Do sea salt and table salt differ nutritionally?

Many people believe sea salt is healthier than table salt, but both contain the same sodium content per teaspoon. The mineral differences are nutritionally insignificant. The choice between one and the other will not affect blood pressure or health outcomes, but only the taste and texture of the foods. I share this with my clients, who are always seeking salt alternatives.

Sea salt's trace minerals produce marketing myths, not health benefits. You would have to consume dangerous quantities of salt to benefit from useful amounts of minerals. A teaspoon of Himalayan salt might supply less iron than you would find in one spinach leaf. Concentrate instead on whole foods for real mineral benefits.

Iodine found in table salt adequately prevents deficiency diseases. Many sea salts do not contain this important nutrient. Normal thyroid function depends on an adequate amount of iodine. During my pregnancy years, I used iodized salt exclusively to encourage the full growth of the fetus despite preferring the granular structure of sea salt.

The selection of salt affects how dishes turn out, not their nutritional value. A coarse but crunchy sea salt is the preferred condiment for dishes that require a crunchy texture. For a uniform baking distribution, fine table salt is the second choice. As long as the same amount of sodium is consumed, neither method affects cardiovascular risks in relation to the other.

For true reductions in sodium, you'll have to have behavioral changes. Measure salt with teaspoons instead of pinches. Avoid processed foods, regardless of the type of salt used. Enhance flavor with herbs and spices rather than sodium. These tactics are more effective than switching sodium varieties.

Read the full article: Sodium Potassium Balance: Essential Health Guide