Myth 1: "I Sweat a Lot, So I Need More Salt"
What people think: Sweating removes salt, so eating more salt replaces what’s lost.
The truth: Normal sweating removes very little salt. Even in India’s hot climate, you lose only about 1 gram of salt per day through sweat.
Reality check: Office workers, shopkeepers, and students don’t lose enough salt to need extra. Only people doing heavy physical work in extreme heat need more salt.
Myth 2: "Sea Salt and Rock Salt Are Healthier"
What people think: Pink salt, sea salt, and rock salt are better than regular salt.
The truth: All salt is basically sodium chloride. Pink salt has tiny amounts of minerals, but you’d need to eat dangerous amounts to get any benefit.
Bottom line: Less salt is always better, regardless of the type.
Myth 3: "Salt Gives Energy in Hot Weather"
What people think: Salted drinks and foods provide energy during summer.
The truth: Energy comes from calories (carbs, protein, fat), not salt. Salt just makes you retain water.
Better for energy: Fresh fruit, coconut water, diluted yogurt drinks with less salt.
Myth 4: "I Don't Add Salt, So I'm Safe"
What people think: If you don’t use the salt shaker, you’re eating low salt.
The truth: 75% of our salt comes from processed foods, restaurant meals, and foods that already contain salt.
Hidden sources: Bread, pickles, snacks, restaurant curries, instant foods.
Myth 5: "Cutting Salt Is Dangerous"
What people think: Your body needs lots of salt to function.
The truth: Your body needs only 1-2 grams of salt daily. Indians eat 4-5 times this amount.
What happens when you cut salt: Better blood pressure, less heart strain, improved kidney function.
Myth 6: "Low-Salt Food Has No Taste"
What people think: Without salt, Indian food becomes boring.
The truth: Your taste buds adapt in 2-4 weeks. Foods you thought were “bland” will start tasting flavorful.
Plus: You’ll start noticing subtle flavors you missed before—the sweetness in tomatoes, the earthiness of cumin.
The Science Behind Taste Change
When you eat less salt:
- Taste receptors become more sensitive
- You need less salt to feel satisfied
- Other flavors become more noticeable
- Food tastes richer, not blander
What you can do today
Challenge one salt myth you believed and try a lower-salt version of a favorite dish.
Forward this to family on WhatsApp to protect their heart.
