Salt Tidbits & Trivia

A study just published by the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry reports on the role of broccoli as a cardioprotector. Broccoli contains high concentrations of selenium and glucosinolates, especially isothicyanate sulforaphane. Both selenium and sulforaphane are shown to protect the heart and the cardiovascular system. Sulforaphane induces the redox regulator protein, thioredoxin, which has a cardioprotective role by reducing oxidative stress.

A clinical study reported that eating fresh broccoli sprouts for a week lowered serum low density lipoprotein levels and a prospective study in Iowa showed a strong association between broccoli consumption and a lowering of the risk of coronary heart disease.

As reported earlier Ohio State University has recently completed organoleptic research indicating that the majority of individuals in three age groups (children, teens and adults) are most likely to eat broccoli when allowed to add sufficient salt to overcome broccoli’s natural bitterness.

Here is a clear case of salt indirectly contributing to better heart health.

Posted by Mort Satin at 05:10 PM | Permalink

Chicago boasts more Polish residents than Warsaw and now it’s hijacking a salty secret from Eastern Europe – salt caves or salt rooms. A recent Chicago Tribune article notes a suburban restaurant featuring a relaxing, spa-like respiratory restorative salt cave inspired by one the owners visited on a trip to Poland – as well “Chicago’s first dining room encased in Black Sea salt.” The owners also converted one of their salt caves into a small dining room.

Other Chicago-area spa’s have salt “breathing rooms” to restore mind and body. Patrons claim “30 to 60 minutes in a salt-covered room can help relieve stress, cure a hangover or even improve respiratory health.” Don’t miss the video.

Posted by Dick Hanneman at 01:31 PM | Permalink

TV is not a vast cultural wasteland. There's the History Channel show on Salt Mines and now the Discovery Channel's "Some Assembly Required" series that includes a visit to a salt mine and evap plant. Lyons Salt hosted the show in its Lyons, KS, rock salt mine and, next door, Compass Minerals' evap plant was the scene for further videotaping. The shows usually air multiple times and the first series has been announced. You'll want to check your local listings, but here's the schedule: February 5 at 10 pm EST, February 6 at 2 am, February 9 at 8 pm and February 10 at 12 midnight. So, two nights with two screenings on each. Set your Tivo!

Posted by Dick Hanneman at 01:35 PM | Permalink