We have already talked about the benefits and harms of salt and why it is better to use sea salt for cooking in the last article, which you can watch, or by watching the video.
Today, let's figure out how to choose a healthy and high-quality sea salt for its further use. Salt sea food how to choose from the variety available in stores and pharmacies, about this in order.
If you recall the history, hundreds of millions of years ago, our planet presented a completely different picture: where the land is now located, there used to be ancient seas. Over time, salt deposits were formed, which have survived to this day and are now being developed by salt mining enterprises. And if we have all the sea salt, why is there such a distinction? Why do we pay three times more for a pack of "Sea Salt" than for "ordinary salt". Is this just another marketing ploy?
Compound
Sea salt consists of 97-98.5% NaCl, the remaining 1.5-3% are macro- and microelements necessary for our body (iodine, potassium, magnesium, calcium, etc.). And ordinary table salt contains 99.9% NaCl, that is, almost 100%. Why is this happening?
Production
Salt is extracted in a variety of ways, during which the salt is subjected to processing, as a result of which its chemical composition changes. For example, the production of "extra" salt occurs by vacuum evaporation of the brine, during which almost all useful impurities are destroyed.
The production of rock salt takes place in a more gentle way - with the help of underground mining. Mining takes place in the mines with special combines that crush the salt and collect it. Next, the salt is mechanically freed from foreign inclusions. But the rock salt presented on our market is not always of good quality. Often, dark inclusions are visible to the naked eye, which form a precipitate that does not dissolve in water. It turns out that although ancient sea salt is of marine origin, over a long time the amount of necessary trace elements in it has decreased.
Sea salt is obtained by evaporation from sea water. Then it is purified from unnecessary impurities and crushed. Sea salt contains the largest percentage of useful trace elements, it contains iron, bromine, chlorine, selenium, iodine and many other elements that are so necessary for maintaining health and beauty.
The daily intake of sea salt is 0.5-5 grams, but do not forget to take into account foods with a significant salt content - salted fish, sausages, cheese, etc.
How to choose healthy salt
Product name, for example: sea food iodized salt;
Salt production method: cage or self-plant, boil-out;
Salt grade: first, second, highest;
Grind size.
Enrichment Information: If the salt has been enriched, then the package must indicate what exactly was used for enrichment - potassium iodate or iodide. And, of course, the concentration and shelf life of useful properties. For example: “Salt is enriched with potassium iodate, mass fraction is 40+/-15 µg/g. Shelf life - 1 year. After the expiration date, the salt can be used as a simple salt, without preventive additives, so do not forget to check the production date of the product.
How to store
- Salt absorbs moisture very well, so edible sea salt should be stored in a closed container and in a dry place.
- To keep the salt from getting damp, put a piece of blotting paper or 1-2 tablespoons of rice in the bottom of the storage jar to absorb excess moisture.
- To preserve all the beneficial properties of iodized salt, store it in a dark, cool place, the bottom shelf of the refrigerator will do.
Salt is a vital food product not only for humans, but for all mammals. Without it, gastric juice is not secreted to digest food.
Therefore, even wild animals are looking for salt marshes. And herbivores eat hazel bark. In this tree and some others, salt is present in low concentrations due to the fact that the plant absorbs groundwater and deposits sodium chloride.
By the way, ancient hunters and herdsmen sometimes used raw meat for the same reason. After all, sodium chloride is also present in the blood of animals.
It has been six thousand years since man learned how to extract salt. Now on the shelves we see many types of these products.
But if you do not take into account salt with various additives, as well as colored salt (crystals get their hue due to inclusions of minerals and clay), it is divided into only two types: table and sea. Which one to choose?
Which type will bring the most benefit? How is sea salt different from table salt? Our article is devoted to these issues.
The benefits and harms of salt
We have already said that sodium chloride is responsible for the production of acid by the stomach. Salt ions are necessary for many body functions, in particular the transmission of nerve impulses from the brain to the periphery and muscle contraction.
Lack of salt in the body leads to increased fatigue, general weakness, muscle and nervous disorders. Sodium chloride deficiency can lead to nausea, dizziness, and headache.
Therefore, the so-called salt-free diets should be treated very carefully and practiced only under medical supervision. However, salt should not be abused.
Its optimal amount, according to doctors, is from four to six grams per day for an adult healthy person. And this is taking into account the fact that we consume salt in various products, ranging from bread, where it is almost not felt, to chips, cheese and fish snacks.
