Salty European Food (3) Fourth, Europeans consume salty foods because they believe that salt helps alleviate low blood pressure. In Europe, atmospheric pressure is generally low, leading to frequent rain and intermittent weather changes throughout the day. Particularly in countries like Germany, Poland, and Russia, notorious for their winters lasting more than five months, low atmospheric pressure becomes especially severe during this period. During the seasons of low pressure, the oxygen content in the air decreases, leading to so-called meteorological ailments. In other words, common symptoms include headaches, body aches, depression, a sense of helplessness, and fatigue. While there is some medical debate, some believe that these symptoms are linked to hypotension caused by the low pressure. Consequently, they seek ways to raise their blood pressure, and one method is ingesting salt. Since low blood pressure can lead to fatal heart attacks and an increase in suicide rates, many people believe it is essential to include salty foods in their diet. Russians, in particular, not only consume salty foods to raise their blood pressure but also often pair them with vodka. Fifth, there is a unique reason why Koreans perceive European food as salty. When Koreans and foreigners enjoy Korean cuisine, they typically do not find it excessively salty. Korean dishes tend to be both spicy and sweet, which balances the perception of saltiness. In other words, Korean cuisines incorporate a variety of seasonings, whereas European dishes are primarily seasoned with salt and pepper, occasionally with olive oil. This difference in seasoning methods contributes to Koreans' perception of European food as salty. Additionally, among Korean dishes, hot soups such as kimchi stew or spicy fish stew are commonly served, and the heat can reduce the perception of saltiness. If you were to try cold ramen soup, you would likely notice that it tastes saltier compared to when it is served hot.