Salt – of the earth, of staying salty, partner in crime to pepper. There once was a time in our recorded history when Salt was worth more than bars of gold, and was treasured as a gift from the gods in many cultures.

Today, salt is the most common, if not also the most popular, kind of seasoning that you can find in homes and kitchens all over the world. It’s used in everything from food flavoring to body scrubs, as well as medicinal purposes like soaks and cleansers. 

That is to say, there’s a very long historical tradition involving salt and its place in our daily lives.

So let’s talk about that.

TABLE SALT VS SEA SALT

By definition, all salts are at their very core just sodium chloride, which is the chemical compound that gives salt its distinct flavor. However, not all salts are made equal – in fact, if we go through history, there are hundreds (if not thousands) of variants to salt that have come and gone from prominence in various cultures, such the Vikings, Imperial Chinese, and Judeo-Christians.

Today, two types of salt are the most common: processed salt, also known as table salt or iodized salt, and Sea Salt, often made synonymous with bay salt, rock salt, or kosher salt. There are more subtle distinctions between all of these variants, but to make matters simple, these two variants – table salt and sea salt – have a very clear and easy-to-grasp difference.

Table salt or processed salt is, as the latter name implies, processed salt that has been refined and removed of certain “imperfections”, such as irregular grain size and shape, as well as discoloration by other minerals that have bonded with the salt during the production process.

The refinement process is what gives us the familiar white table salt found in almost every salt shaker bottle in homes all over the world. This process also adds other nutrients to the salt, as refining the seasoning often strips it of beneficial minerals like magnesium.

Meanwhile, sea salt is essentially sun-dried or sun-baked salt that is minimally processed, and contains most of its “imperfections”, including uneven grains and mineral grit. It retains more of its natural nutrients as well, because its refinement amounts to grinding the salt slabs or stones down to much smaller, sand-like grains. Rock salt gets its name from the fact that its individual grains look like small rocks.

To summarize, table salt is polished and refined, and synthetic nutrients are added to make it healthier, while sea salt is minimally processed, and retains much of its natural nutrients.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF SALT

We’ve all heard extolled the dangers of consuming too much salt, and there is definitely some merit to the arguments that sodium is bad for you – but this is only when it’s consumed in great doses.

Sodium is an essential mineral that our body needs in order to function. It helps balance our fluid retention, improve out nerve impulse transmission, and maintain our muscle health. Sea salt contains many natural minerals that are also critical to the body, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. These minerals work as electrolytes that energize and nourish the body especially during and after strenuous exertion.

When consumed in proper doses, the sodium found in salts can help with hydrating, as they make your body absorb water faster, thus quenching your body’s need to replenish fluids much quicker. Sodium is also important for fluid retention, which is important for athletes and people who are exercising regularly.

Salt is also a great source of minerals, especially sea salt. In fact, certain salt variants can contain up to over 80 trace minerals that contribute to healthy bodily functions, including keeping our kidneys and liver healthy. Moderate amounts of salt can also help regulate blood pressure in heart disease at-risk adults. 

And there you have it – the importance of salt has always been prevalent in both culture and cuisine, and it doesn’t seem to be showing any signs of fading into the background.

While we continue to be under the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, let’s take a moment to appreciate how something so common has been helping us stay healthy throughout the centuries. Sprinkle a bit of salt on your salad or soup today, and remember to consume in moderation.

Stay safe and stay healthy, everyone!

The post She Sells Sea Salt By The C Shelf: The Importance of Salt appeared first on The Fast Metabolism Diet Community.