An excess of this substance in the body can lead to edema, fluid retention, increased blood and intraocular pressure, stomach cancer and cataracts. And now let's take a closer look at sea salt and ordinary salt. What is the difference between them? Let's figure it out.
Rock salt - what is it?
This type is the oldest. And not only because humanity learned how to extract rock salt eight thousand years ago.
The composition of this product is also very ancient. After all, what is the so-called rock salt? These are sodium chloride crystals, which were formed as a result of the drying up of ancient seas that splashed on our planet from hundreds to tens of millions of years ago.
Sometimes these deposits are very close to the surface of the earth, forming domes. But most often they are very deep, and for their extraction it is necessary to dig mines.
Despite some difficulty of extraction, mankind got acquainted with rock salt much earlier than with sea salt. Therefore, it is also called cooking (that is, kitchen, the one that is added to dishes) or ordinary.
But it is used not only for food, but also as a fertilizer, and in cosmetology. But by and large, what is the difference between sea salt and ordinary salt? Origin? By no means!
After all, table salt is also sea salt. It's just that the oceans in which it was once dissolved dried up millions of years ago.
Sea salt production
There is no need to talk about the origin of this type of sodium chloride. The name "marine" speaks for itself. The inhabitants of the coasts with a hot climate were the first to get acquainted with this type of salt.
It often happened that the sea during storms filled small depressions. In the heat, these lakes dried up. The water evaporated, leaving shiny crystals at the bottom.
More than four thousand years ago, people thought of helping nature. In the south of France, in Bulgaria, Spain, India, China, and Japan, they began to block shallow water with dams, separating it from the rest of the water area. The hot sun completed the work.
In Foggy Albion, where there was little hope for the sun, the water from the sea began to simply evaporate. And the inhabitants of the North went the other way.
It is noticed that the freezing point of fresh water is 0 degrees, and salt water is slightly lower. When the liquid transforms into ice, it separates.
A very saturated solution forms at the bottom. By separating it from fresh ice, it is possible to evaporate the crystals with less energy costs.
What distinguishes sea salt from ordinary salt is the method of extraction. It is believed that in the first case it is evaporated, and in the second it is often mined with a pickaxe in mines. But is it?
Rock salt production
Halite - a mineral that is sodium chloride in the form of a druze (crystal), is not found in nature very often. And the mines where the miners went down to raise the trolleys with salt to the top are a rarity.
Therefore, excursions are led to Wieliczka (Poland), Solotvyno (Ukraine). An older way to extract rock sediment from the ancient seas was to pour fresh water into a deep pit, wait for the mineral to dissolve, then scoop out the liquid... and still evaporate.
This is how the product was obtained in the oldest known saltworks Provadia-Solnitsata in Bulgaria. And it was in the sixth millennium BC!
The water from the salty spring was evaporated in furnaces. They were made of clay and had the shape of a cone.
So does sea salt differ from regular salt in the way it is produced? As you can see, evaporation is used in the extraction of both types of product.
Of course, the rock salt from the mines was not subjected to additional heat treatment. But this rarity was worth its weight in gold.
The myth of the uniqueness of sea salt
Modern marketing foists on us the idea that sodium chloride extracted from the ocean is much more valuable in terms of chemical composition than that obtained from earth deposits. Say, in sea water there are more minerals, including iodine.
It's time to debunk this myth. How is sea salt different from regular salt? Composition? The analysis shows that in both cases we are dealing with ordinary sodium chloride.
Since the culinary product was formed on the site of the dried up oceans, it contains the same composition of minerals as in sea water. Moreover, iodine is a volatile substance. It is the first to evaporate during the thermal treatment of sea water.
The remaining 75 elements, which are so trumpeted by modern marketers and advertising producers, remain in the sludge, which is carefully separated from the resulting salt during evaporation. After all, the buyer wants to get beautiful white crystals, and not a gray mass.
Therefore, sea salt, like purified Extra class table salt, is sodium chloride and nothing more. The remaining impurities are in such negligible amounts that it is not worth talking about them.
Myth #2: Sea salt is the purest
Say, in the stone product there are a lot of impurities left from the silt of the dried up ancient oceans. This is all true except for a small detail. Rock salt is also being refined.
Raw lumps are used for the needs of the chemical industry, for the production of glue, fertilizers, etc. If the druse is halite without impurities, they are simply crushed.
All the rest are purified by turning into a solution - brine and further evaporation. Because of this, there are different grades of salt - from the highest, "Extra", to the third.
As for "harmful" impurities, they can be present in both stone and marine products. This is potassium ferrocyanide - a substance that is designated as E536 in the international coding system.
