KARACHI:
Recently, I came across an article that discussed the healing properties and essential uses of Epsom salt. Epsom salt relieves muscle pain, is good for the skin, and helps with stress. While the study looked at oral supplements, Epsom salt can have a similar effect. Epsom salt, also known as magnesium sulphate, is a naturally occurring compound that contains magnesium, sulphur and oxygen. It has a crystalline structure like that of common table salt or sodium chloride.
Doctors who prescribe medication for hypertension especially advise patients to reduce their salt consumption. Our diets contain high salt content, leading to detrimental health consequences including cardiac problems and strokes. People with sedentary lifestyles are more vulnerable to such dangers. To avoid such health scares, one must have alternatives to table salt.
One such alternative is MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) which is a flavour enhancer and has comparatively lower sodium content. Although the Supreme Court of Pakistan banned MSG in 2018 claiming that it is unsafe for health, recently the WHO and Food and Drug Administration declared MSG safe for consumption and clarified that no diseases are linked to the consumption of MSG. It is high time that the Pakistani government reconsiders the ban on MSG so that people can use this healthy alternative to dietary salt and not miss out on the great taste.
Mahreen Nazar
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, August 19th, 2022.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
