Salt — Nutrients, Health Benefits, And Shopping Tips
![Salt photo](https://listonic.com/phimageproxy/listonic/products/salt.webp)
Written by Listonic Team
Last update on September 6, 2024
Salt facts & tips
Health benefits
- Essential for maintaining fluid balance in the body, supporting overall hydration.
- Necessary for nerve function and muscle contraction.
- Enhances flavor of foods, making meals more enjoyable and palatable.
Health risks
- High sodium content which can contribute to hypertension, increased cardiovascular risks, and kidney damage when consumed in excess.
- Potential for water retention leading to bloating and increased blood pressure, particularly in individuals sensitive to sodium.
- Risk of overconsumption as salt is commonly added to many processed and prepared foods, leading to excessive intake without realizing it.
- Potential for interactions with medications particularly those related to blood pressure or fluid balance, as excessive sodium intake can interfere with the effectiveness of these drugs.
How to choose salt
Quality salt should be pure white or have a natural color specific to its type, like pink for Himalayan or gray for sea salt. It should be free from any dirt or debris to ensure it is uncontaminated.
Do not use salt that appears clumpy or damp, as this can indicate exposure to moisture, which affects its ability to sprinkle evenly. Salt that has a chemical smell or taste should also be avoided, as it suggests contamination.
![How to choose salt](https://listonic.com/phimageproxy/spp_details/herbs_and_spices.webp)
How to store salt
Salt should be kept in a sealed container in a cool, dry location. Storing it in the pantry helps preserve its consistency and prevents it from clumping. When stored correctly, salt can last indefinitely.
Moisture exposure can lead to clumping and reduce salt's effectiveness. Keep it away from heat sources and humid areas. Always ensure the container is securely closed to prevent moisture ingress and to uphold its quality.
✅ Extra Tip
How long does it last?
Salt can last indefinitely when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Proper storage helps maintain its quality and effectiveness.
What to do with leftovers?
Leftover salt can be used in a variety of culinary and non-culinary ways. In the kitchen, salt is essential for seasoning, preserving, and enhancing the flavor of dishes. It’s used in everything from soups and sauces to baked goods and marinades. Salt can also be used in pickling and curing meats, as well as in baking to control the fermentation of yeast.
Beyond cooking, salt has numerous household uses. It can be used as a natural abrasive for cleaning surfaces, scrubbing pots and pans, and removing stains. Salt can also be used in homemade beauty treatments, such as mixing it with oil to create an exfoliating body scrub. Additionally, salt can be used in DIY crafts, such as making salt dough ornaments or using it as a natural preservative for flowers. Salt is also effective in natural remedies, such as gargling with salt water to soothe a sore throat or using it in a saline solution for nasal irrigation.
👨⚕️️ Medical disclaimer
Discover products from other categories
Listonic Team
Fact-checked
Our editorial team checked this article to make sure it was accurate at the time of publishing it.
Get the top-rated shopping list app