Use Less Salt ---- Keep The Flavor

Ever wonder how you could get lots of flavor in your food and still cut back on salt?? The answer is in using herbs. Today, August 29th is a great day to set a new cooking habit as it is "More Herbs, Less Salt Day." Don't get me wrong our bodies need salt but often we use too much salt. Too much salt can lead to consequences that are not good for us. Consequences such as bloating and water retention to hypertension and heart disease.

Seasonings that add flavor to food and allows you cut back on salt

• Garlic powder: Use in meats, poultry,fish, vegetables, salads, soups, and stews.
• Nutmeg: Use in vegetables and meats. 
• Onion powder: Use in meats, poultry, seafood, soups, and salads. 
• Paprika: Use in meats, fish, poultry, and vegetables. 
• Saffron: Use in breads, snacks, soups, stews, poultry, seafood, sauces, and rice.  
• Cayenne pepper: Use in meats, poultry, stews, and sauces.
• Chili powder: Use in meats, poultry, vegetable, fish and stews. 
• Cinnamon: Use in salads, vegetables, breads, and snacks. 
• Clove: Use in soups, salads, and vegetables. 
• Cumin: Use in meats and poultry. 
• Curry powder: Use in meats, shellfish, and vegetables.

Herbs and foods that pair well include:

• Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis (L.) with potatoes and red meat 
• Sage Salvia officinalis (L.) with chicken and pork 
• Basil Ocimum basilicum (L.) with tomato sauces 
• Dill Anethum graveolens (L.) with salmon 
• Thyme Thymus vulgaris (L.) with just about everything! 
• Oregano Origanum vulgare (L.) with traditional Greek and Mexican dishes

Some of the most common herbs include 

• Cilantro==== often used in Mexican recipes such as guacamole and salsa. Cilantro is rich in vitamin K and calcium Cilantro is good for our bones, helps protect the body from oxidative stress damage, and helps draw heavy metals out of body. 
• Cinnamon====== bold flavored used in both sweet dishes as well as savory ones. Cinnamon can help reduce inflammation and lower blood sugar. 
• Ginger ===== goes well with salmon , salads and soups. Helps control nausea or vomiting of morning sickness or sea sickness. It is also used for indigestion to promote a quicker emptying of the stomach. Ginger is also a great inflammatory 
• Ginseng ====== The chinese have used this herb in medicine for thousands of years. It helps to boost energy both mentally and physically, helps fight common colds Ginseng taste great in soup or with chicken. The slightly bitter, licorice sweet flavor offered by Ginseng is desired by many
• Oregano==== Often found in Mediterranean style of cooking. The taste provided via Oregano is a robust, earthy taste and aroma. The spice offers antibacterial and antifungal benefits that help protect from food - borne illnesses and infections. Oregano can also offer help from gastrointestinal problems and slow the growth of cancer cells. Oregano taste best  when served with rice dishes, salads, soups, and tomato dishes.

The best way to find your favorite flavor is to try your favorite recipe using different herbs.