Salt Varieties: What Types of Salt Are There? Which One Should We Use?

Salt has been used throughout history for the purpose of food preservation and flavor enhancement, becoming an integral part of our culinary culture. However, in recent years, with the increasing emphasis on health, awareness about the types of salt and the amount consumed has also grown. Understanding how much of each type of salt should be consumed, preferred healthy salt varieties, and ways to make conscious choices are among the topics of interest. In this blog post, we will explore different types of salt.

What Is Salt?

Salt is a compound formed by the combination of sodium and chloride elements. Its chemical formula is NaCl. Sodium plays a crucial role in vital functions such as maintaining electrolyte balance in the body, regulating intra- and extracellular fluid levels, controlling nerve transmission, and muscle contraction. Chloride, on the other hand, undertakes tasks such as maintaining the acid-base balance of body fluids and supporting the digestive process.

How Much Salt Should Be Consumed Daily?
Health authorities support a daily salt intake of 6 grams for healthy individuals. However, this is the recommended amount for healthy individuals, and those with conditions such as hypertension, kidney, or thyroid diseases should ensure their salt consumption is under specialist supervision. Additionally, athletes may need to consume extra salt during periods of intense training when they may lose additional sodium.

Types of Salt:

• Table Salt:

Consists of sodium chloride and is usually iodized or contains additives to prevent clumping.

• Sea Salt:

Derived from evaporated ocean water. Sea salt has a composition almost identical to table salt, but it may contain small amounts of other minerals. It is less processed and often marketed as a "healthier" option, but essentially, it is very similar to table salt.

• Rock Salt:

Rock salt is a natural salt variety extracted from underground salt veins. It has a structure that preserves its minerals and is considered a healthy option as it is unrefined.

• Himalayan Salt:

Promoted as the purest salt, Himalayan salt differs in that it contains not only sodium and chloride but also various other mineral elements. It has a unique pink color from the region it is harvested.

• Kosher Salt:

Kosher salt is a type of salt produced and used in accordance with Jewish traditions. The term "kosher" signifies compliance with Jewish dietary laws (Kashrut). This salt usually has large crystal grains and dissolves quickly.

Which Salt Should We Use?
Now that we've learned about different salt types, which one should we use? In fact, it wouldn't be entirely accurate to give a direct answer like "use X salt." The use of iodine-free salt may be necessary for individuals with thyroid gland diseases such as Hashimoto's, while iodized salt can be essential for maintaining thyroid gland protection in normal, healthy individuals. The use of iodine during pregnancy is crucial for the healthy growth and development of the baby. Lack of iodine can lead to conditions such as mental retardation. Goiter disease is also caused by iodine deficiency.

In summary:

• Salt is a compound formed by the combination of sodium and chloride elements.
• It plays a crucial role in maintaining vital bodily functions.
• There are many different types of salt. Specifically, Himalayan salt contains more minerals compared to other salts and is in a purer form.
• Table salt is generally used in healthy individuals to prevent diseases caused by iodine deficiency. As always, the amount of salt consumed is crucial for overall health and should not exceed the limit specified by health authorities.