'Salt Sugar Fat,' and Why Michael Moss is Right

One of the topics I’ve wanted to hone in on in regard to healthy eating and habits is salt. I’ve already touched on sugar and why it’s bad for us. I started doing some research about salt for this particular post, and I came across some very interesting articles. During my research, I decided to switch gears from focusing on one particular item (salt) to a broader scope topic, which now includes some frightening secrets the big food corporations don’t want us to know about. I’ve been working on this post for several weeks now, and I know it’s not perfect. I tried to include as many factors, and scientific studies as possible, throughout my research.

I was particularly interested to learn that foods with high salt content are often processed carbohydrates like pre-packaged snack foods. Such carbohydrate-rich foods can actually promote oral bacteria and acid production in the mouth. Throughout the day, gradual plaque build-up allows bacteria to adhere to tooth surfaces, damaging your enamel and gums. If you eat a diet that is high in salt, you might, therefore, need to pay more visits to a Dentist in Mississauga than someone who eats a diet that is lower in salt. Furthermore, a diet lower in salt can also help protect against dehydration and even decreases undesirable bodily complaints such as water retention and bloating.

One item that I came across while researching is Michael Moss’s book ‘Salt Sugar Fat.’ I’m going to say it right here that I have not read the book in its entirety. I am at a disadvantage because of that. However, many of the points are valid and have coincided with my own research on the topic. So far, I have found there are (at least) 11 things you need to know about salt, sugar, and fat.

11 things you need to know about Salt, Sugar, and Fat

1. Sugar — You can read my original post here.

2. Fat — our bodies need fat. Fat keeps us warm and helps our organs function properly. Also excellent for our brains. But our bodies don’t need bad fat. Bad fats are almost always found in pre-packaged foods with preservatives to prolong shelf life. Usually coupled with high sodium content. I explained it to my 4-year old like this: our heart moves blood around our bodies. When we add in salt, it starts beating faster, making our blood flow much less efficient. When we add in salt and fat, it’s beating faster and the blood can’t move much because of the fat clogging the way of blood flow. Very scientific, if you ask me. :)¹

3. Salt — a new study out shows that too little salt may be just as bad for you as too much salt, if you can believe that. “The message is very simple: Moderation in salt intake. Avoid high and low levels.”²

4. And then also this: “eating too much salt has been linked to osteoporosis, dementia, cancer, and other serious health problems.”³

5. Kraft, the biggest food company in the United States, is owned by Philip Morris.? I’ll let you form your own opinions on this one.

6. Whole grain cereals marketed to children have several derivatives of sugar so that “sugar” doesn’t need to be labeled as the main ingredient as per FDA regulations.?

7. The human brain is hardwired to crave sugar, fat, and salt, because they aren’t easy to come by in nature.?

8. Like drugs (alcohol, cocaine, heroin), once the reward center is turned on by salt, sugar, and fat, you are instantly hooked.

9. Food, unless it is raw and fresh from the farmer, has almost always been tampered with in regard to fat, sugar, and salt. Case in point, canned tomatoes. Why do they need added salt?

10. Photos are powerful and deceiving. Portion sizes advertised by food giants are disproportionately large, which leaves you wanting more. I have personal experience in this matter. I used to be a Stouffer’s Lasagna addict. I would eat one serving (plus a little more), and even though my belly told me I was full, my brain told me to have another helping.

11. Most surprising of all, specialty health-food stores targeting those with a healthy mindset, have duped many of us into thinking their private label snack foods are healthy. They are not. I was eating Veggie Straws with my kids and couldn’t, for the life of me, figure out why I couldn’t stop eating them. I remembered the post I was working on (this one), immediately turned the bag over to read the ingredients and look what I found!

By contrast, and for comparison’s sake, check out the ingredients and sodium content in these… Which are, by the way, much easier to stop eating! I’m not lobbying they are healthier by any stretch of the imagination, but if you’re looking for a quick salt-fix, potato chips with minimal ingredients may be what you need.