What is the difference between sea salt and table salt?
The main differences between sea salt and table salt is the mineral content and the processing method. Sea salt is made by dehydrating seawater and is rich in health-enhancing minerals. Table salt, on the other hand, can be obtained from both seawater and rock salts. But unlike sea salt, it is highly processed and contains no more minerals than sodium.
As already mentioned, sea salt is extracted from marine waters. The collection is carried out by channeling large amounts of seawater into special tanks where it is allowed to be processed naturally by nature itself. It is usually done in sunny weather because the sun helps accelerate the dehydration of the water. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind its mineral content, which is known as sea salt.
Although salt goes through a bit of cleaning, all of its mineral contents are generally left intact for the consumer. Due to the mineral content, the salt takes on a different color. Some salts look like sand, while others come in shades of pink or gray.
The table salt harvesting process is completely different. Whether sourced from the ocean or rock salts, salt is cooked at extremely high temperatures and all mineral content is removed except for sodium chloride. This is basically the purification process in which all the unwanted debris is removed, leaving pure white salt crystals.
Once table salt has been refined and purified, other ingredients are added to increase its value. It is usually treated with iodine, a mineral that is important in helping with brain and other body functions. Iodine is naturally present in sea salt, however it is also often treated with an additional dose because it is a very important mineral and often difficult to obtain otherwise.
Other substances that are added to table salt include agents that help keep it from sticking in humid climates. Although this is favorable, the substances are often high in aluminum, which has many negative effects on health. Also, aluminum is bitter, so it is necessary to add sugar to the salt to neutralize the bitterness.
Due to different collection methods, sea salt and table salt have different effects on the overall health of the body. Sea salt is said to be much safer and healthier because it contains many natural minerals and generally lacks synthetic ingredients. It can help maintain fluid levels, increase energy, help restore a healthy pH, and is also effective in relieving depression.