Why you'll always find salt and pepper on the table: Nutritionist reveals surprising health benefits

Salt and pepper are two staples of cooking, but flavour and taste aren't the only reason the condiments are a major part of our diet.

In a video on TikTok, nutritionist Lisa Kilgour said there are actually a host of health benefits behind why these particular seasonings will be on the table. 

"Have you ever wondered why salt and pepper is always on the table... like why isn't oregano on everything?" Kilgour said in the clip.

You can watch the video above.

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According to Kilgour, we actually need salt for our bodies for "our cells to function properly." 

Given that salt is so 'innate,' we need to decide for ourselves how much salt our food needs. 

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Our bodies can often crave salt but there are reasons behind this. 

According to Kilgour in another video, she said when people crave salt often, it can be for many different reasons. 

One reason she said is that those who have low blood pressure have a tendency to crave salt as your body is "asking for it because water follows salt, you absorb more water when you have salt." 

"When there's salt there it increases your blood volume and that allows your body to handle the day to day moment bloody pressure changes that are necessary," she said. 

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Although it doesn't solve everything Kilgour said it can take some of the edge off for those who may suffer. 

Kilgour said black pepper on the other hand, "Is a little bit more interesting." 

Black pepper doesn't bring out any pre-existing flavour in a dish the way salt does. 

However, it brings its own flavour and the health benefits behind black pepper may even surprise you.

Kilgour said that black pepper "helps with digestive function and stomach support." 

According to Healthline, black pepper is high in antioxidants, contains anti-inflammatory properties, can improve your blood sugar and even lower cholesterol. 

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Black pepper is rich in a plant compound called piperine, which test-tube studies have found to have potent antioxidant properties.

So if you don't have salt and pepper on your table, better get them on quick to soak up all the benefits.