Table Salt vs. Sea Salt - The Debate

We Need Salt

Guaranteed you have heard many times that your body is made up of 70-80% water. It is a wonder where it is all stored but its there none the less. This is not just any old water either, it is saline water or salt water. The salt is an essential component to your entire system remaining in balance and a necessary part of life, and regular water would simply not do. If you found yourself in an emergency situation, heaven's forbid, you would also notice that the nurse was injecting an IV into the largest vein on your arm to provide your body with salt water. Now although this is not the norm, as we don't receive nutrition through on IV on a daily basis, it is simply a reminder that salt is essential - no matter how you shake it.

The Salt Debate

So the question is: 'Why all the debate over of salt in our diets? ' The reason that an issue with sodium has arisen over the years is due to the type of salt that we are ingesting as well as the types of foods we are eating. We all know that the fast food and processed packaged food on the market is salt laden and less then ideal for our bodies. In addition to that the majority of salt that we take in today is common table salt. It is a heavily processed and devoid of any natural occurring minerals aside from sodium and chloride (salt). It contains additives that serve the functions of keeping the salt nice and white (especially after the iodine is added in) as well as keeping the salt from clumping together. So essentially it makes the salt look pretty.

Why You Want To Use Nature's Salt

Pretty is great, I'm all for pretty, but I can't help but take note that as with most things nature does it best. Why is it better to eat a piece of fruit rather then have a watered down, sugar added version of its juice? Why is it best to eat a potato boiled rather then the french fries that you can get at Mc Donalds? Nature has a way of keeping things in balance, it is just what she does best, so why would it be any different with salt? Sea salt, unprocessed, naturally colored with its more then 60 trace minerals, in perfect composition, is how nature does it. Real Sea Salt is about 98% sodium chloride and about 2% trace minerals. Some common minerals included in the composition are:Iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, manganese, zinc and iodine. There are many more too that are less known but still essential to the body.

Why You May Want To Reconsider Table Salt

Whey you use regular common table salt here are some of the additive bonuses that you will possibly get with your salt.

Potassium Iodide. Similar to iodine, potassium iodide becomes iodine after ingestion. Iodine is an essential trace mineral which helps to develop a healthy mind and body. It was initially added to salt in the first part of the 20th century when it was discovered that young men were developing goiters. Some smart person then decided to add iodine into our salt to make sure that everyone was getting enough in their diets and no one would be any the wiser. It has been shown in some studies that the body can only absorb about 10% of this iodine because it is simply not bio available.

Stabilizers. When potassium iodide is added, a stabilizer is needed to prevent the iodide from breaking down into iodine before it is ingested. These stabilizers can be in the form of sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, sodium thiosulfate, or other stabilizers depending on the brand.

Anti-Caking Agents. These agents help to keep the salt from clumping together, giving it that perfect smooth and even texture. The most common of these anti-caking agents are sodium alumino-silicate and alumino-calcium silicate. Notice the 'alumino' which basically means both contain aluminum. If you are at all health conscious you likely know aluminum is toxic to the body and has been associated with many diseases such as Alzheimers.

Dextrose or Glucose. Aluminum anti-caking agents give the salt a bitter flavor. Therefore glucose, or most commonly dextrose, is added to help offset the bitterness. This is a form of sugar, and like many sweeteners it has been linked to many diseases of excess such as diabetes, obesity and cavities and many other not so great illnesses.

The Only Way To Know Is To Try

Perhaps the best thing to do is try changing your table salt in for a little taste of sea salt wholesome goodness. You will likely see the difference yourself. Sea salt is also known for its wide variety of flavors and finishes that it can give to different dishes, making it a delightful addition. Salt is also most noticeable on your food when you add in after the food is cooked. If it is a habit to add on salt before you eat, try leaving the salt out in the cooking process so that you are free to add on a little at the end. This may brighten up your dish the perfect amount. Even though sea salt may be more easily received by your system that is no reason to over use salt. Everything in moderation always applies, so be aware of how much salt you are taking in with your foods and look at the recommended amounts for your particular situation.

It's Important to Give Your Body What It Needs

Another place to pick up all the trace minerals in sea salt is through your food. This is actually the best possible place to access all minerals including sodium and iodine as they are the most available to your body. If you do grow your own garden you can mix in 1 part sea water to 9 parts regular water to make sure your plants pick up all the minerals. Try to obtain sea water that has been carefully collected away from heavily polluted areas such as shorelines. Iodine is found in large amounts especially through leafy dark green veggies.