It is added so that the salt crystals do not cake. And an impurity that will certainly be beneficial to the body is iodine.
Myth #3: Sea salt tastes better
Why do many gourmets and chefs insist on using a seasoning that is obtained by evaporation? Let's first understand what taste is.
This is the smell, texture and, in fact, what the receptors of our tongue feel. As for the first parameter, sodium chloride does not have it.
Our nose can catch the smell of iodine, which is already added to purified salt, but no more. Let's arm ourselves with a magnifying glass and look at how sea salt differs from ordinary salt, literally through a magnifying glass.
The crystals obtained by evaporation have a different shape: from scales to pyramids. Salt is as fine as sand. Getting into the mouth, for example, on a piece of egg or tomato, it melts very quickly.
We just feel like the food is salty, that's all. Larger crystals do not dissolve as quickly. Their edges, falling on the receptors of the tongue, give delicious bursts of salinity.
But if we cook soup, pasta or boil potatoes, that is, we dissolve the seasoning in water, we will not feel any difference. In addition, only those varieties of sea salt, which are evaporated slowly, have large crystals. And that's why they cost more.
Myth #4: Sea salt is saltier than regular salt
This statement does not stand up to scrutiny. Both kinds are sodium chloride, which is equally salty. The statement about the excessively strong taste of sea seasoning is based again on the shape of the crystals.
The larger they are, the slower they dissolve. Therefore, our taste buds perceive them longer and brighter. Many argue that if you use sea salt instead of regular salt, it will be more economical.
Deep delusion. After all, cooks are used to measuring the required amount of salt with a spoon. But if we take the same volume, then large crystals will fit in it much less than small ones.
Therefore, in a tablespoon there will be 10 grams of table salt, and sea salt - 7-8. But if we season food based not on the volume, but on the basis of the weight of the white powder, then the effect will be the same.
Myth #5: Sea salt is healthier than regular salt.
The composition may still contain negligible impurities of sulfate, magnesium, calcium, potassium and other trace elements. Rock salt is also cleaned from silt deposits. In the process of processing, all the same trace elements also remain in it.
So why is sea salt better than regular salt? Those impurities that manufacturers add to an already purified product. First of all, it is iodine.
This substance is the first to volatilize during evaporation. But iodine is added to make the salt healthier. In more expensive types of seasoning, there are indeed unique elements.
It should be remembered at least pink Peruvian, red Himalayan, black smoked French salt. They are not cheap, but both the benefits and the unique taste of such salt justify the high price.
In addition, the product is sold in small packs, which makes it unnecessary to add E536, an anti-caking agent. In fairness, it should be noted that gourmets are experimenting with different types of sea salt.
Therefore, the opinion was created that this type is more useful. These additives really prevent water retention in the body, have a decongestant effect.
Salt varieties
Since the raw material is in any case purified, the product from it is divided into classes. The more thoroughly the salt is refined, the more sodium chloride it contains. In the "Extra" variety, this substance is 99.7 percent.
These are small, snow-white crystals that look like regular cubes under a microscope. To prevent them from caking, the manufacturer adds E536 to such table salt - not the most healthy substance.
But the powder remains "fluffy". It pours perfectly from the salt shaker. The first and second grades of the product are not cleaned as thoroughly. On the other hand, large gray crystals of cheap table salt contain other trace elements that are very beneficial for health.
The marine product is also divided into varieties. But cleaning here takes place in a different way. If you evaporate the brine quickly, heating it in an oven, then the crystals are small, in the form of scales.
If, however, the sun is allowed to do its work by drying up the flood ponds, then large pyramidal druses will be obtained. They contribute to the unique taste.
This is how sea salt differs from ordinary table salt: in the first case, preference should be given to the highest grade. If we take the stone type, then coarse grinding.
Salt in antiquity
The northern peoples did not have the opportunity to evaporate ocean water in a natural way. Therefore, they did not ask themselves the question of how sea salt differs from table salt.
The usual for them was only stone. And this salt was very expensive due to its rarity. In the Roman Empire, this product was calculated with the legionnaires serving.
This type of barter was called "salari", which has the same root with the word "salt". Even in ancient times, they understood the paramount importance of this product. Jesus Christ compares his disciples with salt (Matt. 5:13). In the Middle Ages, the value of the product decreased slightly. This was primarily due to the fact that sea salt began to be produced in the Mediterranean.
But in the North of Europe, the product was literally worth its weight in gold. The wealth of the royal city of Krakow was based on the deposits of the Wieliczka salt cave.
