Gros Sel, Sea Salt from Haiti - How much sodium should you consume in a day?

This is natural sea salt from Haiti. This is what Coarse salt looks like, Haitians call it Gros Sel

Haitians consume more of that bulky sea salt than than the heavily processed table salt. Many people argue that sea salt is healthier than table salt.

Related: Stroke and Hypertension in Haitian Communities, is it because of all that extra SALT in the way Haitians cook?

Did you know? A 1/4 teaspoon of salt contains 575 milligrams sodium.

How much sodium should you consume in a day?

The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300 milligrams (mg) a day.

Poisson Gros Sel or Coarse Salt Fish is a very popular dish in Haiti. I always thought Gros Sel meant the fish was more salty than usual but no.

Read: Poisson Gros Sel, a favorite Haitian dish - But what is Gros Sel?

Did you know? When you eat too much salt it raises the amount of sodium flowing through your bloodstream and it reduces the ability of your kidneys to get rid of excess water in your body.

Read: How does Salt (sodium) affect your Blood Pressure?

Most Haitians care more about their foods tasting really good than how healthy the food is. That makes me think: Stroke and Hypertension (high blood pressure) in the Haitian community, are they linked to all that extra salt in the way we cook?

Read: Stroke and Hypertension in Haitian Communities, is it because of all that extra SALT in the way Haitians cook?

Read more about Diet and Exercise, Health and Medicine, Salt Consumption In Haiti, Haiti Photo Stories

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