Health Benefits of Sea Salt

Sea salt ‘bay salt’ or solar salt, is a flavour enhancer AND contrary to popular belief, it offers certain health benefits, provided one consumes not more than 5 grams a day (WHO Guidelines).

As sea salt is derived naturally through the evaporation process, from the sea water. It is unprocessed and the purest form of salt and contains traces of certain vital minerals, based on the area that it has been produced from. 

Sea salt can be either refined or unrefined, fine or coarse. As compared to the table salt granules, sea salt granules are larger. Sea salt is composed of sodium chloride and contains a small amount of natural iodine. 

The purest sea salt helps to keep rehydrated longer. Also, due to the right balance of potassium and sodium, in non processed sea salt, it can help to reduce water retention and balance the body electrolytes

Some of the types of Sea Salt are Himalayan Sea Salt, Celtic Sea Salt, Flaky Sea Salt, Fleur de Sel and Hawaiian Sea Salt.

Nutritional Facts

Sea salt is an exceptionally rich source of sodium. Generally, high-quality sea salts contain 60 trace minerals while Himalayan sea salt contains 84 trace minerals. 

Apart from sodium, there are few more major minerals present in sea salt namely, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. It also contains some trace minerals such as zinc, iron, manganese, and iodine. One teaspoon of sea salt contains zero calories. It contains 2,325 mg of sodium.

Potential Health Benefits of Sea Salt…

1/6. Relieves rheumatoid arthritis

The anti-inflammatory properties of sea salt aids in the reduction of the pain, inflammation and stiffness caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

2/6. Enhances skin health

1. The anti-inflammatory properties and the high mineral content of sea salt are quite effective in eczema, ageing and psoriasis.

2. When bathing with sea salt solution, the high magnesium content of sea salt decreases inflammation and roughness, enhances the skin barrier function, and improves moisturisation.

3. The magnesium content of sea salt treats acne and eczema, averts premature ageing, decreases dark circles, and cleanses the skin.

4. Sea salt can provide the skin with the nutrients, enhance circulation, and detoxify the skin.

3/6. Promotes digestion

1. The flavour of salt activates salivary amylase, an enzyme that aids in breaking down of carbohydrates in the saliva thus, playing a role in smooth digestion.

2. Sea salt plays a major role in the production of hydrochloric acid thus, averting several digestive complaints such as heartburn, bloating, gas, and indigestion. Low hydrochloric acid leads to several digestive disorders.

4/6. Benefits oral health

1. The fluoride content of sea salt promotes oral health.

2. Fluoride averts the demineralisation of enamel, keeps acidic damage at bay, and the development of dental caries.

5/6. Fights depression

1. Sea salt is considered to be beneficial in treating numerous types of depression.

2. Sea salt controls two hormones in the body – serotonin and melatonin thus helps treat symptoms of depression. Serotonin and melatonin help to relax and provides a more restful sleep.

6/6. Other possible Benefits…

Apart from the health benefits mentioned above, sea salt also produces a few more such as boosts immune system; enhances cardiac functioning; soothes allergies, asthma and congestion; fights insomnia; balances the blood sugar levels; avoids dehydration and balance fluids; maintains hydration; reduces fluid retention; balances electrolytes; prevents muscle cramps; nourishes the adrenal glands; regulates blood pressure; helps in weight loss; maintains the ph balance of the body; helps maintain proper brain, muscle, and nervous system function; treat rhino-sinusitis; relaxes aching feet, and prevents hair loss.

The purest sea salt helps to keep rehydrated longer. Also, with its right balance of potassium and sodium, it  helps reduce water retention and balance  body electrolytes

How to use Sea Salt?

There are several ways of adding sea salt to your diet. Some of them are as follows:

• In baking. 
• In most of the dishes.
• To season fish or burgers.
• Sprinkling it on roasted veggies.
• Adding it to chocolate-based desserts.
• To steamed vegetables or shellfish, etc.

How to prepare Rosemary-Lemon Sea Salt?

Preheat the oven to 230 degrees F.

Take the grated zest of 1 lemon and 3 tablespoons of fresh finely chopped rosemary leaves.

Put rosemary and lemon zest into a food processor and add 1 cup of coarse sea salt. Mix everything thoroughly.

Take a baking sheet and transfer the mixture over it and bake for 15-20 minutes.

After removing it from the oven, check if there are any lumps, pulse it again into the food processor.

Allow it to cool then, store the rosemary-lemon sea salt in an airtight container.