People have long noticed that sodium chloride prevents the development of putrefactive bacteria. Up until the invention of refrigeration and the pasteurization process, meat and fish were salted for long-term storage. Therefore, white crystals have always been in honor.
Salt among the Eastern Slavs
In Kievan Rus, the product was valued no less. The most distinguished guests were honored with salt on top of the loaf. Because of this product, wars were fought, riots took place (in particular, Moscow in 1648).
If they wanted to say that they know a person very well, they said: "I ate a pound of salt with him." Scientists have calculated that people used to consume about 4-5 kilograms of this product per year.
Thus, phraseologism means that you have been closely acquainted with the indicated person for one and a half to two years. In Ukraine, people have long known the difference between sea salt and table salt. The Milky Way is called the Chumatsky Way there.
It was this way, guided by the stars, that the salt miners went to the Crimea on wagons pulled by oxen. Chumaks were rich and respected people.
But in Russia, during Holy Week, they made the so-called Thursday salt. Large crystals were mixed with a crumb of black bread or leavened thick and calcined in a frying pan, after which they were crushed in a mortar. This salt was eaten with Easter eggs.
Modern myths
Now it is believed that a woman carrying a child should be drawn to everything salty. But modern research warns: expectant mothers should consume the same amount of the product throughout pregnancy as the rest of the people.
The abuse of salt leads to hypertension and weakened blood circulation, which as a result negatively affects the development of the fetus. But the lack of the product is also harmful. Deficiency of salt (sea or ordinary) provokes puffiness, and can also affect the poor development of the kidneys in a child.
Despite the fact that this product is now very inexpensive, its value has by no means diminished. Salt is an element of heraldry. It is depicted on the arms of those cities where this product was mined. It also defines the names of settlements - Solikamsk, Soligalich, Usolye-Sibirskoye, etc.
Instead of a conclusion
We have debunked many myths created by modern marketers and advertising producers here. They impose on us the stereotype that a product created by evaporating ocean water is more valuable than one that was mined from the bowels of the earth.
But we clearly answered the question of whether sea salt can be replaced with ordinary salt. After all, both types of product are nothing more than sodium chloride.
There were times when sea salt valued more than gold. Many scientists of past eras called natural salt crystals a source of beauty and health, deeply believing that it was sea water that had healing power against various diseases. The luminaries of modern medicine are also in solidarity with Euripides, Plato and Hippocrates, who experimentally confirmed the identity of salts in the sea and human blood. What is special about this natural substance, how it can heal, and who is useful - we will talk about all this later in the article.
The water that fills the seas and oceans is the blood of the globe. Many researchers of the healing phenomenon of sea salt explained it precisely by the fact that the deep reservoirs of the planet are the source of life and, accordingly, a new civilization. 
After all, it is not in vain that every earthling sooner or later feels an irresistible craving for the seashore.
Did you know? At the beginning of the 19th century, sea salt was 4 times more expensive than beef. It made up a significant part of the trade turnover in many countries.
Sea salt varies in taste, color, size and shape of the crystals, as well as the degree of salinity. These characteristics directly depend on the specifics and chemical composition of sea and ocean waters in which it is contained.
The harvesting technology can consist only in drying, or maybe in freezing, evaporation, recrystallization, etc. 
Based on this, all sea spice is usually divided into:
- cage, which is extracted naturally from the waters of the Black, Azov, Caspian, Mediterranean, Dead and other seas by evaporation of moisture under the sun;
- evaporation, which is produced by the technology of evaporation of water in a vacuum.
But, if you do not take into account the process of developing salt marshes and the calibration of the extracted raw materials, then all the same, nature surprises with a variety of sea salts.
Did you know? Japanese and Korean cuisines make extensive use of bamboo salt, which is baked on bamboo stalks.
Today, mankind knows the following types of sea salt :
- - is found in large quantities in the waters surrounding the French island of Re. It is a crystalline flake that forms on the edges of salt baths. When, under the influence of the sun, the water from the reservoir gradually evaporates, shimmering growths appear in that place. They are collected by hand. This is the only place in the world where salt is collected by primitive methods with the help of ladles.
- - its deposit is the area of the same name in the south-east of Great Britain. It is distinguished by large crystals of a flat shape, which, when it hits the tongue, seem to break into many small salty sparks.
- - differs from other types of hydrogen sulfide smell and dark color. If you look closely at the edges of the crystals, you can see dark brown and rich purple hues in them. These characteristics of the salt, popularly called "black pearls", received due to the iron sulfite and sulfur compounds inherent in sea waters. There are black salt baths near the Himalayan archipelago, India, Nepal. This spice is an essential ingredient in Asian cuisine. The mineral substance has a unique aroma, mild taste and contains more than 80 healthy minerals and elements.
