu of other cooking fats like butter and canola oil. Pros and Cons The basics of this diet mirror the basic principles of good nutrition: whole foods, tons of veggies, and healthy fats. (Win, win, win!) Its health benefits are also the most well-documented (of ALL diets, seriously) by research studies. It’s particularly powerful when it comes to heart health. It’s been linked to lowering heart disease risk factors like high LDL cholesterol levels and high blood sugar and to reducing heart attacks and death from heart disease. The diet may also protect your brain as you age. Bonus: the Mediterranean Diet recognizes the importance of enjoying meals (and a really nice bottle of red) with family and friends, which comes with additional mental health benefits. The only potential con is that it may be hard to recreate while trying to eat locally depending on where you live, and some of the benefits may stem from the broader Mediterranean lifestyle. (In other words, if you can move to a gorgeous, remote Greek island, we highly recommend it.) You can also overdo it: it’s easy to go a little overboard on portion size when picking at olives and cheese while sipping red wine. 3 Mediterranean Diet-Approved Recipes Broccoli Rabe Pesto Hummus Salmon and Feta Omelet with Asparagus Cucumber Feta Greek Yogurt Dip Next Up: Is the Paleo Diet healthy?

The Need-To-Know Facts on Salt in Food

Q: How much salt is too much salt in food, and should I sprinkle on a specific kind? A: There’s a reason we say good people are “the salt of the earth” and reliable people are “worth their salt.” Salt, or sodium chloride, is a valuable mineral. It’s an essential nutrient the human body cannot make itself and plays a role in nerve and muscle function as well as regulating the body’s water content. (No wonder your taste buds perk up every time a pretzel touches your tongue, right?) Salt deficiency can lead to dehydration, low blood pressure, and yes, even death. Don’t let that scare you though, because the majority of Americans consume way too much salt in their daily diets, leading to an increased risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. So, how much is too much salt in food? The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting your daily intake of salt in food to 2300 mg, which is a little less than one teaspoon. Keep in mind that that number is an upper limit—you can take in much less and be totally healthy, and other sources, like the American Heart Association, recommend an ideal limit as low as 1500 mg per day. But what if I mortgaged my house to buy magical Himalayan Sea Salt? There are a few different kinds of salt, and some are touted as healthier than others. Here are the main differences I think are important: Regular Table Salt is sourced from soil and has its minerals removed through heavy processing. Then, it’s loaded with additives to prevent the granules from clumping. Iodine, the only mineral not naturally found in sea salt, is also added. Iodine controls the release of hormones and deficiency can lead to weight gain and fatigue, as well as neurological, gastrointestinal, and skin issues, but if you are eating a balanced diet that contains whole foods like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and seafood, you’ll already get adequate amounts. (And the salt added to packaged foods is not even the iodized kind.) Sea Salt, on the other hand, is exactly what it sounds like—salt from the deep, blue sea. Ocean water is evaporated leaving behind the salt, which contains trace amounts of minerals in varying amounts (depending on where it’s from). These different minerals can add a variety of flavors to your salt shaker and also result in a coarser texture. I consider sea salt to be the healthier option because it’s the least processed. Himalayan Sea Salt, finally, is an unrefined salt that is hand mined from ancient salt caves (and is usually pretty in pink). Proponents say it contains more than 80 trace minerals that are good for you, but most experts agree they’re not present in high-enough amounts to actually affect your health. Again, it’s unprocessed, unlike table salt, so that’s a good thing, but it’s also outrageously expensive compared to regular sea salt or table salt. A grain (or three) of advice Keeping all of that in mind, I present you with a salt solution: Get your minerals primarily from a whole-food diet filled with vegetables, whole grains, and seafood. Avoid packaged foods as much as possible, as they tend to be super salty (canned soups are particularly bad, even the organic ones!), and minimize salt at restaurant meals by avoiding the salt shaker since they are already salty enough. In other words, cooking for yourself at home will naturally lower your salt intake. For flavor, shake on a little bit, but try to stay below the recommended daily amount. And don’t stress over the different kinds. In the end, they’re all sodium chloride, and choosing one over the other will not have a major effect on your overall diet.