Food Focus: Salt

Salt is one of life’s most vital elements as it contains over 60 essential trace minerals. The energy of salt is grounding, it aids in stronger digestion, helps to detoxify poisons, and it stimulates the kidneys which create moisture that helps combat the dryness of winter.

If salt has so many benefits why has it been labeled one of the most dangerous foods of our times? One reason is because of the salt that has been studied in relationship to hypertension is low quality refined salt eaten in excess. Common table salt is stripped of most of its beneficial minerals and is adorned with anti-caking chemicals, free flowing agents, ammonium citrate, and so on.

One of the main misconceptions about sea salt is that it doesn’t contain essential iodine. Iodine is a mineral that supports thyroid and lymphatic system health. The amount of iodine that we need to consume over our life time to support proper functioning is properly met by consuming unrefined sea salt in moderation and adding seaweed to our diet.

To receive the benefits of salt, choose high quality sea salt crystals that are produced without much processing. Keep in mind that local sea salt might have added benefit since it is harvested in the same environment you live.