WHAT ARE THE HEALTHIEST TYPES OF SALT? KNOW WHICH ONE IS THE BEST FOR YOU

When it comes to choosing the healthiest types of salt, the debate often centres on the mineral content and processing methods. 

While no one type of salt can be crowned the healthiest due to their similar sodium content, some salts are favoured for their additional trace minerals and less processed nature.

But first, one needs to understand why salt is important for your health. Salt is required to maintain the balance of electrolytes and fluids in the body that carry nutrients to the cells.

It helps regulate acid-base balance and supports the transfer of nerve impulses while also maintaining the body's blood pressure.

TYPES OF SALT

Himalayan pink salt 

Pink Himalayan salt exhibits a pinkish tint and contains trace amounts of minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium. These minerals can contribute to the overall nutrient intake, although the amounts are too small to have a significant health impact.

Sea salt

Sea salts, such as Celtic or French fleur de sel, are harvested through the evaporation of seawater and retain trace minerals from the marine source.

These can offer a different flavour profile but, like Himalayan salt, do not provide substantial health benefits when consumed in typical dietary amounts. The mineral content in sea salt is considered negligible in terms of health impact.

Potassium salt

Potassium salts are another alternative, containing up to 70% less sodium than standard table salt. They may benefit blood pressure due to potassium's antagonistic effects on sodium.

A modest reduction in dietary sodium can improve blood pressure by about 5 to 6 mm Hg, highlighting the importance of choosing lower-sodium options for those with hypertension.

Table salt

Table salt stands as the household's predominant salt variety, sourced from seawater or salt lakes through solar evaporation. This salt undergoes extensive refinement to eliminate impurities and incorporates anti-caking agents for enhanced flow.

A prevalent form of table salt is "iodized salt," where iodine is introduced to address global iodine deficiency. This method utilizes salt as a widespread vehicle for iodine distribution, simultaneously benefiting large population groups.

It's essential to consider that all salts contain roughly the same amount of sodium by weight. 

The US Department of Agriculture recommends a maximum daily intake of 2,300mg of sodium, yet the average adult consumes much more, around 3,393mg. 

Therefore, moderation is key, regardless of the type of salt chosen.

ALSO READ | Rise in type 1 diabetes among children post Covid explained

2023-11-14T13:09:43Z dg43tfdfdgfd