why does the processed food you buy have so much sodium in it?

Question

and fast food? I just looked up one of those new Mc Donalds angus burgers and it has 74% of your daily recommended sodium allowance. I know its a flavor enhancer but hasn't salt become main flavor? And as people become more desensitized to it aren't they just adding more?

Answer 1

I cannot speak for the fast food industry, but I do know that SALT (sodium) in used in prepackaged foods as a preservative. Lending to a longer shelf life.
There are also better ways to enhance the flavor of food without adding salt , I've been doing it for years due to my hubby's borderline blood pressure problem. I made up my own saltless spice mix.
My Son lives out of state, and often requests me to mail him my spice mix when he runs out of it.
Over salting foods eventually lends to dulling your tastebuds; therefore letting you think that your food is bland.

Answer 2

Sodium is used as preservative and a flavor enchancer. However, babies (and any other human that's never tried salt) don't have a craving for sodium, because the craving for salt is an acquired trait. So, if you've never eaten salt, you won't ever want any, because of taste. But, it's mainly used as a cheap preservative.

Answer 3

the salt preserves the food. most, if not all, nutritionists would tell you to lay off the fast food completely, but if you're going to have it, try to make up for it somewhere else. personally, i try really hard not to add salt to my meals simply because i know i intake a lot of sodium from packaged goods that i buy.

Answer 4

processed food have a lot of sodium (salt) to preserve the food and make it last longer
salt is a preservative to keep the food from spoiling