In today’s world, it’s hard to find an edible substance that hasn’t been infused with some kind of salt. As a result, it can be tricky to know which salt is right for you and which ones you should steer clear of. Unfortunately, most people are prone to falling victim to marketing tactics when it comes to food, and as such, many people think all salts are equally beneficial. In actuality, not all salts are created equal. There are a variety of different salts available on the market, each with their own set of benefits or drawbacks depending on your diet and lifestyle needs. It’s important that you understand the differences between these various salts if you want to make sure you aren’t consuming something that isn’t quite as healthy as it seems; while some types may be helpful in certain situations and others will prove harmful if overconsumed. This article breaks down the different types of salt so you can use them wisely (and avoid those that might be detrimental).
What is salt?
Salt is the general term for any edible mineral that can be used as a preservative or a flavour enhancer. It’s been used as a food staple for thousands of years. While the exact origins of salt are unclear, it is believed to have first been used by ancient Middle-Eastern civilizations around 10,000 BC. Salt has been linked to a variety of health benefits and is also used in several other industries, including water softening, ice-melting, and the chemical industry. The most common form of salt is table salt, or sodium chloride, which is composed of 40% sodium and 60% chloride.
Normal Salt (or table salt)
Normal table salt is a processed, refined salt that has been heavily refined and stripped of all its minerals. This means it contains very little in the way of nutrients and actually raises your blood pressure more than many other types of salt. Table salt should be avoided in most cases, as it’s been shown to be linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, and various other health complications. However, if you have very high blood pressure and need to lower it, you should avoid table salt as it won’t actually help you lower your blood pressure and may even increase your blood pressure overtime.
Sea Salt
Sea salt is a unprocessed, mineral-rich salt that is harvested from a natural source. It contains many of the same minerals found in our bodies, like iron, zinc, iodine, and magnesium. This makes it a great option for people with certain dietary restrictions or special needs, as it is completely natural and will not cause any unwanted side effects or complications. The only drawback is that sea salt is typically more expensive than table salt, but if you need a salt that can supplement your diet and help you avoid deficiencies, it’s worth the cost.
Celtic Sea Salt
Celtic sea salt is very similar to normal sea salt, but it is much more finely ground and has a higher iron content than normal sea salt. This makes it the perfect option for people who need an iron supplement, but don’t want to take a daily pill. Celtic sea salt is also an excellent salt to use on your food, as it has a very unique flavour that makes it ideal as a finishing salt.
Pink Himalayan Sea Salt
Pink Himalayan salt is a very unique kind of unprocessed sea salt that is very rich in minerals. It also contains some natural trace elements that are often found in minerals. This makes it an excellent option for those looking to supplement their diet with trace minerals and for those who need a natural iron supplement. Unfortunately, it is quite expensive and not something most households can easily afford. However, it is definitely worth the splurge for special occasions if you need more iron in your diet.
Black Salt
Black salt is an Indian salt that is usually ground and mixed with various other spices. It is very rich in iron and is mostly used to season food. It has a very distinct taste, which makes it perfect for flavouring food without being overpowering. This makes it a great option for people who want to add more iron to their diet, but don’t want to add too much flavour to food. Black salt can be added to almost any dish, making it a great addition to any pantry. It is also very cheap, making it a great salt to use in recipes where you want to add a lot of flavour without adding a lot of cost.
Flake Salt
Flake salt is a very coarse sea salt that is ground and then turned into flakes that are very small. It is often used as a finishing salt and can be sprinkled on top of many dishes to give them a bit of flavour and texture. Flake salt is very common in salt shakers and is an excellent way to add a bit of flavour without overdoing it. While it is an excellent option for adding a bit of flavour, it is not the best salt to use when cooking. This is because it is very coarse, making it difficult to dissolve and use in recipes.
Coarse Sea Salt
Coarse sea salt is a very unprocessed salt that has a very similar appearance to coarse ground black pepper. It is often used as a finishing salt for dishes, but it is also commonly used for cooking. This is because it is a very coarse salt, making it very easy to dissolve and use in recipes. It is an excellent all-around salt that can be used for both cooking and finishing dishes.
Bottom line
These are the different types of salt that are currently available to the public, and while they all have their own unique benefits, they also have their drawbacks. If you want to avoid unwanted side effects and complications, it’s best to opt for unprocessed sea salt, or if you need to supplement your diet with iron, opt for pink Himalayan salt. The best way to choose the right salt for you is to consider what your diet and lifestyle goals are, and then find a salt that is best suited for them.
