Why Mineral Salt is Better Than Iodized Table Salt: A Health Coach's Perspective
When it comes to seasoning our food, salt is an essential ingredient that enhances flavor and brings out the best in our dishes. However, not all salts are created equal, and the choice between mineral salt and iodized table salt can significantly impact our health and the overall taste of our meals.
Let's start by discussing iodized table salt. Iodized table salt is an everyday pantry staple that has been fortified with iodine, a vital nutrient that plays a crucial role in thyroid function and overall health. While iodine is essential for preventing iodine deficiency disorders, such as goiter, iodized table salt often undergoes heavy processing, which strips away natural minerals and can involve the addition of anti-caking agents, toxic chemicals, and other additives.
On the other hand, mineral salt, such as Himalayan pink salt or Celtic sea salt, is harvested naturally and contains a rich array of essential minerals and trace elements. These minerals not only add depth and complexity to the flavor of the salt but also provide important nutrients that our bodies need to function optimally. Minerals like magnesium, potassium, and sodium are often found in higher concentrations in mineral salt than in iodized table salt.
In terms of flavor, mineral salt tends to have a more complex and nuanced taste profile, which can enhance the overall sensory experience of a dish. The larger, coarser grains of mineral salt also provides a satisfying texture and can be used as a finishing touch on dishes to add a delightful crunch.
From a health perspective, choosing mineral salt over iodized table salt ensures that we not only add flavor to our meals but also incorporate a broader range of essential minerals into our diets. While iodine from iodized table salt is important, you are likely already able to obtain this nutrient from other dietary sources, such as seafood and dairy products, without relying solely on iodized salt.
Mineralized salts also contribute significantly to cellular hydration and function. You can never have too much of it. Adding 1 or 2 pinches of mineral salt per glass of drinking water every day will significantly improve your hydration by regulating cellular osmosis and regulating and balancing water concentration in your cells. The sodium in mineral salts hydrate outside the cell, while the potassium and magnesium hydrate inside your cells. Drinking slightly salted water also improves brain health and cognitive function, increases energy, improves sleep quality, decreases muscle cramps, and boosts workout efficacy.
Salt is very misunderstood, and many doctors will lovingly warn patients to cut down on salt. It matters what kind of salt, for one. You never have to be afraid of consuming too much mineral salt! If you do, you simply pee it out. However, elevated insulin levels can cause salt retention if you have a high-sugar diet. It seems unfair to blame salt for what sugar is doing to your insulin and glucose levels, right?!
As we now know, the type of salt you use daily to season your food matters! Replacing table salt is a simple gesture that can help you improve your health and become more mindful of what you eat and where it comes from. By making informed choices about the salts we use, we can elevate our culinary experiences while nourishing our bodies with essential nutrients.
Need help picking a good salt? As a health coach, this is my specialty! Luckily, many of these salts are super easy to track down and are affordable and accessible. Here are the 3 types of salt I use!
Redmond's Real Salt
Celtic Sea Salt
Himalayan Pink Salt
I am not being paid to promote any products here.
As a health coach, I believe swapping out your iodized table salt is a wonderful first step anyone can implement to start building connection and awareness of the foods they consume and the role they play in our bodies.
Questions about nutrition, coaching, or both? Fill out the contact form on my website here or book a free 30-minute consultation with me here! I would love to meet you!
Happy healing,
