Did you know Americans consume almost twice the recommended limit of salt each day?* In an effort to combat the health risks associated with high-sodium diets, the New York City Health Department recently launched a national initiative to decrease the salt content in foods over the next five years.

As health organizations, advocacy groups and medical experts promote this new policy, it’s 5ozred10inchimportant for Americans to know they can drastically reduce their sodium intake without compromising the flavor of their food. Original Tabasco brand pepper sauce has been adding flavor to food for over 140 years. But unlike most hot sauces, which contain 100 to 240 milligrams of sodium per teaspoon**, Tabasco sauce – a natural vegetable product – only has 30 milligrams of sodium and zero calories per teaspoon.

Here are a few simple techniques for adding great flavor to food without sacrificing health:

  • Mix minced garlic, thyme or rosemary and Tabasco sauce with two tablespoons of vegetable oil and brush on chicken before grilling
  • Use 1 1/2 teaspoons of Tabasco sauce per three quarts of water when cooking pasta
  • Add finely chopped onion, garlic and a half-teaspoon of Tabasco sauce per pound to lean chicken, turkey or beef burgers

Incorporating  hot pepper sauce into your favorite dishes is a major step toward fabulous feasting, the low sodium way.

*According to the National Salt Reduction Initiative by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

**Amount varies according to specific brand comparisons.

– Guest contributor