Suniel Shetty's Salt Secret: Sprinkling vs. Cooking - Does it Really Work?
Is sprinkling salt healthier than cooking with it? An expert weighs in.
Top Summary
- What happened: Suniel Shetty revealed he sprinkles salt on his food instead of using it during cooking to control intake.
- Why it matters: This practice may help individuals lower their salt consumption without sacrificing taste.
- What changes for people: Adding salt after cooking can reduce daily salt intake while maintaining flavour.
- Who is affected: Individuals looking to manage their salt intake, especially those with hypertension or related health concerns.
The Shetty Method: Salt Control
Actor Suniel Shetty, known for his dedication to fitness, shared his unique approach to salt consumption. He prefers to sprinkle regular salt on top of his food, rather than incorporating it during the cooking process.
He revealed this habit in a 2023 podcast with Nikhil Kamath, stating, "Quantity of salt. It is never in the food. I'd rather have it sprinkled on top. No pink one for me. Regular salt for me."
The Dietitian's Take
But does this method actually lead to lower salt intake? Dt Amreen Sheikh, chief dietitian at KIMS Hospitals, Thane, confirms that it can. She explains that adding salt at the end allows for better control.
"Usually, when salt is added during the cooking process, the food is flavoured by the salt. However, when food is not flavoured with salt, the salt on its surface helps the taste buds detect it. It helps develop the same salt flavour with a lower salt content. This practice helps the individual to control the intake of salt and reduce the consumption of salt on a day-to-day basis without the feeling of food being bland,"
How Sprinkling Helps Reduce Salt
Sheikh elaborates on how sprinkling salt after cooking makes a difference. When salt isn't used to flavor the entire dish, your taste buds focus on the surface salt.
This heightened sensitivity creates the illusion of more salt, allowing you to use less overall. This simple change can significantly reduce your daily salt consumption.
What to Watch Next
Future studies may explore the long-term health benefits of this salt-sprinkling technique. Keep an eye out for more expert opinions and dietary advice on managing sodium intake effectively.