Understanding Salt Varieties: Are All Types of Salt the Same?

Increasingly, we’re asked the question: ‘Are all salts the same?’ The increase reflects growing curiosity about the distinctions between table salt, sea salt, kosher salt, and the treasure known as real salt. While each type of salt brings its unique flavors and textures to the table, salt’s significance extends far beyond the realm of recipes and flavor. We’ll delve into the differences between these salt varieties, and uncover their historical roles, profound health implications, and their place in our daily lives. Let’s dive in!

Are All Salts The Same?

In today’s media-saturated world, discerning the truth can be challenging, especially when it comes to a seemingly simple question: ‘Are all salts the same?’ Depending on the source, you may encounter conflicting views, with some advocating for refined table salt in moderation and others championing the historical and health benefits of real salt.

The fact is, not all types of salt are created equal. If you’re like I was, you’re wondering if the type of salt you choose makes a difference. The short answer is yes, it does.

When you hear the word ‘salt,’ what springs to mind? Is it the familiar refined table salt, rock salt, or perhaps sea salt? Odds are, you associate it with the common white substance found in salt shakers on dining tables across America. But here’s the truth: that’s not salt.

It’s akin to the term ‘coke,’ which has become a universal synonym for soda pop. In nearly any corner of the world, uttering the word ‘coke’ is likely to result in a soda of some sort. Just to clarify, we’ve chosen not to consume such beverages, but it’s an illustrative example of how language can evolve alongside our choices.

Table Salt Is Not Salt

Let’s dive deeper into the world of salt. If the white substance commonly found in our local grocery stores isn’t salt, what is it exactly? The story begins in a factory somewhere in the U.S. Given that the U.S. is the largest producer of what we commonly refer to as ‘table salt,’ you’ve likely come across one of these factories or perhaps even lived nearby.

Interestingly, table salt actually starts its journey as real salt, sourced from the earth or harvested from the sea. However, it undergoes an astounding transformation along the way. The process begins with heat treatment, which strips away essential nutrients and minerals.

Following that, it takes a bath in bleach, and anti-caking agents are introduced. Depending on the factory’s production schedule, it may receive iodine or remain non-iodized. Throughout this intricate process, what originally began as healthy salt undergoes chemical decomposition and alteration, and is eventually reconstituted as NaCl, or sodium chloride.

But what happens to the minerals that are stripped away during these destructive processes? They are sold to companies to be used in the production of mineral supplements—a rather intriguing fact.

The finished product, known to consumers as table salt, no longer resembles or behaves like salt in its natural form. Surprisingly, about 93% of this refined salt is sold to industries that require chemically pure sodium chloride for various purposes, including the production of fertilizers, chlorine gas, explosives, and plastics. The remainder finds its way into our homes as table salt. It’s certainly an eye-opening revelation, isn’t it?

The Health Benefits of Real Salt Through History

In our disease-ridden country, salt has often been unfairly labeled as the villain, blamed for many epidemic diseases. Yet, when we delve into history, we discover that real salt has been cherished for its health benefits across the ages. The trace minerals found exclusively in real salt are essential for the body’s proper functioning, resembling the very minerals found in your body’s composition.

In the old days, an ingenious solution was devised to ensure the quality of salt. Inside the hearth of the fireplace, a salt shelf was fashioned by leaving certain stones or bricks out in the building of the fireplace. This created a space used as a shelf to keep the salt container. The radiant heat from these stones kept the salt dry, preventing it from clumping together.

For the sake of clarity, it’s worth noting that the salt of yesteryears was genuine salt, either extracted from the earth or harvested from the sea. Even sea salt originates from the earth, as it is continually washed into the sea. One could argue that all salt, at some point in its journey, emerges from beneath the ground. The perpetual flow of salt into the sea is the very reason why our oceans grow saltier with each passing year.

Real salt, unlike its refined counterpart, doesn’t behave the same way in the bloodstream. When we speak of real salt, we refer to varieties like Himalayan salt, unrefined kosher salt, or sea salt—salts that retain their natural integrity. These unprocessed salts boast a rich composition of over 90 trace minerals and essential nutrients that are vital for maintaining overall health.

