IN BRIEF |
|
| Salt does not contain calories | Salt is « caloric », so it does not directly grow bigger |
| Effect on the weight | Salt can cause water retention and small edemas, giving a feeling of swelling |
| Risk for the health | Excessive consumption can lead to high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases |
| Excessive consumption | Most people consume too much salt, increasing the risk of swellings and other problems |
Verdict: Salt does not provide calories but can cause water retention and risk of hypertension |
Salt is omnipresent in our food and raises many questions. Among them, one question often arises: does salt really make you gain weight? You might be surprised by the answer! While you might think that salt could cause weight gain, the truth might surprise you. Find out without further delay what it really is.
Salt is an essential element in our kitchens, but its role in weight gain is often misunderstood. So, does salt really make you gain weight? This article unravels preconceived ideas and brings you a clear and informed vision on the impacts of salt on your weight and your general health.
Salt and calories: a false accusation
Let’s start with a fundamental truth: salt contains no calories. In technical terms, it is called « caloric ». This means that consuming salt does not directly contribute to excessive calorie intake. So, from an energy point of view, salt will not make you gain weight, because it has no nutritional value.
Consuming salt cannot, in itself, cause you to gain weight. It is an essential mineral, but it does not contain any energy nutrients. To learn more, you can consult resources like Health Magazine.
Water retention: the little-known side effect
Despite its absence of calories, consume too much salt can cause water retention problems. This water retention is often confused with weight gain. Salt attracts water, which can cause a feeling of swelling, especially in the face and limbs, such as the feet.
This water retention is not a permanent phenomenon and generally fades by reducing salt consumption. For more information on this topic, take a look at this complete file.
The invisible danger: hypertension and cardiovascular diseases
A less visible but equally important aspect is the impact of salt on the blood pressure. Excessive salt intake is a well-documented risk factor for hypertension, which in turn increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. This makes excess salt doubly dangerous because it affects both your outer physical state and your inner health.
Indeed, studies show that reducing salt intake can significantly lower blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems. To learn more about the implications of excess salt, check out this Top Health article.
The myth of the salt-free diet for weight loss
Some people believe that a salt-free diet can help them lose weight. Although reducing salt can actually decrease water retention and bloating, it doesn’t necessarily mean fat loss. In other words, not consuming salt will not make you lose weight sustainably.
To lose weight in a healthy and sustainable way, it is most effective to focus on a balanced diet and physical exercise. A varied diet and an active lifestyle remain the best weapons against weight gain. Several testimonials and discussions on this subject are available on specialized forums.
Consume in moderation: the key to good health
As with many things, moderation is the key. Maintaining salt consumption within reasonable limits is crucial to avoid its harmful effects while ensuring that our body has what it needs. The WHO recommends a consumption of less than 5 grams of salt per day for an adult.
By monitoring your salt intake, while adopting a varied and balanced diet, you can easily avoid the risks of water retention, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. For more tips, visit Health Magazine.
| Myths | Realities |
| Salt makes you gain weight | Fake. Salt has no caloric value. |
| Consuming less salt helps you lose weight | Fake. A salt-free diet does not make you lose weight. |
| Salt makes the face swell | TRUE. Excess salt causes edema and water retention. |
| Water retention due to salt increases weight | Partially true. It causes swelling, not fat gain. |
| Salt is good for your health in large quantities | Fake. Excess salt increases the risk of hypertension. |
| Salt does not contain nutrients | TRUE. Salt is calorie-free. |
| Salt raises blood pressure | TRUE. It is a cardiovascular risk factor. |
| Excessive salt consumption is common | TRUE. The majority of people consume too much salt. |
| Salt prevents the elimination of water | TRUE. This phenomenon is water retention. |
- Salt has no calories
- Salt does not cause weight gain
- Excess salt causes water retention
- Salt can cause high blood pressure