- - is a mineral substance with a non-standard saturated pinkish color, which is due to impurities of potassium chloride, iron oxide. Characteristically, in the composition of this salt, scientists found up to 5 percent of various additives and about 90 minerals and trace elements vital to humans. Such salt is mined near the Indian coast, as well as in the Pakistani Khevra mine.
Important! Every day a healthy person should consume about 4-6 grams of salt..
- Moreover, large pieces of salt are initially cut out, and only then they are processed into small crystals. In some interiors, you can find decorations made from salt blocks, but often such salt is used in cooking to decorate dishes.
- - These are sedimentary growths located along the Hawaiian Islands and California. They have bright purple hues, which are due to impurities of red volcanic clay. According to taste characteristics, the product has sweetish notes and a glandular taste. It is considered especially valuable for health, which is the reason for its high price.
- - belongs to the rarest species in the world. Their bluish crystals have a delicate taste, they can be used in all dishes. This salt got its name due to the optical effect that appears when light is refracted.
- - characterized by a white color, a solid structure and a taste akin to the culinary variety. The product is mined in South African underground lakes located under the Kalahari Desert. These lakes are believed to be over 280 million years old, and the outgrowths formed in them qualify as the world's purest salt product.
- - is an unrefined natural raw material that is mined from volcanic rocks on sulfur lakes near India and Pakistan. Its distinctive features are the smell of sulfur and sour notes in taste. "Kala Namak" is recommended for malfunctions of the cardiovascular system and kidneys, as well as for obesity.
- - differs in gentle taste and rich structure. It is mined from the Murray River, under the basin of which salty reservoirs lie in the ground. Scientists say that more than 5 million years ago these waters were an inland lake, but over time it was completely covered with a thick layer of clay. Such a historical feature affects the shade of the crystals. They are characterized by delicate apricot-pink blotches.
- - mined in the coastal regions of France. It has a pleasant, highly concentrated aroma, a gray-pinkish hue and a specific taste.
Did you know? To this day, the most expensive salt in the world is considered to be a handmade work of French masters - Guerande salt. Raw materials for it are collected only in the summer. In hot, windy weather, the moisture from the Atlantic waters, which fell into special ponds, evaporates, and crystals similar to flowers form in this place. From 27 kilograms of crude raw materials, only 1 kilogram of the finished product is obtained. It is characteristic that for a 100-gram serving, manufacturers ask from 70 to 100 euros.
Cooks rarely use pure sea salt. According to experts, although it is rich in vital nutrients, it is a very rough food. Often, after special cleaning, it is used as a decorative or flavoring element for main dishes. Many traditional healers advise recipes based on varieties of sea salt to get rid of all ailments. 
Keep in mind that sea salt is more economical, because, compared to rock salt, it has more pronounced taste characteristics. It is added to homemade pickles, canned food and marinades. At the same time, depending on the type of spice used, the taste and color shade of the dish may change.
By the way, humanity discovered the unique healing abilities of these natural crystals many millennia ago. There is an opinion that people who mine salt never get sick. Modern medicine believes that sea salt is an important part of everyone's daily diet. Moreover, the product is recommended to the same extent, both for internal and external use.
There is an opinion that all the salt that is mined today from the bowels of the globe is of marine origin. Just due to geological changes, some deposits ended up in open oceanic and sea waters, while others - in underground.
Important! When buying ordinary sea salt, pay attention to the appearance and composition indicated on the package. The natural product is characterized by a grayish color due to sulfur particles and algae. And among its components, sodium chloride should prevail by 98 percent. The rest is various impurities of chemical elements that are indispensable for the full life of a person.
Differences between one and the other salt are obvious in taste, color characteristics and mineral content. Scientists explain this phenomenon by the fact that people get sea salt by natural evaporation from water bodies. Such a product stands out for its naturalness, it does not contain additional cheapening impurities in the form of chalk, sand, stony rocks and gypsum. It contains at least 40 useful minerals (although in rare cases this figure can reach 80 or more). 
Table salt, as a rule, is not sold without artificial additives that prolong the keeping quality of the product. It is because of these additional ingredients that it becomes less beneficial to human health.
Did you know? In the world, only 6 percent of all salt is used by mankind for cooking, another 17 percent - for the treatment of highways in the winter, and another 77 percent - for industrial purposes.
