Salt is a magical substance. It reduces bitterness, enhances sweetness, boosts flavor, and preserves perishable foods. Without it, we would die: the human body can’t make sodium, but our nerves and muscles don’t work without it. It was considered rare until quite recently, so it’s hardly surprising that, throughout history, salt has been the engine behind em ... Show More
Aug 19
Tomatoes: A Love Story
The tomato is Gastropod’s favorite flavor of summer, and we’re not alone: today, it’s the most popular vegetable on the planet, despite the fact that it's technically a fruit. But, until a couple of hundred years ago, the tomato wasn't really anyone's favorite. In South America, ... Show More
50m 48s
Aug 5
The Most Dangerous Fruit in America
It's the epitome of summertime: there’s nothing like a cold, juicy slice of red watermelon on a swelteringly hot day. But, once upon a time, watermelons were neither red nor sweet—the wild watermelon has white flesh and a bitter taste. This episode, we scour Egyptian tombs, decay ... Show More
45m 20s
Jul 22
The Colorful Tale of Mexico's A-maize-ing Grain
This might sound corny, but the relationship between maize and humanity is essential. We rely on corn—globally, more maize is grown than wheat or rice—and, in turn, corn is utterly dependent on us, to the extent that it's lost the ability to reproduce without our help. But corn's ... Show More
50m 56s
Sep 2023
Should you be reducing salt in your diet?
Salt is a common ingredient in many foods, and it’s essential for our health. Salt is made up of sodium and chloride, two minerals that help regulate fluid balance, blood pressure, nerve and muscle function. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), adults should consume ... Show More
4m 15s
Jan 2022
Are Different Types of Salt Really That Different?
Table salt, Kosher salt, sea salt, pink salt -- it may all be sodium chloride, but you can't always directly substitute one kind of salt for another in recipes. Learn why in this episode of BrainStuff, based on these articles: https://recipes.howstuffworks.com/food-facts/differen ... Show More
6m 13s
Jan 2024
Should We Be Worried About Salt?
How many times have you heard that we need to cut down on salt? But... do we actually? What does the science say about salt, our health, and who needs to worry about it? Is pink salt healthier than white salt? Is there such a thing as too low-sodium? In this episode, we chat with ... Show More
32m 49s
Jun 2024
Salt Mysteries: Unraveling Why the Sea Is Salty
Dive into a salty adventure with "English for Kids"! In this exciting episode, we're joined by Dr. Marina, a marine biologist, to explore the intriguing question: Why is the sea salty? From the journey of minerals from rocks to our vast oceans, to the crucial role salt plays in m ... Show More
5m 34s