Most kosher salt comes heavily salted, and most of the trace minerals and impurities are removed during the refining process. Because it's so heavily salted, table salt tends to have a gritty texture when applied to food, much unlike more finely-ground sea salt and other granular salts. But salt isn't the only type of mineral that's lost during the refinement process, so here are three of the best.
Table salt is also used as a deodorizer. This isn't surprising salt will kill bacteria that can cause bad breath. But it's not the only chemical that's lost during the refining process. During the deodorizing stage, many chemicals are used including hydrogen peroxide and chlorine.
Sea salt and table salt both contain magnesium and sodium chloride, but what makes them so different from one another is the amount of calcium that they contain. Calcium is what gives table and sea salt its "soft" feel and also contributes to the absorption of other minerals in your body. However, calcium levels in the table and sea salt are reduced during the refining process. Because it's so severely reduced, table salt tends to lose some of the softness of the crystal structure of the salt, while sea salt remains slightly harder.
Table salt also has trace amounts of potassium and sodium chloride. As a result, sea salt tends to be slightly less salty than table salt. But sea salt also contains an abundance of sodium and potassium chloride that is too high for the human body. These minerals contribute to the development of kidney stones and high blood pressure, as well as an increased risk of kidney failure in some people.
Table salt often contains potassium chloride and sodium bicarbonate, which also have a detrimental effect on the body. Both these types of impurities can contribute to heartburn, cramps, diarrhea and vomiting, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and upset stomach. They also contribute to the development of kidney stones and high blood pressure. As a result, many health professionals recommend that people who are prone to frequent heartburn, constipation and other gastrointestinal problems consider switching to a salt-free table or sea salt instead of regular table or sea salt, as well as the use of over-the-counter medications that can help reduce the effects of these impurities.
Even though table and sea salt are processed, they still retain trace amounts of magnesium and other minerals. They are important nutrients that our bodies need to remain healthy, including the ability to create enzymes, which is what is used to break down protein.
The downside of table salt includes its tendency to leave us feeling tired and drained after just a few teaspoons. It leaves our lips and fingertips feeling dry, its texture makes it hard to eat or drink, and it also makes us more susceptible to infections. When used as a seasoning on food, table and sea salt can leave some salt stains. They also tend to stain clothing and absorb water and oils from food.
The good news is that table and sea salt contains no artificial flavors or preservatives. Salt is easy to buy in various forms and is widely available in a wide variety of stores, including groceries and health food stores. Although there is no shortage of controversy surrounding table or sea salt, they're safe to eat, especially if they're properly prepared.
Natural kosher salt may seem like a more attractive option, but it's not recommended by most health experts. This type of salt is typically made from rocks and other natural deposits found around the world and can contain harmful chemicals, such as heavy metals, which have been linked to a number of serious diseases, such as cancer and hypertension.
Table salt and sea salt both should be avoided for people with cardiovascular or heart disease or high blood pressure. Also, the addition of any type of food or beverage to table or sea salt can increase your risk for kidney stones, and high blood pressure.
For those with heartburn and other digestive problems, or who are prone to frequent headaches, it's important to begin a healthier diet change right away. As long as you aren't suffering from a serious medical condition, there are natural alternatives to table or sea salt that can improve your health and lower your risk for illness. In fact, research has shown that many of the most common foods that contribute to heartburn, constipation, and other gastrointestinal problems, such as caffeine and carbonated beverages, are actually beneficial in lowering your risk for developing these problems.