10 Tips for Low-Sodium, High-Flavor Cooking

Authors:
  • author name Ann Fulton
Smoked paprika chicken for a low-sodium meal.

Low-sodium cooking is part of a heart-healthy diet, and is a source of many questions I receive. 

I spoke with Cheryl Herold, a registered dietitian from LG Health’s Community Health & Wellness team, to find out how sodium affects the body, for better and for worse. 

Sodium is an important electrolyte in our bodies and plays a role in nerve and muscle function. It is essential for health but should only be consumed in the proper amount.

“A safe, heart-healthy sodium intake should be no more than 2,000 mg per day,” Herold said.

Sodium is found in almost everything we eat and drink, so it’s no surprise that the average American consumes more than 3,400 mg per day.

Excess sodium is linked to water retention (have you ever woken up feeling puffy from too much salty food the day before?) and can lead to high blood pressure. High blood pressure increases the risk for heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.

How to Add Flavor, Not Salt

Cooking at home is a great way to reduce sodium in your diet, since most sodium comes from packaged or prepared foods. Look at nutrition labels carefully when choosing packaged ingredients, and opt for whole foods when possible. 

Another way to reduce your intake is to use seasonings and cooking techniques that enhance flavor in other ways. Here are 10 to try:

  • Roast or caramelize vegetables for more intense flavors
  • Squeeze or zest citrus fruits like lemon, lime and orange, for pops of flavor
  • Drizzle balsamic vinegar as a finishing touch (reducing it makes it thicker and mellows the flavor)
  • Boost flavor with aromatic ingredients like garlic, onions, shallots, leeks, and scallions
  • Stir in fresh herbs like basil and chives, which are more flavorful than dried
  • Experiment with salt-free seasoning blends—buy or make your own
  • Add a small amount of dried fruit to recipes, like chopped dates, unsweetened cranberries and raisins
  • Swap hot sauce with fresh hot peppers or dried red pepper flakes
  • Rinse and drain canned beans and vegetables before using
  • Try spices with strong flavors, like cumin, curry, smoked paprika and chili powder 

In my recipe for Smoked Paprika Chicken, I challenged myself to create flavor without adding salt. The result is truly tasty and naturally low in sodium. Serve it with a fresh green salad or your favorite vegetables, and finish with a bowl of berries for a meal that is heart-healthy and delicious. Watch my video to get the recipe and learn how to make it yourself.

author name

Ann Fulton

Ann Fulton, is the creator of the popular blog Fountain Avenue Kitchen, where she shares quick and easy recipes designed for today’s busy lifestyles. Ann’s original recipes include simple, fresh ingredients that can be modified to meet a variety of dietary needs. LG Health is proud to be the exclusive health care partner of Ann Fulton and Fountain Avenue Kitchen. In collaboration with a registered dietitian from the LG Health Wellness Department, Ann brings exciting recipes and healthy eating tips to our community as a featured contributor to the LG Health Hub.

Call: 717-544-3811

About LG Health Hub

The LG Health Hub features breaking medical news and straightforward advice to help individuals of all ages make healthy choices and reach their wellness goals. The blog puts articles by trusted Lancaster General Health clinical experts, good 'n healthy recipes, videos, patient stories, and health risk assessments at your fingertips.

 

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