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Chapter 1: What is a salt tooth and how does it differ from a sweet tooth?
What is a salt tooth? Thanks for asking. You've probably heard of a sweet tooth, the term for people who love sugary foods and desserts, but you might be less familiar with a salt tooth. In other words, a preference for salty foods such as crisps, olives, cheese and other salty things. What causes a salt tooth and is it bad for your health?
According to a study presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions meeting in 2016, there is a genetic basis for your salt cravings. Some people carry a variation of a gene that may give them more of a taste for salt. This gene also affects how people perceive bitterness, which may explain why people with a salt tooth tend to avoid foods such as broccoli and dark leafy greens.
But having a salt tooth doesn't mean you can indulge in salty snacks without consequences. The World Health Organization recommends limiting your sodium intake to five grams per day, which is the equivalent to about one teaspoon of salt. Consuming too much sodium can raise your blood pressure, which can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney problems.
In fact, the British Heart Foundation estimated that if everyone reduced their sodium intake to the recommended level by 2030, there'd be up to 1.4 million fewer new cases of high blood pressure, 135,000 fewer new cases of coronary heart disease and 49,000 fewer new cases of stroke. So how can you satisfy your salt tooth without harming your health?
The WHO estimates that 80% of the salt we consume has been added during the manufacturing process. So one of the easiest ways to reduce your salt is to start making your own food. And once you're in the kitchen, use herbs and spices to flavour your food like garlic, onion, lemon, vinegar, pepper, cumin or paprika to add some zest to your dishes instead of salt.
Read nutrition labels and avoid processed food that is high in sodium, such as canned soups, sauces, dressings, snacks and ready meals. Look for low sodium or no salt added options when possible. Drink plenty of water to help flush out excess sodium from your body and keep yourself hydrated.
Finally, here's some advice from Dr Stuart Grice, a geneticist and the chief scientific officer at the Fitness Genes from the Guardian newspaper. When a salt craving hits, avoid going straight for salty snack foods such as crisps and instead ensure you're well hydrated. Seek out whole foods such as olives and leafy greens, which are rich in polyphenols, magnesium and calcium.
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Chapter 2: What genetic factors contribute to a preference for salty foods?
These foods will help alleviate salt cravings, which may often be due to a desire for nutrient-rich food. There you have it.
Now you know what a salt tooth is. In under three minutes, we answer your questions and help you understand the true meaning behind the trends, concepts and acronyms that are making headlines. Listen along and you really will know for sure.