Sea salt is naturally salty sea water. It was discovered long ago by early man. It was an important sea salt during the early days. It was the only source of salt then until artificial sea salt was created. In today's world sea salt is still used to add taste and color to foods, and to preserve food and other products.
It is most commonly used in cooking and as a seasoning in many foods. It's also known as black sea salt, sandstone salt, sea salt, or crystallized salt. More recently, it has been found to have many health benefits. More people are learning about the all-natural benefits of this salt and many have converted to a natural alternative. It's no longer considered to be "all-natural" simply because it is abundant in sodium chloride.
Unfortunately, sea salt can have some negative effects on the heart. Some of these effects are not fully understood but have been proven by scientists to be potentially harmful. One of the effects seen is that it increases blood pressure and reduces the effectiveness of aspirin. It may also raise blood cholesterol levels and increase the risk of stroke.
Ocean sea salt is high in sodium, magnesium and potassium. This is why it is often called "white salt". Some table salt contains trace amounts of these minerals, but most sea salt does not. This raises questions as to whether it is better to consume processed table salt than naturally-occurring sea salt or simply buy products that contain the minerals.
Some individuals believe that coarse sea salt lacks flavor and texture. They compare its taste to that of coarse coffee or chocolate. While it may not contain the same "wow" factor that other naturally-occurring table salts do, some consumers do not mind its lack of flavor. In fact, some find they prefer it over fine-grained white table salt because it has a slightly crunchier texture that some sea salts do not have.
However, consumers should watch out for possible health hazards associated with this product. Although there are no known adverse effects, it is recommended that people who regularly consume sea salt know how much they are eating. For example, it is significantly less sodium than table salt, which means that a teaspoon of sea salt may not amount to a serving. Individuals with high blood pressure or high blood sugar should consult their doctor before consuming sea salt.
On a side note, some sea salt brands do include trace minerals. These brands may not necessarily taste better, but they often have the minerals that may help with a person's overall well-being. Some sea salt brands also have added "proprietary blend" which has been proven to provide trace minerals to customers. Each brand may vary in the level of trace minerals they contain, so it is recommended that consumers read the package labels to determine what kinds of minerals have been used in their product.
In addition to the beneficial effects of trace minerals, sea salt also has its own set of benefits. It contains potassium, which is necessary for regulating muscle contractions and maintaining fluid levels in the body. Magnesium is essential for promoting nerve and muscle functions. Both magnesium and potassium are found in meats, nuts, and vegetables, which make sea salt a great addition to those who eat a balanced diet. For those who need added potassium or who would like to take supplements to boost the level of magnesium in their body, sea salt may be the way to go.
It is possible to eat more than just fish and shellfish. Many foods made with sea salt can actually improve one's health. For example, foods made with magnesium and potassium can help regulate blood pressure and the amount of energy a person has. There are many other benefits to consuming sea salts, such as reducing symptoms of depression and improving the digestive system. By reducing the amount of stress that a person experiences, they may even find that they can live a happier life and experience fewer mood swings. However, before embarking on a regimented eating plan involving sea salts, it is best to consult a physician.
In addition to the mineral content of sea salt, it is important to pay attention to the texture and the taste. Some sea salts can have an annoying texture, such as a mixture of caked sugar and sea salt. Others, such as black lava salt, have a unique texture and rich, nutty flavor. No matter what the brand, once a person tastes it, they will always remember the pleasant, salty taste.
Along with the taste buds, it is important to pay attention to one's waistline. Eating a diet that is low in sodium will prevent high blood pressure from developing. Eating kosher salt won't increase a person's cholesterol because it does not contain trans-saturated fat. By taking advantage of kosher salt's wide variety of benefits, no matter how salty or sweet its tastes, a person can easily maintain their regular salt intake while reducing their risk for health problems related to excessive sodium consumption.
