Unrefined sea salt can be purchased in two forms. Fresh unrefined sea salt (often called rock salt) and processed sea salt (also known as kosher salt). The different types of salt contain various amounts of dissolved solids, such as magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, bromine, and the alkaloids sodium chloride. The type of sea salt you use will depend on what your personal taste is, what you need the salt for (cleanliness, temperature, and the like), and what you can afford. The following guide will help you choose which type of salt you’re looking for.
The first thing to know about unrefined salt, especially for people on a budget, is that there is more than salt in it. In addition to the normal salt content, unrefined sea salt also contains various trace minerals, many of which are good for your health. Unrefined sea salt has been shown to help with blood pressure, heart disease, and lung problems. It may also help to lower cholesterol, reduce the risk of developing diabetes, and reduce the possibility of getting cancer.
Salt’s ability to do these things is due to the porous nature of the substance. As mentioned above, unrefined sea salt consists of many trace minerals in addition to the normal salt content. However, these trace minerals are not accessible to us through the pores in the flesh. As a result, when salt is used in cooking, it loses these valuable nutrients. If you’re getting enough salt in your diet – whether in the form of sea salt, Celtic sea salt or unrefined sea salt – you’re getting plenty of these beneficial nutrients.
Besides providing a wide range of trace minerals, unrefined sea salt and Celtic sea salt contain a substance known as sodium. Sodium is found naturally in food and in many other liquids. But, because sodium tends to leave after it’s been processed, it’s important that we replenish our bodies with sodium. High blood pressure, in particular, is helped by increasing sodium in the body. By using unrefined sea salt or Celtic sea salt high in sodium content, we can help keep our sodium levels high and help keep hypertension at bay.
Iodine is another element found naturally in food. However, we tend to get only enough iodine through fish and seafood and often have to supplement our diets with vitamin and potassium iodine supplements. Unfortunately, refined table salt and unrefined sea salt don’t contain any trace amounts of iodine. Because iodine is so important to good health, it’s important to learn what type of iodine is good for us and how we can help replenish our systems.
Some researchers believe that the high amounts of iodine found in unrefined sea salt and Celtic sea salt are what contribute to higher blood pressure levels. Because of this, the government sets standards for approved table salt. Unfortunately, there are no regulations regarding unrefined sea salt, so it’s up to the shopper to decide whether he or she wants to pay more for real salt or less.
The minerals found in unrefined sea salt and Celtic sea salt include magnesium, calcium, potassium, iron, manganese and zinc. These minerals are also beneficial to our overall health and help regulate our blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Some people might not feel that these types of minerals are beneficial, but scientists are now starting to believe otherwise. High levels of sodium can contribute to high blood pressure, stroke and congestive heart failure, while low levels of potassium and calcium can contribute to weakness, muscle cramps and kidney stones.
When using an unrefined sea salt shaker, be sure to keep it at the correct temperature. You should never leave the measuring spoon in the salt shaker for longer than five seconds, as it will lose its ability to measure the proper amounts of salt. Keep your salt shaker in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and heat. It should also be kept in a cabinet or a container where it won’t be touched by children. If you use distilled water with your recipes, you’ll need a measuring spoon, too.