Many women and housewives sometimes make mistakes while preparing food, such as adding an excessive amount of salt or forgetting to add it and then adding it later, and in both cases the result is unsatisfactory! But do not worry, there are many tricks that you can use to restore the salt balance in the dishes you prepare. In Dalili Medical, our article "Tricks to get rid of excess salt in food", you can benefit from these tips!

**How ​​do I get rid of excess salt in rice?**

 

Salt in rice can be reduced by adding an additional amount of unsalted rice, washing the rice with cold water, or using potatoes to absorb excess salt.

**What spoils salt?**

 

What spoils salt the most is its exposure to air, as salt grains can absorb moisture from the atmosphere, leading to clumping if the package is not tightly sealed.

**How ​​do I reduce the saltiness of Mansaf yogurt?**

 

The saltiness of Mansaf yogurt can be reduced by adding more unsalted yogurt or using potatoes to absorb excess salt.

**How ​​do I reduce the saltiness of Molokhia?**

 

To get rid of excess salt in Molokhia, you can add a tablespoon of sugar to achieve this.

How to use water to reduce the saltiness of dishes?

 

If you have cooked steak, fish or chicken and found that they are oversalted as a result of rubbing them with salt or overusing them, you can use water to reduce the saltiness. Rinse the pieces quickly under running water, then dry them immediately with paper towels before serving.

**What spoils salt?**

 

Moisture is the main factor that spoils salt, as it causes it to clump and lose its dry texture. Constant exposure to moisture makes salt difficult to use because the granules stick together.

What to do if there is excess salt in food?

 

If the food contains an excess amount of salt, you can add ingredients such as potatoes or rice, as these ingredients help absorb excess salt and reduce the saltiness of the food. This method is especially effective with salty dishes.

What is the recommended level of salt consumption by the World Health Organization?

 

The World Health Organization recommends that adults limit their salt intake to less than 5 grams per day per person, which is equivalent to 2 grams of sodium per day. For children, the recommended maximum of 2 grams of sodium per day for adults should be adjusted based on the energy needs of children compared to adults.

Are potatoes able to absorb salt?

 

Yes, potatoes can help reduce the saltiness of food by absorbing some of the salt. This method is commonly used to reduce the amount of salt in dishes.

What is salt or sodium?

 

Sodium is an essential nutrient that plays an important role in maintaining plasma volume, acid-base balance, transmission of nerve impulses, and normal cell function. The main source of sodium in our diet is salt, although it can also come from monosodium glutamate, which is used as a seasoning in many cultures around the world.

Is salt or sodium unhealthy?**

 

Salt consumption within the limits recommended by the World Health Organization is considered healthy, while excessive salt consumption leads to negative health effects, such as an increased risk of high blood pressure, which can lead to strokes and heart disease.

**Infants (0-12 months)**Infants should consume less than 1 gram of salt per day. Since infants’ kidneys are not yet fully developed to process excess sodium, breast milk or formula provides all the sodium an infant needs.

**Children (1-3 years)**This age group needs about 2 grams of salt per day, which is about 0.8 grams of sodium. Because babies’ bodies are small at this stage, they do not need large amounts of salt.

**Children (4-12 years)**Children’s salt needs increase slightly as they get older, needing 3 grams of salt per day, which is about 1.2 grams of sodium. However, it is important to limit the consumption of processed foods that contain large amounts of salt.

**Teens (13-18 years)**Teens need about 5 grams of salt per day, which is about 2 grams of sodium. Teenagers who engage in active physical activities may require larger amounts, but it is necessary to monitor their salt intake from processed foods.

**Adults (19 years and older)** Most competent authorities recommend that adults consume 5 grams of salt per day, which is equivalent to a teaspoon. However, it is preferable to reduce this amount to less than 3 grams per day to maintain heart health and blood pressure. As for people with health conditions such as high blood pressure or kidney disease, it is recommended to reduce their salt intake even more.

**Elderly (over 65 years)** As we age, the kidneys of the elderly become less efficient in processing sodium, which increases the risk of high blood pressure. It is recommended to reduce salt consumption to less than 5 grams per day, while some experts recommend reducing it even more to maintain heart health.

**Harms of salt and sodium**

 

Your daily sodium consumption should not exceed 2.4 grams, and any increase above this limit may harm your body and affect its various functions, as well as prevent the absorption of some nutrients.