For the average reader, the topic of the healing qualities of salt crystals may seem very controversial. Therefore, before talking about the benefits or harms of sea salt, it is worth looking into its composition. In a natural product that was not purified, the following were found:
- (has a beneficial effect on the work of the heart, strengthens the walls of blood vessels and cleanses them of toxins);
- (plays an important role in the process of blood formation);
- (without this element, the formation of connective, bone and muscle tissues is impossible);
- (participates in metabolic processes, regulates water balance);
- (is an indispensable element in the formation of cells);
- (contributes to the normalization of digestive processes and the absorption of useful vitamins and minerals);
- (has an immunomodulatory function, promotes bone formation);
- (has a beneficial effect on cells, which affects the condition of the skin, also stimulates sexual activity and protective functions of the body);
- (affects the operation of all systems and individual organs, since it is responsible for transporting oxygen to them);
- (is a powerful antioxidant that destroys cancer cells);
- (affects the processes of blood and lymph formation);
- (responsible for the elasticity of blood vessels and muscle tissue);
- (has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the thyroid gland and the hormonal background in the body).
All of these components play an important role in the smooth functioning of the human body. Salt deficiency, as well as its excess, can easily disable any organ, which will entail irreversible processes. Since ancient times, sea salt crystals have been used as the first remedy for swelling of various origins, rheumatism, sinusitis, arthrosis, colds, toothache, heart disease, pneumonia, poisoning and fungal infections.
Today, despite scientific progress, doctors continue to use old recipes, practicing various inhalations, washings, baths, rubbing, peelings and scrubs. The effectiveness of these procedures is due to the rich composition of sea salt. A few of its crystals are enough to provide the body with vital minerals.
From a scientific point of view, sea salt has the following qualities:
- promotes the activation of cell regeneration in tissue fibers;
- increases the elasticity of the skin and blood vessels;
- characterized by antiseptic properties;
- relieves inflammation;
- relieves pain;
- increases vitality;
- strengthens the nervous system;
- normalizes blood pressure;
- beneficial effect on the work of the heart;
- promotes the formation of blood;
- stimulates the body's metabolism.
Oddly enough, the modern list of diseases that are treated with sea salt has expanded greatly. This included thrush, warts, osteochondrosis, psoriasis, fractures, eczema, adenoids, conjunctivitis, digestive tract disorders, hangover syndrome and much more. Most experts consider this substance to be a universal therapeutic and prophylactic agent. The main thing is not to exceed the allowed daily allowance. Important! Baths with a small amount of sea salt are shown even to newborns. Pediatricians advise repeating such procedures daily to strengthen the immune system of the crumbs.
During the period of bearing a child, the expectant mother, as a rule, wants something salty, but such gastronomic addictions, according to some doctors, can cause swelling. For a long time, it was believed that salt crystals retain water in the body's fibers, which prevents the renewal of amniotic fluid. Modern nutritionists, on the contrary, assure that the normalized consumption of this spice contributes to the normalization of the salt balance.
Recent scientific studies have confirmed the safety of the product. Its deficiency can be expressed by poor appetite and deterioration of the blood formula. And for a woman who is nursing or carrying a child under her heart, this is a disaster.
Many expectant mothers are afraid of getting fat during pregnancy, as a result of which they torture themselves with salt-free diets. Experts do not advise doing this and, on the contrary, recommend salting food to taste. At the same time, lovers of smoked meats will have to limit themselves to such a delicacy; a ban has also been imposed on dried fish. This is especially true for children and women during lactation. 
Do not forget that excessive salting can cause serious malfunctions in the body. Therefore, all pregnant and lactating women should consider the following recommendations:
- If you want salty, and the daily allowance has already been eaten, replace the spice with parsley, basil or dill. The need for salty food during this period is due to a deficiency of chlorides in the blood, which are just found in the composition of the above plants. You can replenish your chloride reserves with seafood and goat's milk.
- Strictly follow the expiration date of the iodized variety of the product. 4 months after the date of manufacture, it is no longer suitable, as it loses its useful qualities.
- To get the most benefit from iodized salt, add it to your meals just before serving. Remember that heat treatment destroys iodine components.
- Keep in mind that a lack of salt in the body leads to blood oxidation, and if the norm is exceeded (even if for every kilogram of salt weight more than 1 gram), the probability of death is very high.
- For women suffering from toxicosis, kidney disease, liver and heart failure, hypertension, as well as complications of pregnancy, this product is generally contraindicated.
