Benefits of Sea Salts

Until recently salt was just salt. Lately however, salt, particularly sea salt, has received a lot more attention as a nutritional supplement.  The health benefits of sea salt include claims from improving digestion to imparting “harmonious energy,” are credited to minerals and trace elements left in sea salt that are refined out of table salt.

Depending on how it is produced, sea salt by itself  is generally far from being pure.  Impurities are a big selling point and sometimes gives it identifying colors or flavors.  An example would be grey sea salt that has tiny bits of clay in it, or Hawaiian sea salt that has iron-rich red volcanic clay added to it. Lately, there are all kinds of gourmet sea salts available.  You can now get dead sea salt, himalayan, kosher or any other kind of sea salt you want.

Information from the Mayo Clinic indicate that sea salt and table salt have the same basic nutritional value and both consist mainly of two minerals, sodium and chloride. However, regardless of this fact, sea salt is often marketed as the more natural and healthy alternative. The real differences between sea salt and table salt are in the taste, texture and processing, not chemical makeup.  A major difference is the cost of the salt.

The importance of minerals in the diet can’t be dismissed; after all, the iodine commonly added to table salt helps prevent thyroid conditions. But there’s little I’ve found little research that proves sea salt better for you than ordinary salt and claims are usually made on personal preference. 

The biggest difference I’ve found is in the way salt is produced.  Sea salt is produced by evaporating sea water.  This usually leaves small trace amounts of minerals and elements depending upon how much is in the water.  With no further processing the minerals add flavor and color to sea salt.

Ordinary table salt usually comes from underground salt deposits. Table salt is more heavily processed to eliminate trace minerals and usually contains an additive to prevent clumping. Most table salt also has added iodine, an essential nutrient that appears naturally in minute amounts in sea salt.

Sea salt and ordinary salt contain about the same amount of sodium chloride by weight. Nutritionally, your body only needs a couple hundred milligrams (mg) a day to stay healthy.  But, sodium is an ingredient in most processed foods and most people get far more (read this as too much) sodium than they need, mostly from processed foods. 

Regardless of which type of salt you prefer, you should keep sodium consumption between 1,500 and 2,300 mg of sodium a day if you’re a healthy adult. If you have medical conditions, you should follow your doctor’s recommendations concerning sodium consumption.  People with high blood pressure, and anyone middle-aged or older should aim for the low end of that range.

Salt as we have known it for years, is a pure white free flowing spice that is essential to flavor our daily foods.  Now, there are all kinds of gourmet salts with different flavors, colors and textures available from a variety of sources.  Color and flavor usually depends on where and how the salt is produced.

Many gourmet chefs, in homes and in restaurants, have learned to appreciate and distinguish between the distinctive qualities of the many varieties of sea salts and how these salts enhance the flavors and finish of foods.

The bottom line is that sea salt may not be any healthier than ordinary table salt.  If you prefer sea salt and believe that it has some health benefits, then it may be worth the added cost.  If you like to experiment with different colors and flavors, then find a good source where the quality is high and advice is available.

If you want more information on the types and uses of sea salt, visit Selina Naturally™ Home of Celtic Sea Salt® Brand and learn where sea salts come from and they get their texture and color.