Sea Salt Vs. Table Salt

Table salt and sea salt are both useful when preparing food. Sea salt comes from evaporating seawater, so it is a natural source of sodium. Table salt comes from mining salt deposits. Manufacturers then process it into a fine crystal that is easy to mix in food.

Many people believe that sea salt is healthier than table salt because it is a natural source of sodium. However, producers fortify table salt with iodine, which is vital for thyroid hormone production.

Sodium is an essential nutrient that people get from added salt and processed foods. Doctors recommend limiting salt in the diet because too much sodium can contribute to dehydration and heart disease

Chefs use sea salt in some recipes because of its coarse and crunchy texture. Some people also prefer the stronger taste of sea salt. Although people may perceive sea salt to be better for health, it has the same sodium content as table salt. Some people believe that sea salt has less sodium than table salt, but this is a misconception.

Table salt and most sea salts both contain 40% by weight of sodium. A teaspoon of table salt contains 2,300mgs of sodium. The crystals of sea salt are larger hence few crystals will fit a tablespoon. Since less sea salt can fit in the same volume, people may believe sea salt has less sodium than table salt.

Sea salt comes from a natural source and contains other minerals, including:

• Magnesium

• Calcium

• Potassium

Sodium is essential for good health, so people should not eliminate it entirely from their diet. The sodium in salt helps to control blood pressure and is necessary for nerve and muscle function. People need to eat salt for normal cell function and to maintain the acid balance of the blood.

Table salt contains iodine, which is another essential nutrient. People with iodine deficiency can develop goiter and a range of other symptoms such as;

• Irregular or heavy period in women.

• Pregnancy complications that may result to stillbirth in some cases.

• Memory loss and difficulties in learning new things due to poor brain development.

• Low heart rate that may make a person feel dizzy or even faint.

• Slow metabolism hence production of less energy.

• Dry skin due to buildup of dead cells with no renewal.

• Hair loss since the renewal of hair follicles comes to a halt.

• Tiredness due to a reduction in metabolic rates.

• Unexpected weight gain.

Too much salt can contribute to several health conditions, including:

• High blood pressure.

• Heart disease.

• Stroke.

• Heart attacks.

The majority of salt people eat does not come from adding salt to their home cooked meals, however, from processed foods. In addition to processed and packaged foods, people should be aware of the high salt content in poultry, cheese, and bread.

Manufacturers may include additives in table salt to prevent clumping. These additives are called anticaking agents and include;

• Potassium ferrocyanide.

• Calcium silicate.

• Silicon dioxide.

• Yellow prussiate of soda.

Just because sea salt is natural, it does not mean it is better for people’s health. Many people believe that sea salt is a healthful alternative to table salt, but eating too much of any salt is harmful.

People do need to include an appropriate amount of sodium in their diet, however. Eliminating salt can cause harmful mineral imbalances in the blood and can affect thyroid function.

Sea salt comes from a natural source and contains other minerals, but it does not contain iodine. Choosing non-ionized sea salt can put people at risk of iodine deficiency, and so they must seek other sources of iodine in their diets.

One type of salt may not be more healthful than another so people can choose their preferred salt, depending on taste and texture.