2.Sodium chloride, or salt, is essential for human life. Typically derived from the evaporation of sea water or the mining of rock salt deposits, salt has been used by humans for thousands of years as a food seasoning and preservative. The mineral sodium is an electrolyte – an electrically-charged ion – that enables cells to carry electrical impulses to other cells, for example muscle contractions. Electrolytes also regulate the body’s fluid levels. A diet deficient in salt can cause muscle cramps, neurological problems and even death. Conversely, a diet high in salt leads to an increased risk of conditions such as hypertension, heart disease and stroke. In spite of high-profile campaigns to raise awareness, salt consumption has increased by 50% in the past four decades, with the average adult ingesting more than double the amount of salt their body requires. Much of this increase can be attributed to the advent of frozen and processed foods in the mid-twentieth century. In the United States it is estimated that excessive salt consumption claims 150,000 lives and results in $24 billion of health care costs annually. For individuals wishing to reduce their sodium intake, the answer is not simply rejecting the salt shaker; 75% of the average person’s salt consumption comes from food, such as bread, cereals, and cheese.
Q1: Humans primarily use salt for food flavoring and preservation.
