Salt is one of the seasonings used to give salty flavours to food. There are two types of salt that are often used, sea salt and table salt. What's the difference between them?

Sea salt is salt that is produced from the evaporation of seawater, while table salt is the result of mining of salt deposits that are processed into crystals. The process of making these two types of salt is also different. Table salt requires a longer time to make compared to sea salt.

Most people assume that sea salt is better for consumption because it is considered to contain lower sodium. In fact, both types of salt contain same amount of sodium, which is 40% of their total weight. Sodium is a major nutrient found in salt. However, high sodium intake can increase the risk of hypertension and other heart diseases.

Sea salt contains natural minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium which are good for the body. However, these minerals are also found in table salt. Table salt is usually enriched with iodine, which plays a role in thyroid hormone production. As a result, table salt can reduce the risk of iodine deficiency, which can lead to hypothyroid disease (goiter).

Both sea salt and table salt have their advantages. It's just worth remembering that both have the same sodium content. Therefore, limiting salt intake is far better for maintaining overall health. Based on the recommendations of the Indonesian Ministry of Health, the salt intake limit per day is no more than 2000 mg.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Pixabay

Source(s):

• Medical News Today - What is the difference between sea salt and table salt? (2019). https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326519.php, 17 October 2019.
• Ministry of Health Republic of Indonesia - Healthy Begins with My Food Plate (2017). http://www.depkes.go.id/article/view/17103100004/healthy-starting-from-my-food-plate.html, 17 October 2019.