What Iodized Sea Salt is and Why its Important
In a world where taste matters and eating is pleasure, the dawning of IODIZED SEA SALT just made the state of being salty a little bit healthy. This turns any craving for a fine and tasty meal into an appetite for a more sound body.
It is indeed remarkable; especially since this type of salt is readily available in the market. Nothing can hinder anyone into putting a little extra nutrient or mineral into their mouth watering cuisine.
But before you savor that iodized sea salt on your table, try to find out first the thing that it contributes to your food. More importantly, know first what it can do to you.
SEA SALT
Basically, sea salt is produced when seawater evaporates. The crystal formed is actually a conglomerate of many minerals that is present in the water. These minerals are in fact ions or electrically charged atoms. These ions are the ones responsible for stimulating the taste buds for that distinct salty taste. Plus, some of these are needed by the body in small amounts.
Now, the one that is widely used is actually refined sea salt where most of the ions are taken away, leaving sodium and chloride ions only. Thus, table salt is said to be mostly sodium chloride while sea salt is also composed of magnesium, calcium, sulfate, potassium, bicarbonate, bromide and strontium. Generally, sea salt differs from table salt based on their structure, texture, coarseness, color and taste. Moreover, sea salt is almost all natural while table salt is processed.
IODIZED SEA SALT
You might say that salt gives you a lot of nutrients already. Well, these are just not enough. Salts should still have iodine. Unfortunately, with all the minerals present in sea salt, iodine is not one of them. Mind you, this mineral is very important in our body.
Iodine plays a major part in the action of the thyroid gland. It is used in its ionized form, iodide, which helps the gland in synthesizing the thyroid hormones. These hormones are responsible for the normal functioning of the body. Deficiency of iodine may lead to goiter, a disease of the thyroid gland.
Fortunately for us, there are many sources of iodine in our diet. Seafood alone can give us the amount of this mineral that our bodies need. However, not all of us have this kind of food in our diet. Since salt is almost always used to add flavor to our meals, an iodized version of it will certainly be very useful.
Sea salt can be processed so that iodide can be added to it in substantial amount. Thus, consumption of this kind of salt may give an individual the minerals one need to stay healthy. But remember, this is only possible because these ions are only needed in very small amounts. Excessive use of salt will also be disadvantageous and injurious to the body. Proper use should always be kept in mind.