Sea Salt vs Table Salt

Though they are relatively the same, there are differences! Table salt is mined from underground deposits and sea salt does in fact come from the sea. Mined salt is exposed to extreme heat, is chemically treated and anti caking agents are added; this process strips the salt of any mineral content it may have had. Sea salt is created when salt water is pooled along the oceanside or seaside and the sun evaporates the water leaving behind a natural salt product.  Both are primarily sodium chloride, one is an unnatural product; the other is naturally derived and has mineral content that includes iron, sulfur, magnesium.

The question I think many of us ponder is ‘how good is salt for us?’ Our bodies actually need salt for a number of body functions that include the contraction of our muscles, the conduction of nerve impulses and how some nutrients are transported to our cells. The problem is that most of us consume more salt than we actually need. So much salt has been added to our foods that many of us cannot appreciate the true flavour of good food.  For healthy adults, salt intake should not exceed 2300 milligrams (1 teaspoon) per day.  With our fast paced lifestyles and access to so many prepared food items, we have exposed our bodies to far more sodium than is recommended. The great news is that Lyndsay and Laurie both prefer low salt menus and always give you the option of seasoning to taste. Perhaps you can challenge yourself to add less salt when you are cooking and you may change your palate to enjoy the taste of food in its more natural state. More good news is that many of the larger food manufacturers are starting to reduce their salt content and this is a good thing. In general, we should be avoiding processed foods, but when the need or desire might arise, it is good to know that this is being addressed on a national level.

How much salt one consumes is directly associated with one’s blood pressure. Salt causes the body to retain water. The more salt one takes in, the higher the blood pressure will be. When your blood pressure heightens, the harder it is on your heart, your arteries, your kidneys and your brain. High blood pressure can also lead to strokes. It is recommended for people with heart and stroke issues to keep to a very low salt, not exceeding 1500mg (1/3 teaspoon) or no salt diet.

It was in my research for a salt alternative that I stumbled across a website for AlsoSalt a salt replacement product. 

‘AlsoSalt is a salt substitute that actually tastes like salt! It is sodium free with no bitter aftertaste. All natural ingredients providing nutrients that are essential for good health*.’  For those of you interested in checking out a natural alternative to salt, check out www.alsosalt.com.

Great resources for salt (and other topics), check out:

• http://www.livestrong.com/salt
• http://www.alsosalt.com/sodiumcontent.html
• http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sodium/NU00284
• http://www.weightlossresources.co.uk/DIET/healthy_eating/salt_intake.html

Recipe - Sea Salt Caramel Corn

• 1 bag of microwave popcorn, Natural Flavor
• 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
• 1/4 cup of butter or vegan margarine
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 1/4 cup of corn syrup
              

1. In a medium pan, on medium high heat, melt butter and then add in the sugars.  Stir quickly when the ingredients are in the pan, but let boil for 7 minutes without stirring
2. Stir in some popcorn, peanuts and salt, and stir, continue to do this step until all of those three ingredients are used up
3. Lay mixture out on parchment paper, on a bakers rack to cool
4. Let sit for 20-30 minutes, break in pieces and serve

               

Many recipes call for twice as much butter, salt and brown sugar, but you won't miss it in this recipe and it's a little lighter on all of our bodies and the sugar is not over powering. Just a nice balance for a salty sweet treat.