Salt or sodium is a mineral that you will find in almost anything you eat or drink. Many people panic about salt intake, but it's got many health benefits and is essential in your diet. Salt rinses are one of the main remedies for mouth healing and are also able to fight infection and heal wounds. 

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So, is salt bad for your body?

Salt has had a vital role in our diet since forever. Yet, in the last few decades, salt has been turned into an enemy, a little bit like sugar. This is because it is associated with hypertension and heart disease. In fact, if you don't get enough salt in your diet, then it can cause problems with bodily functions, and you can gain salt deficiency. Signs of this include reduced hydration, muscle cramps, headaches, weakness and irritability to name a few. 

Different types of salt 

However, it's important to know the difference between a natural salt and table salt. Table salt is sodium chloride and is extremely processed. Natural salts come in their complete form. For example, sea salt and pink Himalayan rock salt. When it comes to sea salt, it has a protective effect against heart disease and promotes good vascular health. 

Balances electrolytes 

Sea salt is high in electrolytes which prevents muscle cramps during exercise. Sea salt contains sodium, magnesium, potassium and calcium which are all essential minerals for good health and well-being. These minerals must come from the diet because the body is unable to create them and without it, you will experience irregular heartbeat, fatigue and nausea. 

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Improves sleep 

When swapping table salt for natural salts, it can allow you to sleep better and you are less thirsty or hungry and have overall satisfaction after a meal. It's important to get enough salt anytime you exercise as the body will sweat it out which is why athletes tend to use salt tablets for better rehydration. 

Enhances the nervous system

Sodium regulates water flow throughout the body which is vital for a healthy nervous system. The water in the nervous system requires salt for electrical conduction to send and receive nervous system signals. Your brain needs the right salt balance which is why sea salt is also a better option than table salt. 

Maybe take your Gookie Dough to the next level and add a sprinkle of sea salt to the mix and some tinned caramel. Twist it up and voila you have a salted caramel dessert. Complete pudding goals! 

Our heart is the key to our body being healthy. A healthy heart is the key to a happy life. Nutritional advice can be overwhelming but here at Gookie Dough, we like to keep things nice and simple. Here are the foods that can improve your heart health and those that aren't as good. 

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Mushrooms

Fungi are nutritional goodies. They contain anti-inflammatory compounds, vitamin D and antioxidants. They can reduce hardening of the arteries, cholesterol and blood pressure. You only need to consume three ounces of mushrooms to provide you with your daily dose of nutrients. Unfortunately, you either love them or hate them. Hide them in your mashed potato or chicken pie. Do anything!

Alcohol 

You don't have to ask us twice if we'd like a glass of wine. It's known that one glass of wine (drinking in moderation, of course) can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and increase lipoproteins. We don't mean drink the whole bottle every single day as this can lead to heart attacks and high blood pressure. Drink to recommended amounts and don't overdo it. Remember, too much of a good thing can be harmful! 

Tea

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Us Brits love a good cup of builders tea. Researchers believe that antioxidants in tea can have a positive impact on our health. Tea contains good cholesterol which helps our cell membranes to function and also tries to remove the bad cholesterol out of the bloodstream. Of course, tea is good if you're not sprinkling it with sugar constantly. You'll end up with diabetes instead!

Energy drinks

A BIG NO. Caffeine, vitamins and stimulating ingredients are the worst for heart health. Drinking energy drinks can lead to palpitations, heart attacks and seizures (hence the new 16 age limit). Pumping all of these compounds into your body at the same time means that your heart is working harder and can struggle, especially if you have underlying health conditions in your genes. Gookie Dough wins yet again. 

So, eat your mushrooms, drink your tea and enjoy a glass of wine. After all, it is hump day and we're all dying in the office wondering when it's the weekend. Order your Gookie Dough here to keep you going till Fri-yay! 

Cupcakes, rich, creamy, red velvet, carrot cake, coffee and walnut. The list is endless. We've dedicated today's blog post to our Funfetti Cake Batter Gookie Dough and we're about to make your day better because there's no need to feel guilty over a slice of luxury anymore. Yes, the cake does have benefits so grab your fork! 

(Image credit: sprinklebakes.com) 

Stops that sadness 

Now, our slice of nice can actually turn that frown upside down. Scientists in Belguim gave some people a saline drip and others a fatty one and then tested their reaction to negative images. Those receiving the fatty drip were much less affected. So, the proof is in the pudding, cake, chocolate and all things delicious are comfort food (obviously not always for the better).

Cake contains goodness

Sounds strange when we're told not to eat all the things that are deemed bad for us but there are some plus sides Chocolate cake contains antioxidants, walnut cake contains omega 3 oil. Even Battenburg which is riddled with artificial colours contains almond so there may even be a positive there. Every grey cloud has a silver lining, right? 

(Image credit: Evening Standard)

Cake can help the weight (kinda)

A study showed that eating a dessert as part of a balanced 600 calorie breakfast actually helped individuals lose weight. In fact, they had a lower chance of putting on weight than those who were not eating cake for brekky. The science? Metabolism earlier on in the day is more active than later on. Forget the afternoon tea plans! 

Improving Digestion 

Cakes contain fruits such as berries, banana and apples and are a good source of fibre. Fibre-rich foods help our body digest better. Some carrots and cupcakes are made with carrots and beets such means that they minimise the risk of heart disease. It's not all doom and gloom. 

Have a wonderful day, cake-lovers! *Post inspiration from medium.com)