Get more experience with Hunter Subscription

JOURNAL | NEWS

Salt Coffee: Unique flavor and essential insights

Salt coffee has become a popular trend in recent years, especially in Vietnam. The unique combination of the bitterness of coffee, the saltiness of salt, and the creamy sweetness of milk creates a distinctive flavor, attracting many coffee lovers. However, consuming too much salt coffee can pose health risks. Let’s explore this drink in detail and how to enjoy it safely.

What is salt coffee?

Salt coffee is a unique variation of traditional coffee, blending the bitterness of coffee with the saltiness of salt and often the sweetness of milk. Its origin is unclear, but it has gained popularity in Vietnam in recent years.

According to a 2022 Cornell University study, salt can reduce the bitterness of coffee by inhibiting bitter receptors on the tongue. This explains why salt coffee may appeal even to those who don’t like the bitterness of traditional coffee.

Cà phê muối: Hương vị độc đáo và những điều cần biết

Salt coffee is typically made by adding a small amount of salt (usually sea salt) to black coffee or coffee with milk. The ratio of coffee, salt, and milk (if used) can vary depending on the recipe and personal preference.

Salt content in salt coffee

The amount of salt in salt coffee can vary significantly depending on preparation and personal preferences. However, based on popular recipes and expert barista studies, we can estimate the following:

  • A typical cup of salt coffee (250ml) contains about 1-2g of salt.
  • In some cases, the salt content can reach up to 5g for a stronger brew.

To better understand these numbers, let’s consider the recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO):

  • WHO recommends that adults consume less than 5g of salt per day.
  • The minimum sodium intake required by the body is about 500mg/day (equivalent to 1.25g of salt).

Thus, just one cup of salt coffee can provide between 20% and 100% of the recommended daily salt intake.

Cà phê muối: Hương vị độc đáo và những điều cần biết

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2021 found that the average Vietnamese consumes about 9.4g of salt daily, nearly double the WHO recommendation. Adding salt coffee to the diet can significantly increase daily salt intake.

Health risks of excessive salt consumption

Excessive salt intake can lead to several serious health issues:

  • High blood pressure: According to the American Heart Association, sodium in salt increases blood volume, putting pressure on blood vessels and the heart. A 2023 study published in Circulation shows that reducing daily salt intake by 1g can lower systolic blood pressure by 1-2 mmHg.
  • Cardiovascular disease: A 2022 meta-analysis published in BMJ found that each additional 5g of salt per day increases the risk of cardiovascular disease by 17%.
  • Kidney disease: Research from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine indicates that excessive salt intake increases stress on the kidneys, which can lead to kidney failure or kidney stones.
  • Osteoporosis: According to the National Institute on Aging, high salt consumption increases calcium excretion in the urine, which can lead to bone loss and a higher risk of fractures.
  • Stomach cancer: A 2023 study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that high salt consumption is associated with a 12% increased risk of stomach cancer.
  • Overweight and obesity: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), consuming salty drinks may trigger thirst, leading to higher intake of sugary beverages and weight gain.

Comparison with other beverages

To better understand the salt content in salt coffee, let’s compare it with other common drinks:

  1. Regular black coffee (250ml): 0g salt
  2. Carbonated soda (330ml): about 0.04g salt
  3. Energy drinks (250ml): about 0.2g salt
  4. Fresh coconut water (250ml): about 0.25g salt
  5. Fish sauce (15ml): about 1.5g salt
  6. Salt coffee (250ml): 1-5g salt

Cà phê muối: Hương vị độc đáo và những điều cần biết

Thus, salt coffee has a significantly higher salt content compared to most regular beverages. In fact, a cup of salt coffee can contain more salt than a spoonful of diluted fish sauce.