The following are the most prominent harms of salt:

. **High blood pressure**High blood pressure is one of the most prominent and well-known harms of salt. An imbalance of minerals in the body and an increase in the amount of sodium can lead to water retention, which increases blood volume and thus raises blood pressure. It is known that high blood pressure can have serious health effects, as it can cause many diseases such as heart disease, strokes and clots.

. **Kidney problems**The small and sensitive capillaries in the kidneys are responsible for purifying waste from the body andThe blood contains excess minerals, including excess sodium. As salt and sodium consumption increases, the burden on the kidneys increases, which may lead to the formation of kidney stones over time. High blood pressure can also damage the small arteries in the kidneys, posing a risk to their efficiency.

** Heart problems ** Excessive salt consumption leads to high blood pressure, and is also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Increased blood volume can cause the heart to enlarge and increase in size, which places a great burden on it, making it more vulnerable and susceptible to fatigue, strokes and sudden heart attacks.

** Digestive problems ** Sodium plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of base and acid in the body, in addition to its effect on the secretions of the digestive system. One study showed a relationship between consuming large amounts of salt and an increased risk of stomach cancer.

** Dehydration ** High levels of sodium in the body lead to the withdrawal of water from inside the cells as a result of osmosis, causing them to dry out and increase the feeling of thirst, which requires drinking fluids to restore the balance

. **Edema or fluid retention** If you suffer from fluid retention, especially during pregnancy or as a result of some diseases such as kidney disease, this may be evidence of increased salt consumption.

The best solution is to reduce the amount of salt in your diet to get rid of fluid accumulation in your body cells.

**Mineral and hormonal imbalance** High levels of sodium in the blood can lead to an imbalance of minerals and hormones in the body, affecting many vital processes, especially those that depend on regulating electrical activity in the body, which plays an important role in nerve function.

This imbalance may increase the likelihood of feeling dizzy, confused and depressed, and it can also negatively affect muscle performance and cause cramps.

. **Osteoporosis** Increased levels of sodium in the body can lead to an imbalance of minerals, which particularly affects calcium and hinders its absorption and effective use. This may negatively affect bone density and growth, especially in groups most susceptible to osteoporosis, such as postmenopausal women.

**Ways to Get Rid of Excess Salt in Food**

 

**Adding an Acidic Ingredient**What do you do if there is too much salt in your food? There are many acidic ingredients that you can use to reduce excess salt, such as lemon juice, fresh tomato juice, and tomato sauce. These ingredients will not only reduce the amount of salt, but will also add an acidic flavor that helps rebalance the flavors in the dish. You can add a small amount of any of these ingredients until you get the desired taste. Try to choose an acidic flavor that matches the flavor of the dish you are preparing. You can also use white vinegar as a relatively neutral acidic substance.

**Adding a Sweetener**How ​​can I reduce salt in food? You can get rid of excess salt by adding a sweetener. Among the sweeteners that can help you with this are: brown sugar, maple syrup, and caramel flavor. This step is very effective in soups, sauces, and various marinades. If you are looking for a sweetener that is moderate in its effect on salt, you can use white sugar.

**Adding Dairy Products**How ​​can I reduce salt in food? The creamy flavors of dairy products can help reduce excess salt in dishes, such as cream, whipped cream, and butter. Some of these products also have a natural sweetness that helps to soften the salty taste. Additionally, the liquids in dairy products can help reduce the perception of salt in a dish. Be sure to avoid choosing salty dairy products such as Parmesan or cottage cheese. You can also use plant-based alternatives such as oat milk.

**Adding water** How can I reduce salt in food? Adding water can help reduce excess salt. When using water, start with a small amount and then taste the dish, adding more if necessary. This method is especially effective when trying to reduce salt in broth to achieve the desired consistency.

**Adding potatoes** How can I reduce salt in food? Through many experiments on the ability of potatoes to absorb excess salt in dishes, especially those rich in broth such as soups and stews, it has been shown that they can absorb some salt during cooking. Although this method cannot be applied to all types of foods, it is an effective, easy, and quick method. All you have to do is peel a potato and add it to a soup or stew, then remove it before serving.

