Do you know someone who reaches for the salt before they even taste their meal? Are you that person? Most of us are aware that excessive salt intake is not good for us. So, what is the salt lover to do?
For some salt lovers, the saving grace has been the discovery of sea salt. The rise in popularity of cooking shows where sea salt is touted, and many products in the grocery store touting sea salt as “all-natural,” many assume that sea salt is much healthier than ordinary table salt. This assumption has encouraged some to indulge their salt cravings without worry.
It is true that sea salt and table salt are different, but is sea salt really better for us than table salt?
We get sea salt through the evaporation of seawater. Usually, sea salt is not processed or is processed minimally, which means sea salt will contain minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium and others.
Table salt is usually mined from underground salt deposits. It is more heavily processed to get rid of minerals and usually contains an additive to prevent clumping. In addition, iodine (a nutrient that helps maintain a healthy thyroid) is often added to table salts.
According to a survey conducted by the American Heart Association, 61% of respondents agreed that sea salt is a lower sodium alternative to table.
In reality, sea salt and table salt contain about the same percentage of sodium (about 40 percent) when measured by weight. Sea salt is often said to contain less sodium by volume, but consumers must remember that it has larger crystals, so it may have less sodium per volume (i.e. how many crystals can fit in a teaspoon).
The bottom line is that salt is still salt, no matter which variety you choose and must be consumed in moderation as part of a heart-healthy diet.
Recipe of the month:
Salt-free All-Purpose Blend
Makes: 79 servings
Ingredients
2 tablespoons onion (dried) 2 tablespoons garlic powder 1 tablespoon paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons thyme
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Mix all ingredients in a small bowl, using a
- Place mix into a container that allows you to shake to