People around the world have used sea salt since prehistoric times, and it’s commonly found in many kitchens today. Some believe it’s healthier than other types of salt and provides several benefits, but there is little research to back these claims.

This article provides an overview of the common uses of sea salt, as well as its potential benefits and downsides.

Sea Salt vs. Table Salt

Sea salt is mostly composed of sodium chloride, a compound that helps regulate fluid balance and blood pressure in the body.

Mineral Content:

Since it’s minimally processed, sea salt contains some minerals, including potassium, iron, and calcium. This is why it’s often considered nutritionally superior to table salt, which is heavily processed and has most of its nutrients removed.

However, the nutrients in sea salt are present only in trace amounts. To achieve the same levels of minerals like potassium or calcium as found in whole foods, you would need to consume an impractically large amount of sea salt.

Sodium Levels:

Sea salt granules are larger than table salt granules, so regular salt provides approximately 2,300 mg of sodium per teaspoon (6.1 grams), while sea salt contains about 2,000 mg per teaspoon (4.2 grams). This is due to the larger granule size of sea salt, not because it contains less sodium.

Misconceptions:

Many consider sea salt healthier than table salt due to sodium concerns linked to high blood pressure and heart disease. However, substituting sea salt for table salt makes no difference if sodium consumption exceeds recommended limits.

Possible Benefits

Hydration and Blood Pressure:

Salt plays a vital role in fluid balance and maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. Inadequate sodium intake can lead to dehydration, especially during intense exercise.

Digestion:

Some believe that consuming sea salt mixed with lukewarm water aids digestion. Sodium chloride is essential for producing stomach acid and facilitating nutrient absorption. However, the effects of sea salt on digestion are not well-researched.

Skin Health and Inflammation:

Sea salt baths are thought to decrease skin dryness and inflammation. For instance, the National Eczema Foundation recommends adding 1 cup of salt to bathwater for relief. However, the benefits may depend on the salt’s mineral composition, particularly magnesium content, rather than the salt itself.

Possible Downsides

Excessive Sodium Intake:

Consuming too much salt of any kind, including sea salt, can lead to health issues such as high blood pressure, kidney stones, and osteoporosis. Most people already consume more sodium than recommended, so moderation is essential.

Special Considerations:

People with conditions like kidney disease, high blood pressure, or heart failure should monitor their salt intake closely.

How to Use Sea Salt

Culinary Uses:

Dear Lykkers. Sea salt can be used in place of regular salt in most recipes, including roasted vegetables, chocolate desserts, and meat dishes. For baking, use finely ground sea salt to match the sodium levels of table salt.

Non-Culinary Uses:

You can prepare a relaxing salt bath by adding 1 cup (230 grams) of sea salt to warm water. While research on its benefits is limited, warm baths are known to promote relaxation.

Sea salt is a minimally processed salt that adds flavor to foods and has various home remedy applications. While it provides trace minerals, it is not nutritionally superior to table salt.

Adequate sodium is essential for hydration, fluid balance, and digestion, but meeting sodium needs doesn’t require sea salt specifically. Its non-culinary uses, like salt baths, may offer skin benefits depending on the mineral content, though more research is needed. Always use sea salt and other salts in moderation to maintain overall health.