Salt coffee and special groups

Certain groups should be particularly cautious when consuming salt coffee:

  • Elderly: According to the American Heart Association, older adults are more sensitive to the effects of salt on blood pressure. They should limit salt intake to below 1500mg/day.
  • People with cardiovascular disease and hypertension: Harvard University research suggests that these individuals should limit salt intake to below 1500mg/day to manage their condition.
  • Pregnant women: According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, pregnant women should limit caffeine intake to below 200mg/day and control salt intake to avoid pregnancy-related hypertension.
  • People with kidney disease: The National Kidney Foundation recommends that those with kidney disease limit salt intake to 1500-2000mg/day due to reduced ability to excrete salt.
  • People with osteoporosis: Tufts University research indicates that individuals at risk of osteoporosis should limit salt intake to reduce calcium loss through urine.

Choosing and preparing safe salt coffee

To enjoy salt coffee safely, you can take the following measures:

  • Choose products with low salt content: Look for pre-packaged salt coffee brands that clearly indicate the salt content on the label, and choose ones with lower salt levels.
  • Prepare at home:

– Use 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of salt per cup of coffee (about 250ml).

– Experiment with different salts such as sea salt or Himalayan salt to find a flavor that suits you.

– Substitute part of the salt with sugar or condensed milk to reduce the salt content while maintaining the distinctive flavor.

  • Use iodized salt: According to WHO recommendations, using iodized salt helps prevent iodine deficiency, a major public health issue in many countries.
  • Limit quantity: Don’t drink more than 1-2 cups of salt coffee per day, and consider reducing salt intake in other meals.
  • Pair with water: Drink water after consuming salt coffee to help the body flush out excess sodium.
  • Monitor your body’s response: Pay attention to signs such as swelling or high blood pressure after drinking salt coffee and adjust your consumption accordingly.

Cà phê muối: Hương vị độc đáo và những điều cần biết

Salt coffee is a unique and intriguing beverage but should be enjoyed mindfully. By understanding its benefits and risks, we can savor its distinctive flavor while maintaining long-term health.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. Does salt coffee have any benefits?

Salt coffee may offer some benefits, such as reducing the bitterness of coffee, enhancing flavor, and providing a small amount of sodium and other minerals. However, these benefits should be weighed against the risks of excessive salt consumption.

2. Does drinking salt coffee cause weight gain?

Salt coffee itself does not directly cause weight gain. However, adding sugar or fatty milk can increase calorie intake. Additionally, excessive salt consumption can lead to water retention, causing temporary weight gain. A 2022 study published in Hypertension found that high salt intake can increase appetite and lead to overeating.

3. Can salt in salt coffee be replaced with something else?

You can replace part or all of the salt in salt coffee with alternatives such as:

  • Potassium salt: Provides a salty taste but with less sodium. However, according to the American Heart Association, people with kidney disease should be cautious when using potassium salt.
  • Mushroom powder: Contains natural glutamate, providing an umami flavor similar to salt. A 2023 University of Manchester study found that mushroom powder can reduce salt content by 40% in some dishes without compromising flavor.
  • Other spices: Cinnamon, cardamom, or vanilla can enhance flavor without adding salt.

4. Does drinking salt coffee affect sleep?

Salt coffee can affect sleep due to its caffeine content. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, caffeine can disrupt sleep if consumed within six hours of bedtime. Additionally, high salt intake can increase nighttime urination, affecting sleep quality. A 2021 study from Nagasaki University, Japan, found that reducing salt intake can cut nighttime urination by 50% in older adults.

5. Can you drink salt coffee while on a weight-loss diet?

You can drink salt coffee while on a weight-loss diet, but keep a few points in mind:

  • Calorie control: If you add milk or sugar, account for the additional calories in your daily intake.
  • Monitor salt intake: Ensure your total daily salt intake does not exceed WHO recommendations (less than 5g/day).
  • Timing: A 2023 University of Illinois study found that drinking coffee before a meal can reduce food intake by about 10% during that meal.
  • Consider alternatives: Try black coffee or green tea to reduce calorie and salt intake.

Remember, any changes to your diet should be discussed with a nutritionist or doctor, especially if you have health concerns.

5/5 - (1 vote)

SPECIALTY COFFEE

FOR YOU