Salt has been a highly cherished substance for thousands of years across all cultures and continents. There seem to be many types of salt in the market and one of the questions people ask me is “which is better”??
My simple answer is – the one which is least processed/refined.
Table salt is highly processed & has nothing but sodium and chloride (typically 97.5 to 99.9 % sodium chloride). Added are anti-caking agents to keep it from clumping, which may be harmful. Today, table salt is fortified with iodine. Iodine deficiency is a thing of the past and the present bane is the other extreme, of hyperthyroidism (caused by excessive iodine intake) and other related health issues.
A good-quality unrefined salt (off white) or Himalayan salt (pink) contains many minerals and trace elements, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper and iron, with around 87% sodium chloride. They are off white or pink because they are unbleached, unlike table salt. Himalayan salt contains high amounts of iron oxide (chemical compound that gives rust its colour) and when the iron oxide reacts with sodium chloride, it imparts pink colour to Himalayan salt.
All said and done, excess salt and sodium intake is the cause for a variety of serious health conditions such as heart disease, hypertension and stroke. Use just enough salt in cooking and use only unrefined salt. Add green leafy vegetables to most of your dishes. It will add natural sodium content and the dish needs lesser salt addition.
I see many of my clients struggling with the reduced salt prescriptions from their doctors/nutritionists. They do not relish their food anymore and end up eating the unhealthy/junk food which is the reason (high sodium content) for their health issues. Salt in home cooked food is generally not the culprit, it is the processed and refined foods. So, ensure to get lesser & lesser packets, bottles and tins from outside and enjoy the home cooked food with minimum unrefined salt, added.
Where to get it: Any organic store will stock unrefined salt. It is available in big crystal form and powdered form.
-Gauri Rokkam,
Health Coach, M.Sc (Food & Nutrition)
(Ph.D. Yoga & Life Sciences)
Salt–which one to buy?