- If you don’t want salty food during the period of bearing a child, do not force yourself with beliefs like “it’s useful - it means it’s necessary.” Listen to your body and remember the sense of proportion.
Did you know?In the Roman Empire, it was customary to come to visit with salt. Such a gift was regarded as a sign of respect and friendship.
Application features
Sea salt is so versatile that many of the daily habits of people are simply unthinkable without it. This product can be found in the kitchen, in the medicine cabinet, in the bathroom and even in the cabinet with cosmetics. Let's take a closer look at how and where to use crystals, and what to do to get the most out of them.
Probably, you also have several varieties of salt in your kitchen: table salt for cooking and frying, as well as sea salt for salads. Many modern housewives do this, since high temperatures reduce the amount of useful minerals in the composition of the product. This nuance is especially true for iodized varieties.
Sea salt is suitable for any dishes. Moreover, chefs in popular restaurants skillfully emphasize the taste of the dish with the right salting. For example, if a meat steak is salted before frying, you will get a crispy golden crust. But for a delicate taste and juiciness of the dish, it is recommended to salt the meat 40 minutes before heat treatment. 
But this is not all the secrets of famous chefs. Some of them practice baking sea fish in a special salt batter. It is prepared at the rate of 200-400 grams of salt per 1 egg white. The taste is unforgettable.
Cooking is a delicate matter. Words are superfluous here, everything needs to be tried and tasted. After all, it is not in vain that people say that without salt the table is crooked and bread is not eaten.
Did you know? Sea salt can revive a dead frog. If blood is released from the vessels of the reptile and replaced with physiological saline after the heart stops, the “dead man” will begin to breathe again, and his organs will resume their work.
We have already mentioned above what can be cured with the help of salt crystals, and now we will dwell on the methods of such therapy in detail.
Most often, sea salt is used to wash the nose in diseases of the upper respiratory tract. . This is an inexpensive and effective way to get rid of a runny nose, colds, sinusitis, tonsillitis in a short time. To do this, dissolve a teaspoon of salt in 250 milliliters of warm water.
When the crystals dissolve, draw the solution into a syringe (without a needle) and inject it alternately into the nostrils. If it is not possible to rinse the nasal cavity in this way, you can pour the medicine into a wide, but small, bowl and pull it into yourself through your nose. For some, this procedure is easier this way. 
To cure acute forms of respiratory infections, as well as diseases of the nasopharynx, trachea and bronchi, inhalations with saline help. Prepare a liquid in the proportion of 2 tablespoons of salt per 1 liter of boiling water. The mixture is poured into an inhaler and the healing steam is inhaled. Some healers advise using cold water and simmering the mixture over low heat for about 5 minutes. But, according to otolaryngologists, after high temperatures, the composition of the liquid does not change for the better. It is recommended to carry out inhalations up to 2-3 times a day.
Did you know? In a lifetime, a person eats about half a ton of salt.
You can get rid of many skin ailments with the help of courses of therapeutic baths. . It is desirable to carry out about 15 procedures (it is possible every other day). In a full bath of ordinary water, add 2 kilograms of sea salt. Lying, be sure to raise your legs slightly above your head - this will facilitate the work of the heart. Water temperature may vary. Keep in mind that hot baths (up to 42 degrees Celsius) treat arthritis, kidneys, nervous system, and liver well. But such sessions are categorically contraindicated for cores.
Salt crystals extracted from the ocean and sea depths help to lose weight. This happens due to the removal of toxins and toxins from the body. Nutritionists warn that the miraculous dissolution of fat will not happen, but, nevertheless, metabolic processes in the body will improve. And this is exactly what is the incentive for healthy weight loss. 
You can lose extra pounds with the help of:
- baths (the simultaneous use of soap and other cosmetics is prohibited, and a complete rejection of alcoholic beverages is also required);
- salt rubbing and skin massage (done using any essential oils and sea salt, the mixture is intensively rubbed into problem areas);
- daily internal intake of saline solution (prepared at the rate of 1 teaspoon of salt per glass of warm water).
Important! In order not to overload the heart, salt baths for weight loss are made in such a way that the water reaches the chest. For people who have problems with the cardiovascular system, as well as for pregnant women, this technique is categorically contraindicated.
Cosmetic properties
It turns out that in order to improve the condition of the skin, hair and nails, it is not at all necessary to buy expensive masks and scrubs. Enough to get sea salt. Also, regularity of procedures is very important to obtain the desired result. Here are some effective self-care recipes for your loved one.
Anti-cellulite body mask.
