Some modern trends promote the idea that salt makes coffee sweeter, and that using it is a way to reduce sugar consumption, but experts point out that this practice is not based on scientific evidence.
Dr. Eleanor Bryant, a psychologist from the University of Bradford, said: "Salt enhances flavors, particularly by softening the bitterness of caffeine, which can sometimes make coffee taste sweeter."
She added: "Some may think that replacing sugar with salt helps reduce consumption, but excessive salt intake in this way can be harmful, especially for those who drink several cups a day."
Bryant explained that people's preference for coffee is influenced by genetic factors, noting that dominant and recessive genes associated with the sense of taste determine a person's inclination towards bitter flavors or not.
She added: "Many of us are learning to enjoy bitter flavors, while others resort to modifying coffee by adding salt to make it more palatable."
Health experts note that excessive salt intake is linked to high blood pressure, an increased risk of heart disease and kidney problems, and adding salt regularly to several cups of coffee a day may contribute to exceeding the recommended daily limit of sodium.
