Everything you need to know about Salt

Salt, a flavoring agent, in our food is vital for the smooth functioning of the human body. Salt is primarily made up of Sodium Chloride which helps to maintain an ideal fluid balance in all the organs of our body, and in blood plasma and is also essential for efficient neuron function.

Ideal salt intake?

A human body needs 3-4 grams of salt per day. Excess ingestion of salt can lead to high blood pressure, cardio-vascular diseases and fluid retention. On the contrary, if we do not provide the body with enough sodium it can lead to lethargy, muscle fatigue and decreased neuron function. Without adequate salt not only would the heart slow down, our memory and power to think would also be impaired.

Types of salt

There are two sources of salt which give us two types of salt:

Sea Water Salt - The sea gives us seawater salt.

Rock Salt - The underground salt mines, which are dried lake beds formed by the receding sea water over millions of years, give us rock salt.

From these naturally occurring salts different types of salt are manufactured, like:

Table Salt: Table salt is usually made from Rock salt which is refined and purified to remove the trace elements giving it a white color. Some anti-caking agents are also added to prevent clumping. This is the most concentrated form of salt.

Iodized salt: when Iodine is added to table salt it is known as iodized salt. This salt helps to eliminate diseases caused by iodine deficiency.

Fortified salt: when both iodine and iron are added to the salt it is known as fortified salt.

Himalayan salt: This rose-colored rock salt is found in the mines of the Himalayan region. Unrefined, it contains several trace elements which are highly beneficial.

Salt awareness and how it works:

Whatever the source, unrefined salt contains several trace elements including Potassium and Magnesium which are necessary to metabolize the Sodium better. These three elements work synergistically in our body to regulate the water imbalance as well as manage nerve and muscle impulses.

Salt is thus an integral part of our diet, but it is important to make the right choice. Go for unrefined salts and throw out that white table salt.

Sea salt versus Rock salt -

All salts are primarily made up of sodium and chloride, but due to different sources, some 'impurities' in the form of minerals get mixed in the salt. These may change not only the appearance of the salt but also the taste and flavor. Some are beneficial to our body. Here are some differences between Sea salt and Rock salt:

-Sea salt is made by drying out the sea water under the sun. With toxins entering the oceans this salt has become somewhat tainted.

Rock salt is mined from naturally occurring subterranean mines in the form of the mineral halite.

-Sea salt typically occurs in crystals while Rock salt occurs in large solid lumps as it is mined.

-Sea salt carries the tang of the ocean and is milder in flavor while Rock salt is stronger in flavor due to the presence of minerals.

Himalayan Rock Salt:

Mined from the Khewra Salt Mines, the Himalayan salt is pink or rose-colored due to the presence of iron oxide. It also has trace amounts of calcium, potassium, and magnesium. This results in less amount of sodium giving it a distinct advantage. It also contains more than 84 trace minerals. Consumption of Himalayan rock salt has a host of benefits some of which are listed below.

• It has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties
• It detoxifies the body
• It reduces allergies and cleans the sinuses
• Improves respiratory function
• Helps in weight loss
• Aids in hormonal imbalance
• Stabilizes and regulates heart function
• Hydrates the body and flushes out toxins

So switch your salt. Use unrefined salt in your daily diet and enjoy good health!