#MYTH: Sea Salt is Healthier than Table Salt
We tend to think that sea salt is healthier than table salt, because...let’s face it: it just sounds more natural ─ and what can be more natural than the sea ?
Answer: Sea salt has just about the same amount of sodium as table salt!
The truth is, it’s our daily intake of sodium that really counts! Whether we’re using sea salt, table salt, kosher salt, or any other salt for that matter, they all contain essentially the same amount of sodium per gram (while the levels of other minerals may vary).
Let’s take a look at their differences.
➊ TABLE SALT
It is mined from salt deposits;
It has been processed into a finer texture, making it easier to mix and use in recipes;
It has been enriched with iodine as a public health initiative to prevent the risk of goitre (i.e. the bulging of the thyroid gland caused by a deficiency in iodine!);
It is mixed with an anti-caking agent to prevent the salt from clumping.
➋ SEA SALT
It comes from the evaporation of seawater;
Its taste, texture and colour will vary depending on the sea it comes from.
➌ KOSHER SALT
It is similar to table salt, however is free of any additives (i.e. no iodine, no anti-caking agent);
It can usually be found in large grains.
For more info on how to properly use salts in cooking, click here.
Eating Too Much Salt
While our body only needs less than ¾ tsp of salt (1500 mg of sodium) per day, an acceptable limit is equivalent to about 1 tsp of the salt of your choice (2300 mg of sodium).
However, Canadians take in an average of 3500 mg of sodium daily. That’s double the recommended daily limit! Over time, high amounts of sodium can lead to an increase risk in high blood pressure, thus increasing the risk of developing heart disease.
So choose whichever salt you like best! Some give or bring out the flavours in certain dishes more than others. And more importantly…
…aim to reduce the amount of salt you take in every day!
Need some guidance? Here are a few tips:
✔ Use herbs and spices to season your dishes ─ sodium-free spice blends can be found in-store
✔ Choose “low-sodium”, “reduced sodium”, “sodium-free” labelled foods ─ make your food options more heart-friendly!
✔ Limit processed foods (e.g. deli meats, junk foods, frozen foods) ─ out of sight, out of mind!
✔ Prepare your meals at home ─ you’re less likely to add unreasonable amounts of salt.
What are your favourite ways to reduce your salt intake?
Source(s):
Pour la version française, cliquez ici.