Sea Salt or Table Salt, What’s healthier?

What’s healthier? Sea salt or Table salt?

Sea salt in many homes is considered a healthy alternative to table salt. Which do you prefer? Let us take a closer look into this salty subject and check out the facts. Ounce for ounce, sea salt and table salt contain similar amounts of sodium. And overconsumption of sodium can negatively impact health and worsen chronic health conditions. Salt is mined from oceanic waters and lakes and naturally contains small amounts of minerals such as iodine, magnesium, potassium, and calcium, and contains trace amounts of elemental bromine and sulfur. Our bodies use all of these for cell balance and proper function.

Table salt is a highly refined product, also known as Iodized salt. It is chemically processed and heated to remove impurities. During this processing of table salt most of the minerals and elements are lost and additives are placed in to keep the tiny crystals from sticking together. Table salt is also fortified with iodine since a deficiency in iodine is linked with thyroid dysfunction. For this reason, table salt contains a higher amount of iodine than Sea salt. Sea salt is mined using an evaporation method which produces larger crystals, and the process preserves the natural properties of salt. Himalayan salt is more organically produced as is typically harvested by hand. This method helps reduce waste during mining and more importantly, the unique flavors of are well-preserved. Some Sea salt makers now offer Iodized Sea salt on the market.

Ultimately, the organic properties of Sea salts make it the preferred choice among gourmet cooks and households all over the world. Although both salts have their bonuses, the thought of adding more salt to your diet is not recommended. If you lack iodine and the minerals found in salt, skip the saltshaker, and consider adding whole fruits, dark leafy green vegetables, avocados, coconut, and yogurt to your daily diet. These foods are loaded with healthful nutrients and minerals and are virtually sodium free!

The truth about salt is that most Americans need less than 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium a day, which equals about 1 teaspoon of table salt. Folks who frequently eat fast food, order take out meals, or dine at restaurants can quickly surpass the recommended daily amount of sodium. Heat and serve meals, frozen meals, and canned soups are also loaded with sodium. Did you know that chronic diseases such as hypertension, kidney disease, and congestive heart failure are treated with meal plans that limit sodium to less than 1,500 mg per day? For reference one 18.5-ounce can of soup has an average of 1,450 mg of sodium! Toss in some salted butter on toast bread and a pickle slice with your canned soup; now that’s a lot of salt. If uncertain about how much salt is safe for you, be sure to check with your health care team to learn about your sodium limits. Whether you toss a dash of table salt or a pinch of Sea salt into your favorite dish, be sure to do so in moderation.

Till next time, stay healthy and be well!

Want to know more? Check out the link below to learn about harvesting and processing of salt.
https://www.mortonsalt.com/salt-production-and-processing/#:~:text=Salt%20Production%20and%20Processing%201%20Solar%20Evaporation%20Method.,heat%20in%20large%20commercial%20evaporators%2C%20called%20vacuum%20pans