Why does our body need salt for us to live? Also curious why don't we need pepper?

Answer 1

well by salt i think u mean NaCl [though in chemistry salt is any any ionic compound composed of cations (positively charged ions) and anions (negative ions) so that the product is neutral (without a net charge) ] but with NaCl or any other salt, once mixed in water work as electrolytes [conduct electricity(flow of electrons aided by these salts)] which helps conduct electric signals very well through the body.
We have gates in our cells, that open and close to salts like these to conduct messages. that's why we need salts to live

As far as pepper is concerned it's made up of a lot of stuff like:
Piperine: alkaloid responsible for the pungency of black pepper, and it has also been found to inhibit certain important enzymes for the metabolism and transport of xenobiotics and metabolites. (so u actually killin those enzymes that help u get rid of bad **** inside ur body...that's why ur body doen'st NEED pepper. )

and a bunch of other stuff too responsible for the odor (terpenes including pinene, sabinene, limonene, caryophyllene, and linalool)

hope it clears it up a bit

Answer 2

Does Your Body Need Salt

Answer 3

Salt contains two minerals, sodium and chloride. Sodium is the important one; every cell contains sodium, as do all body fluids. We couldn't live without it. It is essential for body metabolism.

Pepper on the other hand, we don't need it because it doesn't have anything to do with any of our cells. Although some people will tell you that eating hot peppers will raise your level of endorphins and make you feel good, and sweat out the toxins... :P But not necessary for life.

Answer 4

Why does our body need salt for us to live?

every cell of the body needs sodium, and some parts of the human system, such as blood and muscle. sodium is used mainly with potassium to move electrical impulses along nerve fibers. we need to take in a regular regular supply pf them coz we loose salt continually from the blood. stream as it filtered by the kidney and excreted by the sweat glands when they are working to cool us down.

Also curious why don't we need pepper?

remember that spices have the ability to disperse and move things, to stimulate, to release. in one of the book about nutrition says "used in excess, strong ingredients can cause dramatic reaction in the body. " Although, pepper stimulates the blood.

Answer 5

Salt is needed for isotonic, hydrotonic, hypertonic soulutions in cells. Well, not the last one( 'cause that makes cells explode!) , but it helps maintain homeostasis in the body. Pepper just infames the tissue and isn't needed because it can disrupt homeostasis.

Answer 6

I'll also add that the sodium derived from salt is essential the the operation of neurons in your body. You need potassium and sodium for them to work - if you're missing sodium, your pretty well dead.

Answer 7

It maintains a balence of the amount of water in your body....