**Lemon juice to remove excess salt from food** If the recipe you are preparing is not affected by adding lemon juice, this juice will help you reduce the taste of excess salt. Lemon juice is able to absorb salt without affecting the flavor of the dish, especially in seafood and fish recipes, baked dishes, soups, and sauces.

**White sugar to remove excess salt from food** You can use the trick of adding white sugar to the dish if the amount of excess salt is not very large, as sugar can help balance the taste. You can also mix white vinegar with a tablespoon of white sugar to achieve the same purpose.

- Potatoes** You can cut potatoes into slices and put some of them in food while cooking to absorb excess salt, especially in types of soup.

- Vinegar and oil** You can add a little vinegar and oil to foods to reduce excess salt, especially in salted foods such as herring and feseekh. But be careful not to overuse them so as not to change the taste of the food.

- Carrot cubes**Carrot cubes help reduce excess salt in food due to their high sugar content. Peel the carrots, cut them into small cubes and add them to the food., and you’ll notice that it will help absorb excess salt.

**- Cheese and sour cream**It may seem unusual, but you can use sour cream or low-salt cheeses like ricotta and mozzarella in casseroles, stews, hot dishes, or similar dishes to tone down the saltiness. The creaminess of these ingredients helps reduce the saltiness of salty foods.

**Adding onions**You can add a few slices of onion to the pot while cooking, whether the onions are fried or raw, and then easily remove them afterward, as they will help absorb the salt from the dish.

**- Masking the flavor with fat**Fat reduces the saltiness of a dish, and it also creates a barrier for your taste buds, making the salty flavor seem less intense. The easiest way to add fat is through dairy products, such as heavy cream or cream cheese, in dishes that already contain dairy products. This will result in a richer, less salty sauce, and the creamy topping or sides can be served with non-dairy dishes.

** Scaling and doubling a recipe:** This is an effective way to reduce the saltiness of a dish by increasing the amount of the dish by adding more ingredients. You can add additional vegetables, broth, or other ingredients depending on the recipe. If the original amount of food is oversalted, adding more vegetables can be a good solution. You can also use low-sodium beans and unsalted potatoes, in addition to adding pasta, which absorbs some of the water and helps reduce the saltiness. This extra food can be useful for later use instead of being thrown away.

**- Adding starch to the recipe:** Starchy foods such as rice and pasta are effective at absorbing salt. You can add quantities of these foods (unsalted) to the pan and simmer or bake them with a little liquid. These foods will absorb the excess salt, which helps improve the taste of the dish. Cooked white rice mashed with water can also be added to overly salted soups or stews, which helps reduce the saltiness without affecting the texture of the dish.

**Honey** You can add a spoonful of honey to salty foods, and you will notice a better balance of taste. Sugar can also be used as a substitute for honey if necessary.

**Parsley** Parsley helps absorb excess salt and fat, so you can add it in small amounts to salads, vegetable soups, or any other type of vegetable.

**Tips to avoid using excess salt in dishes**

 

It is much easier to avoid adding excess salt while preparing dishes than to try to get rid of the saltiness after you are done. Here are some tips that can help you avoid this problem in the future.

. **Know the type of salt you are using**: Some types of salt are saltier than others, such as table salt, sea salt, and kosher salt.

. **Avoid measuring salt over pots**: Do not add salt directly to dishes or pans while cooking.

. **Check the salt shaker lid**: Make sure the salt shaker lid is securely closed before each use.

. **Avoid seasoning dishes while cooking**: It’s best to add spices slowly and towards the end of cooking, as soups and other dishes become saltier as the liquids cook.

. **Taste the dish while cooking**: Adjust the taste to your liking, and don’t hesitate to adjust several times to avoid over-salting.

. **Watch for salty ingredients**: Be sure to pay attention to canned foods such as beans and tomatoes, many of which contain salt, in addition to breadcrumbs and packaged sauces.

**Don’t add salt at the beginning of cooking**: To control the amount of salt used, it’s best not to add it at the beginning of the cooking process, as vegetables release large amounts of salt when exposed to high temperatures. Therefore, it is advisable to wait a little before adding salt.

**Use kosher salt**: Kosher salt is a good choice because it has larger grains, making it easier to control the amount used, unlike fine salt, which is difficult to control.

**Sprinkle salt from a height:** Sprinkling salt from a high height helps distribute the salt evenly over the food, reducing the chance of salt clumps forming.