Difference in Salt
There are many types of salts used in the home. Common table salt has been blamed for many health problems including cardiovascular disorders. This has made many people consider other types of salts. Common alternatives include:
- Himalayan salt
- Kosher salt
- Sea salt
Are these alternatives better than table salt? How different are they? Let’s briefly examine each one of them.
Common table salt
The main source of this type of salt is from underground mining. The salt is refined to remove impurities and other minerals. Additives called anti-caking agents are used so that the salt can flow freely. In most cases, iodine is added as a way of preventing iodine deficiency which is prevalent in many places. The dominant minerals in this salt are sodium and chlorine.
Himalaya salt
This salt is mined in Pakistan from the rock salt which is also referred to as halite. The salt mostly has a pinkish color due to the presence of iron oxide. Other minerals present in trace amounts include magnesium, calcium and potassium. Like table salt, the predominant elements are sodium and chlorine. However, the amount of sodium in Himalayan salt is comparatively lower.
Kosher salt
Kosher is used mostly in reference to foods that have met Jewish dietary law regulations. Kosher salt therefore refers to a type of salt that meet those religious requirements. The main use of this salt is to extract any blood from meat which makes the meat acceptable under the Jewish dietary law. Any salt can do this and so a more appropriate salt that meets these standards should be referred to as kosher certified salt.
The main difference with other salts is that, kosher salt has flat flakes. Certified kosher salt is also not likely to contain added substances such as anti-caking agents and iodine. The main ingredients are sodium and chlorine.
Sea salt
Sea salt is made by evaporating sea water. This earns it other names such as bay and solar salt. Like other salts used for culinary purposes, the main composition here is sodium chloride. Other elements found in sea salt include sulfate, potassium, zinc, iron, calcium and magnesium
Chances of sea salt contamination with heavy metals are present if the water used is from a heavily polluted sea.
In short, the main differences in these salts include:
- Texture
- Presence or absence of additives
- Presence of trace element
- This is more subjective as some people don’t notice any difference.
The presence of trace elements can make sea, Himalaya and kosher salts appear more healthful. The presence of additives to table salt make it less natural since this substances have no nutritional value and could harm the body instead. The manufacturing process of table salt is also likely to change its nature and subsequently be less beneficial to the body. However, since the amount of sodium chloride dominates in all the salts, they pose the same health risks associated with high consumption of table salt. Where the salt is not iodized and in order to avoid iodine deficiency disorders such as hypothyroidism and its associated problems, iodine must be supplemented through other dietary means.
Side effects of salt
Regardless of the type of salt, over-consumption is associated with:
- Cardiovascular disorders
- Kidney problems
- Fluid retention in the body
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Mental health symptoms
- Table salt is also thought to be addictive.
In conclusion, health conscious people may want to use salts that are as natural as possible with the least processing possible. Presence of trace elements can also be a point to keep in mind.
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