Sea salt: Its nutritional benefits and a crash test with other types of salt
Sea salt is a popular seasoning that in Greece is collected from the Aegean Sea as well as from our other coastlines. It is known for its unique taste and high mineral content, which offer many nutritional benefits. Below you will find some of the many nutritional benefits of sea salt and how it can positively affect your health.
Sea salt: Its nutritional benefits
Rich in minerals
Sea salt is a rich source of minerals essential for good health. It contains over 82 trace elements, including magnesium, potassium and calcium. These minerals play an important role in various bodily functions, including nerve function, muscle contraction, and bone health. In addition, these minerals can also help improve cardiovascular health by regulating blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Low sodium content
Sea salt has a lower sodium content than table salt. Sodium is an essential mineral that regulates body fluids and helps transmit nerve impulses, but too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Unlike table salt, which contains about 97% sodium chloride, Greek sea salt has a lower sodium chloride content, making it a healthier choice for people with high blood pressure.
It enhances the taste
Sea salt has a distinctive taste that enhances the taste of food. Its unique mineral content gives it a rich and complex flavor that can add depth to a variety of dishes. It can also help reduce the amount of salt needed in recipes without sacrificing flavor, making it a healthier option for cooking.
Natural and unprocessed
Sea salt is a natural and unprocessed salt that is free of additives such as anti-caking agents, iodine and fluoride, which are often added to table salt. This makes it a healthier option as it does not contain harmful chemicals that can have adverse health effects.
Possible effects on blood pressure
Research has shown that eating foods rich in potassium, such as sea salt, can help lower blood pressure. A study published in the Journal of Hypertension found that eating potassium-rich foods could lower blood pressure by 3.5 mm Hg systolic and 1.7 mm Hg diastolic. Another study published in the British Medical Journal found that reducing sodium intake and increasing potassium intake could lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.
A crash test with other types of salt
Salt is a fundamental ingredient in the world of cooking, and there are several types of salt available on the market, each with its own unique nutritional profile. Greek sea salt, Himalayan pink salt, and table salt are some of the most commonly used salts. Below we will compare the nutritional value of these three types of salt to determine which is the healthiest option.
Greek sea salt
Greek sea salt is collected from the Aegean Sea and is known for its distinctive taste and rich mineral content. It contains about 82 trace elements that are essential for health. It is a good source of magnesium, potassium and calcium. Additionally, it contains lower levels of sodium than table salt, making it a better choice for people with high blood pressure.
Pink Himalayan salt
Himalayan salt is pink in color due to the presence of iron oxide. Pink Himalayan salt is known for its high mineral content, containing over 84 trace elements essential for good health. It is a good source of iron, calcium, magnesium and potassium.
Table salt
Table salt, also known as sodium chloride, is the most commonly used salt in households and restaurants. It is a processed salt that undergoes several stages of refining, resulting in the removal of most of its natural minerals. It contains approximately 97% sodium chloride and the remaining 3% includes various additives such as iodine, anti-caking agents and flavor enhancers.
Nutritional Value Comparison
Greek sea salt and Himalayan pink salt are both natural salts that are rich in minerals. They contain higher levels of minerals than table salt, which is processed and contains fewer minerals. However, the mineral content of both Himalayan pink salt and Greek sea salt is not significant enough to provide significant health benefits. For example, the amount of magnesium, potassium and calcium found in these salts is not enough to cover the recommended daily intake of these minerals.
On the other hand, table salt is not considered healthy due to its high sodium content. High sodium intake is linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per day, which is equivalent to one teaspoon of table salt.
What should I prefer after all?
Greek sea salt and Himalayan pink salt are healthier options compared to table salt. They contain higher levels of minerals than table salt and Greek sea salt also contains lower levels of sodium. However, the mineral content of these salts is not significant enough to provide significant health benefits. Therefore, it is important to use salt in moderation and choose the type of salt that suits your nutritional needs. People with high blood pressure should prefer Greek sea salt or Himalayan pink salt, while those concerned about sodium intake should use salt in moderation and avoid using table salt.
REDMOND Real Sea Salt - Natural Unrefined Gluten Free Fine, 26 Ounce Pouch (1 Pack)
| 0 | 530mg | 0g | 0g | 0g |
| Calories | Sodium | Dietary Fiber | Sugars | Protein |
- FLAVOR – Real Salt is unlike any salt on earth. It’s subtly sweet, never bitter sea salt that makes every bite delicious. First try Real Salt, then try any other salt. The difference will amaze you!
- NATURAL – Unrefined, unprocessed and ancient sea salt with trace minerals and no additives. Natural sea salt just the way nature made it, with nothing added and nothing removed
- HEALTHY – Recommended by doctors! An ancient sea salt recommended by doctors and health professionals for its unique blend of trace minerals
- VARIETY – Variety of packaging, sizing, and salt grain size (powder, fine, kosher, coarse), suitable for different application and use. Convenient refill pouches and shakers, perfect for food storage, and excellent for travel. Makes a practical and memorable gift for an individual or a whole family
- MINED IN USA – Mined in Utah since 1958 from an ancient seabed protected from modern pollution. Compared to Himalayan, Celtic, Tibetan, Malaysian, French, Hawaiian, Irish, and Marine Sea Salts, Real Salt means fewer food miles, ethical labor standards, and sustainable practices along with its addictive sweet-salt taste. The only American Pink and Black Salt
.png)
0 Comments