Home News Mercadona spices to take less salt

Mercadona spices to take less salt

The use of spices is the order of the day. In addition to adding new flavors to our recipes, they help us to reduce the amount of salt ingested. Hence we highlight the new incorporation of Mercadona, the spice Ras el Hanout. A fundamental and essential mixture of Arab cuisine. You do not know her? We present it to you.

Mercadona welcomes Ras el Hanout

The supermarket chain favorite by the Spanish, Mercadona, has once again hung the novelty label. If ya its wide range of spices caused fury among consumers, now more. Well, he added to this list the Ras el Hanout, the star mix of Arabic cuisine. And it is that its literal translation into Spanish is "head of the store", a clear reference to his important role. The origin of it was quite a coincidence. Since it was because of a stampede of dromedaries that destroyed and intermixed all the spices that a Berber merchant was carrying.

Although it is a moroccan Seasoning, its composition changes depending on the region in which it is prepared. As well as the ingredients that are available in that area. But, we are going to focus on the one marketed by Mercadona. This is composed of: coriander, ginger, cumin, cinnamon, sweet paprika, fennel, cayenne, black pepper and turmeric. Although 21% of this spice is salt, it is thought of as substitute of her and not like complement. That is, instead of pouring salt over your recipe with this spice it would be enough.

spices
Ras el Hanout / source: instagram user @ davidmnutricion

It is true that salt provides sodium, but, although in less quantity, the Ras el Hanout also. In addition, a study has ensured that people who add similar spices to this can lower your blood pressure. However, what I like most about this seasoning is its flavor. A mix between sweet and spicy reminiscent of dishes such as couscous or tahini. Famous for being sources of dietary fiber and heart-healthy fatty acids.

Spices versus salt?

Surely you have heard several times that it is not good to abuse salt. You know why? Blame it on excess sodium. The main cause of high blood pressure or hypertension. These diseases are no joke. Then more than 15 million people in Spain suffer from it and it is one of the first reasons for premature death. Thus The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends setting a limit of two grams daily of sodium up to date. The equivalent of five grams of salt.

This recommendation is difficult to carry out for two reasons. The first is that It is not easy to weigh the amount of salt that we consume While the second is the amount of this substance incorporated into processed foods. To try to stabilize the balance and heed the WHO, spices appear. One of the best healthier culinary strategies. These add flavor to different dishes without the need to use salt. Thus getting a bland but tasty food.

In this way we can put an end to the problem that Javier Aranceta exposes. The specialist in Preventive Medicine and Public Health and member of the Nutrition Committee of the Spanish Heart Foundation (FEC) assures that “No patient follows the diet that we have ordered if they do not like it”.

Advantages of using spices

turmeric and pepper / spices
spices / source: instagram user @ vitenergy.cl

If we move away from the debate between salt and the spices, we find that the latter have nutritional benefits that salt does not have. For example, omega-type acids or anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Coming from some traditional gastronomic plants as colorants and flavorings. Therefore, we observe that these condiments serve to get the taste of a healthier diet. By dispensing with both processed foods.

We can think that salt, because it has always been present in our gastronomy, is fundamental. But is not. so noI love you demonstrates the great variety of existing spices. These provide the flavor and prevent the dishes from being bland. In addition, they provide extra benefits that we do not find in, for example, salt. In this way youe recommend that you try the Ras el Hanout. Mercadona's new contribution that promises to be the revelation of our gastronomy. And you? Are you a fan of spices?

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