Sea Salt — Nutrients, Health Benefits, and Shopping Tips
Written by Listonic Team
Last update on September 4, 2024
Sea salt facts & tips
Health benefits
- Contains trace minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium, which support overall health and well-being.
- Enhances flavor in dishes, making healthy foods more enjoyable and palatable.
- Natural source of sodium, which is essential for nerve function and muscle contraction (when used in moderation).
Health risks
- High sodium content which can contribute to hypertension and increased cardiovascular risks when consumed in large quantities.
- Potential for contamination with microplastics or other pollutants, as sea salt is harvested from the ocean, where contamination can occur.
- Low iodine content compared to iodized table salt, which may increase the risk of iodine deficiency if used exclusively as a salt source.
- Risk of overuse due to its coarse texture and palatable flavor, leading to excessive sodium intake if not mindful of portion sizes.
How to choose sea salt
Sea salt should consist of clean, crisp crystals without any discoloration or clumping. The texture should be coarse and crunchy, enhancing its use as a finishing salt.
Avoid sea salt that appears damp or has a grayish color, as this may indicate contamination with impurities. Salt that tastes overly bitter or chemical-like should also be avoided, as it could detract from the natural flavor enhancement it should provide.
How to store sea salt
Sea salt should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Proper storage helps maintain its texture and prevents clumping. Sea salt can last indefinitely if stored correctly.
Exposure to moisture can cause sea salt to clump and lose its free-flowing quality. Avoid storing it near heat sources or in humid environments. Ensuring the container is tightly sealed keeps it dry and ready for use.
✅ Extra Tip
How long does it last?
Sea 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 sea salt can be used in a variety of culinary and non-culinary ways. In the kitchen, sea 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. Sea salt can also be used in pickling and curing meats, as well as in baking to control the fermentation of yeast.
Beyond cooking, sea salt has numerous household uses. It can be used as a natural abrasive for cleaning surfaces, scrubbing pots and pans, and removing stains. Sea salt can also be used in DIY beauty treatments, such as mixing it with oil to create an exfoliating body scrub. Additionally, sea salt can be used in homemade bath soaks, where its minerals can help to relax muscles and soften the skin. Sea salt is also effective in preserving flowers or as a natural remedy for soothing sore throats when mixed with warm water for gargling.
👨⚕️️ Medical disclaimer
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