The truth is remarkably simple: for centuries, our ancestors turned to salt for more than just flavoring their meals. They recognized its profound role in preserving food, nurturing home remedies, and supporting personal care practices. The legacy of salt’s multifaceted utility as a natural treasure has been passed down through generations.

Beyond mere seasoning, real salt serves as a holistic source of wellness. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the myriad benefits and versatile applications of these authentic salts, uncovering the invaluable contributions they make to our health and daily lives.

The Role of Minerals in Salt and FDA’s Iodization Regulations

Two essential trace minerals commonly found in real salt are potassium and magnesium, both of which play pivotal roles in assisting your body in metabolizing sodium. These minerals work in tandem to maintain your body’s water balance and support the proper functioning of your nervous and muscular systems, including the vital work of your heart.

In 1995, the World Health Assembly introduced the concept of universal salt iodination as a solution to combat iodine deficiency diseases and disorders. As a result, in the United States, all non-iodized table salt is required by the FDA to carry a warning label.

It’s important to note that iodine is readily available in a variety of foods such as eggs, cereal grains, kelp, legumes, and, of course, fish and shellfish. Consequently, most individuals are not at risk of having low iodine levels.

The real issue, as with many health concerns in the U.S., can be traced back to unsustainable farming practices that deplete the land of vital nutrients, coupled with the prevalence of GMOs in our food supply. When food is grown in nutrient-depleted soil, it naturally lacks essential nutrients. The practice of excessive commercial fertilization has contributed to the depletion of soil health across the United States.

The Hidden Dangers of Iodine Overload from Iodized Salt

Mandatory iodization through salt has led to a global concern—iodine overload—affecting people around the world. The thyroid gland, responsible for storing up to 75% of the body’s iodine, becomes a focal point in this issue, often resulting in a widespread epidemic of thyroid diseases and hormonal imbalances. Notably, metabolic and immune disorders are at the forefront of this health concern.

In recent years, the United States, which happens to be the world’s leading consumer of iodized table salt, has witnessed an alarming rise in hyperthyroidism and thyroiditis cases. These conditions bring with them a host of distressing symptoms, including increased heart rate, abnormal heart rhythms, elevated blood pressure, nervousness, profuse sweating, tremors of the hands and feet, sleep disturbances, and heightened anxiety.

In response to these emerging concerns, many medical experts are cautioning against the consumption of refined table salt. One prominent voice in this field argues,

“Your blood carries this unnatural product and it’s like having small shards of glass traveling through your blood vessels. These shards do what shards of glass do, they cut the vessel walls. This causes your body’s natural responses to take over creating cholesterol to help block the cuts in the vessel wall to prevent you from bleeding to death internally. Then someone takes your cholesterol reading and tells you to stop eating salt because your cholesterol level is too high. This is a vicious cycle.” Dr. Leonard Coldwell

You can listen to his interview on YouTube where he explains what table salt is and what it does to the body.

Kosher Salt: History and Origins

Kosher salt holds a special place in the world of cuisine, celebrated for its deep-rooted traditions and historical significance. Its name, “kosher,” is intimately tied to its pivotal role in the koshering process, an essential practice aligned with Jewish dietary laws. In this age-old tradition, kosher salt plays a vital role in drawing blood from meat, aligning with religious dietary guidelines.

What Makes It Kosher?

The term “kosher” in “kosher salt” doesn’t stem from its inherent quality but rather from its historical involvement in the kosher process. Kosher salt typically stands apart by excluding additives like iodine or anti-caking agents. This purity allows the genuine essence of salt to shine through in culinary creations, harmonizing seamlessly with its traditional role in meat preparation.

Kosher salt, much like a multitude of salt varieties, originates from the natural process of evaporating saltwater. It finds its sources in diverse locations, including subterranean salt deposits, mines, and the evaporation of seawater. This wide array of sources contributes to the high number of kosher salt products available in the market today.

Kosher salt has evolved beyond its historical roots to become a cherished culinary staple worldwide. Its remarkable ability to elevate flavors and textures, coupled with its simple and unadulterated composition, has endeared it to both professional chefs and home cooks. Whether used for seasoning, preserving, or enhancing culinary creations, kosher salt consistently proves itself as an essential element of culinary excellence.

