In Indonesia, duck eggs are better known as salted eggs. This egg is intentionally marinated by soaking it in salt water. The white part of the egg has a sharp salty taste, while the egg yolks are slightly orange and not too salty. Eating foods high in salt means eating foods that are rich in sodium. In fact, the WHO (World Health Organization) or World Health Institution recommends salt intake of only 5 grams (equivalent to sodium 2,000 mg) per day. Salt consumption above the permissible limit can contribute to the emergence of high blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Sodium, What is the Function and Impact on the Body?
Sodium is a substance in the form of electrolytes and minerals. This substance is needed by the body to maintain the electrolyte balance of the body, maintain water levels inside and outside the body's cells, and support the work of muscles and nerves. Most of the sodium is in blood and lymph fluid, which is as much as 85 percent. This substance is also naturally found in various foods, found in table salt in the form of sodium chloride, and in baking soda in the form of sodium bicarbonate.
Rarely can a person experience sodium deficiency, except for people with diarrhea, malnutrition, and heart failure. Conversely, too much is also clearly not good for health because many serious illnesses lurk when your body has excess sodium.
Excessive Salt Consumption
Eating low-salt foods can help you avoid high blood pressure or hypertension. An increase in excessive blood pressure can cause heart disease.
The task of the heart is to pump blood to flow through the blood vessels. The compressive power generated when blood flows and pushes the blood vessel wall can be measured and called blood pressure. The higher the blood pressure, the more the heart becomes heavy in pumping blood. High blood pressure or hypertension can trigger other serious illnesses, including strokes, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), kidney failure, and heart failure. In fact, a scientific study proves that people who consume excessive salt have a higher risk of dying from a heart attack.
Duck Eggs Contain High Sodium
Foods that contain high sodium mean high levels of salt. Usually found in fast food and processed food or packaging. Salted duck eggs or salted eggs are among these food groups.
In other words, consuming too much-marinated duck eggs risks risking your health. To avoid the possibility of hypertension or high blood pressure, you are advised to consume salty foods, including salted eggs, wisely.
Tips for Reducing High Sodium Consumption
In order for controlled sodium intake, change your diet. Here are tips on managing your diet to avoid high sodium intake:
- Choose foods that are labeled as low sodium. You are also advised to choose foods that have not been processed compared to foods that have been given spices.
- If you cook your own food, try to reduce salt.
- If you use salt substitutes to give the food a salty taste, the effect is still considered the same. Therefore, use it wisely too.
- Limit the use of additional herbs, such as sauces and soy sauce.
- Use herbs from natural ingredients or spices.
- Consume more fresh foods, such as vegetables and fruits because they contain low levels of sodium.
Salted duck eggs or salted eggs and other processed foods are indeed delicious to be used as additional side dishes, but you should still avoid consuming them too much because it can increase your risk of developing hypertension.