What is salt?
Salt, table salt or common salt is a mineral composed primarily of sodium chloride (NaCl), a chemical compound belonging to the larger class of salts; salt in its natural form as a crystalline mineral is known as rock salt or halite.
Salt is essential to the health of humans and other animals, and it is one of the five basic taste sensations. Salt is used in many cuisines around the world, and it is often found in salt shakers on diners' eating tables for their personal use on food.
Salt is harvested in two main ways: from salt mines and by evaporating sea water or other mineral-rich water. There are actually many types of salt available. Common varieties include plain table salt, Himalayan pink salt and sea salt. The different types of salt may vary in taste, texture and color.
Salt is essential to the health of humans and other animals, and it is one of the five basic taste sensations. Salt is used in many cuisines around the world, and it is often found in salt shakers on diners' eating tables for their personal use on food.
Salt is harvested in two main ways: from salt mines and by evaporating sea water or other mineral-rich water. There are actually many types of salt available. Common varieties include plain table salt, Himalayan pink salt and sea salt. The different types of salt may vary in taste, texture and color.
Importance of salt
Salt plays a crucial role in maintaining human health. It is the main source of sodium and chloride ions in the human diet. Sodium is essential for nerve and muscle function and is involved in the regulation of fluids in the body. Sodium also plays a role in the body’s control of blood pressure and volume. Chloride ions serve as important electrolytes by regulating blood pH and pressure. Chloride is also a crucial component in the production of stomach acid (HCl).
Humans excrete salt when sweating and must replenish these lost sodium and chloride ions through their diet.
Humans excrete salt when sweating and must replenish these lost sodium and chloride ions through their diet.
Researches on problems related to the Sea Salt and Table Salt
Please note: The following research are not conducted by Anthéla, and they are for reference only.
From recent studies, many issues related to pollution and other food safety issues sea salts and table salts have risen
Micro-plastics are found in sea salt
Jessica Glenza, a health reporter for Guardian US, published an article ‘Sea salt around the world is contaminated by plastic, study show’ on the ‘The guardian news’, in September of 2017
In the article, she wrote ‘Sea salt around the world has been contaminated by plastic pollution, adding to experts fears that micro-plastics are becoming ubiquitous in the environment and finding their way into the food chain via the salt in our diets.’
From recent studies, many issues related to pollution and other food safety issues sea salts and table salts have risen
Micro-plastics are found in sea salt
Jessica Glenza, a health reporter for Guardian US, published an article ‘Sea salt around the world is contaminated by plastic, study show’ on the ‘The guardian news’, in September of 2017
In the article, she wrote ‘Sea salt around the world has been contaminated by plastic pollution, adding to experts fears that micro-plastics are becoming ubiquitous in the environment and finding their way into the food chain via the salt in our diets.’
Another article on ‘The Times of India’, published by TNN on May 30, 2018, demonstrates side effects of table salt:
‘Table Salt can be poisonous’ In the article, it is claimed that ‘Table salt is actually created by heating up the crude oil extract at 1200 degree Fahrenheit. When the salt is heated up to this temperature it loses approximately 80 important minerals it has. The natural iodine in salt is no more there, after it is manufactured. The absence of this natural iodine in salt severely harms thyroid and leads to metabolism issues. Synthetic iodine is also added to the natural salt by many manufacturers. The salt found in the natural form is not white. Table salt is usually colored with bleach so as to make it white. The substance that is heated up to make this salt is flaky residue obtained from oil digging. Crude oil extract is also a very common source of producing salt.’ ‘Health Problems resulting from in-taking poisonous salt’ It is stated in the article that ‘Swelling, liver problem, hypertension, heart disease, muscle cramps, stroke, heart failure, edema, water retention, PMS, anxiety and nervous system disorders are some other problems which can be caused by high intake of table salt.’ ‘Benefits of Himalayan Salt/Real Salt’ In the last, it shows ‘The naturally occurring sea salt and Himalayan salt are actually alkaline minerals that balance our sodium-potassium ratios, keep us hydrated and maintain the electrolyte balance. Not only this, real salt also boosts the creation of digestive enzymes that help to extract the nutrients from the food we eat. The trace of minerals that help to maintain the thyroid, immune and adrenal function are also present in sea salt.’ |
Reference:
1.Glenza, J. (2017, September 08). Sea salt around the world is contaminated by plastic, studies show. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/sep/08/sea-salt-around-world-contaminated-by-plastic-studies
2.TNN. (2018, May 30). Switch to sea salt. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/photo-stories/table-salt-can-be-poisonous/photostory/64385362.cms?picid=64385376
Other academic research paper about pollution in oceans and sea water:
1.Eriksen, M., Lebreton, L. C., Carson, H. S., Thiel, M., Moore, C. J., Borerro, J. C., . . . Reisser, J. (2014). Plastic Pollution in the Worlds Oceans: More than 5 Trillion Plastic Pieces Weighing over 250,000 Tons Afloat at Sea. PLoS ONE,9(12). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0111913
2. Law, Kara & C Thompson, Richard. (2014). Oceans. Microplastics in the seas. Science (New York, N.Y.). 345. 144-5. 10.1126/science.1254065.
1.Glenza, J. (2017, September 08). Sea salt around the world is contaminated by plastic, studies show. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/sep/08/sea-salt-around-world-contaminated-by-plastic-studies
2.TNN. (2018, May 30). Switch to sea salt. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/photo-stories/table-salt-can-be-poisonous/photostory/64385362.cms?picid=64385376
Other academic research paper about pollution in oceans and sea water:
1.Eriksen, M., Lebreton, L. C., Carson, H. S., Thiel, M., Moore, C. J., Borerro, J. C., . . . Reisser, J. (2014). Plastic Pollution in the Worlds Oceans: More than 5 Trillion Plastic Pieces Weighing over 250,000 Tons Afloat at Sea. PLoS ONE,9(12). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0111913
2. Law, Kara & C Thompson, Richard. (2014). Oceans. Microplastics in the seas. Science (New York, N.Y.). 345. 144-5. 10.1126/science.1254065.