Sea Salt: A Journey Through History and Flavor

Sea salt, with a history stretching back millennia, invites us to embark on a captivating voyage through time and flavor. It all began with coastal communities harnessing the sea’s bounty to create this precious culinary treasure. From the Egyptians to the Romans, ancient civilizations understood the vital role sea salt played in preserving food, elevating flavors, and even serving as a form of currency.

Sea salt emerges from the simplicity of seawater evaporation. Coastal regions blessed with ample sunshine and gentle breezes provide the ideal setting for this natural process. Sea salt can be found in various oceans worldwide, each imparting its unique mineral composition and flavor characteristics.

Where the sea salt comes from significantly shapes the flavor of sea salt. Factors like the composition of seawater, climate conditions, and the minerals within salt beds contribute to the unique taste.

• Mediterranean Sea Salt: Revered for its mild, briny essence, Mediterranean sea salt is born from the crystalline waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Its delicate flakes capture the spirit of this iconic region, making it a beloved choice for putting the finishing touch on culinary creations.
• Himalayan Pink Salt: Mined from ancient salt deposits nestled deep within the Himalayan mountains, this salt variety boasts a striking pink hue and a complex flavor profile. It is treasured for its subtle sweetness and wealth of minerals, elevating it to a gourmet favorite.
• French Fleur de Sel: Harvested from the salt ponds along the Brittany coast in France, Fleur de Sel, meaning “flower of salt,” is esteemed for its fine, light texture and distinctive flavor. Its name evokes the delicate, flaky appearance that makes it a premium garnish for dishes.

Real Salt as a Natural Colon Wash

Did you know that a simple mixture of 2 teaspoons of real salt dissolved in a quart of lukewarm water can work wonders for your body? This unique solution mimics the density of blood, making it nearly indistinguishable.

But here’s the kicker – your body won’t absorb it. Instead, it takes a detour straight into your intestines, providing them with a thorough wash as it passes through, carrying away harmful toxins in the process.

This miraculous solution is often referred to as a “colon wash or shower.” It’s a secret weapon in the world of detoxification. And when we say quick, we mean lightning fast. In just 30 minutes to 1 and 1/2 hours, this elixir will have completed its mission, leaving you feeling refreshed and revitalized.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between table salt and sea salt?
  • Table salt is highly refined, stripped of minerals, and contains additives like iodine and anti-caking agents. Sea salt, on the other hand, retains its natural mineral composition and is harvested from seawater, imparting a distinctive flavor.

• Is sea salt contaminated by ocean pollutants?
  • Concerns about sea salt contamination do exist due to increasing pollution in oceans and seas. However, reputable salt companies regularly test their products for contaminants to ensure safety and purity.

• How can I make an informed choice when selecting salt?
  • Research is key. Look for companies that prioritize testing their salt for contamination and transparency in their sourcing practices. Trust your instincts and choose the salt that aligns with your values and concerns.

• What salt do you personally recommend?
  • We trust and recommend Real Salt for its quality and commitment to purity. We use it for all of our salt needs here on the homestead. However, the choice of salt ultimately depends on your preferences and trust in the source.

• Why do you cleanse your bodies twice a year?
  • Cleansing the body can help eliminate toxins and promote overall well-being. Doing so twice a year is a personal choice to maintain a healthy lifestyle in our increasingly toxic world.

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Wrap Up

So obviously, there is a difference in the types of salt. The increasing toxicity of oceans and seas, compounded by radiation and other pollutants, has raised questions about the purity of sea salt. Yet, it’s worth noting that even underground salt can potentially be exposed to contaminants due to the Earth’s intricate water cycle.

In our complex and toxic world, it’s impossible to avoid every risk. Living in fear isn’t the solution. Instead, we must strive to make the best choices available to us. That’s why, we commit to cleansing our bodies twice a year.

If you find a reputable company that regularly tests its salt for contamination and instills trust in you, then have confidence in your choice.

What salt do we use? Real Salt.

I encourage you to do your research, make the best decision you can for yourself and your family, and live!

As always, we’re here to help