To prepare this cosmetic product, you will need 1 tablespoon of thick honey and sea salt (you can add a couple of drops of grapefruit oil). The mixture should have the consistency of a thick slurry. After preparation, it is applied to problem areas, intensively rubbing with massage movements.
When the mask becomes liquid, pat on the skin to cool and thicken it. After the session, the product is washed off with warm water. For effectiveness, the procedure must be repeated up to 4 times a week.
Take 2 tablespoons of sour cream (preferably homemade) or 3 tablespoons of sea salt, 1 teaspoon of thick honey, 1 egg yolk. 
Mix everything well, add a few drops of geranium essential oil and rub into the scalp.
For lifeless hair, it is recommended to leave the mask for 20 minutes, wrapping your head with a plastic cap and a terry towel. If you notice split ends on the curls, be sure to add 2 tablespoons or burdock oil to the mixture.
The tool is prepared from equal parts of finely ground salt and coffee grounds. To these main ingredients, be sure to add half a serving of olive oil and 2-3 drops of any essential oil. Before bathing, apply the mixture on the body and rub with massage movements. 
Many housewives think that the whiter the spice, the better it is. But in fact, experts advise buying a nondescript grayish product. It is believed that it has undergone sufficient purification, but has not yet lost all its useful components.
When choosing edible sea salt, you can be guided solely by your preferences. If you want to surprise your guests with the exquisite taste and color of your culinary masterpieces, look for blue, pink, black and red Himalayan crystals. But keep in mind that natural salt of this format is not a cheap pleasure.
Its price includes the specifics of the extraction of raw materials, the wisdom of its processing, the uniqueness of the deposit, and much more. Therefore, immediately get ready to be generous with a few tens of dollars for a small bubble. 
But when buying a familiar option, always pay attention to the color of the crystals and read the information on the package. Please note that natural sea salt does not require any impurities and flavors, as it is already enriched with many useful minerals, and also has a unique specific taste and smell.
Did you know? For a long time in the Russian Empire there was a tax on salt. After it was abolished, the price of the product decreased several times, and consumption increased proportionally.
Sea crystals have no shelf life restrictions. It is believed that only an iodized product must be used for 4 months, otherwise it will become completely useless.
Given the characteristic feature of salt to absorb moisture, many housewives recommend storing it in a glass container with a lid. At the bottom of the container, you can put a paper napkin (for reinsurance against dampness and petrification).
Let's not dissemble: salt can shorten your life. Therefore, those who advise minimizing the consumption of this product are also right. The fact is that an excess of salt in the body will provoke violations of the water-salt balance, which, in turn, will cause a complete imbalance of the body. And it will happen in the shortest possible time.
The first signal of this may be poisoning, blurred vision, nervous breakdowns, etc. Therefore, nutritionists warn of the need for strict control of the portion of salt eaten per day. 
A weakened organism requires special attention, since the processing of coarse crystals will be an impossible task for it.
Did you know? Old-timers often advise "adding salt" to newborns. This ritual has been preserved from ancient times and is now popular in many countries. It is believed that in this way the child is protected from diseases, evil eyes, insomnia and even bad behavior.
Based on this, sea salt is generally contraindicated for people with:
- high blood pressure;
- heart swelling;
- kidney failure;
- ulcers of the digestive tract;
- infectious diseases (only in acute forms);
- tuberculosis;
- glaucoma
- AIDS, HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Probably, except for sweets and desserts (and even then - not always), there is no dish on the table that does not contain some kind of salt. This is our habit: to salt everything. Scientists have calculated that the average person consumes more than the recommended daily serving of white spice. We are talking, for example, about canned food, marinades, sauces, snacks. 
Did you know? At the time of the Nagasaki disaster, Japanese doctors urged the people of the country to take frequent baths and diet with sea salt. Such requirements were based on the amazing ability of a substance to neutralize the effects of radiation.
Therefore, experts advise replacing ordinary table salt with sea salt. The fact is that to give the dish a salty taste, it needs much less. Yes, and this species differs from the stone one in a rich composition of vital minerals. After all, it is not for nothing that people have long believed that a seafood product is more beneficial to health.
Useful sea salt
Himalayan and pink sea salt are considered the most beneficial for human health and, accordingly, very expensive. Consider what justified the peak of their global popularity.
It has several types, which are characterized by one hundred percent biological digestibility. Regular salting of food with it will provide the body with all the necessary minerals and trace elements. In addition, this variety has a unique ability to cleanse tissue fibers and blood from heavy metals. 
Did you know? Indian wives often say: "I eat his salt", which means the duty of a woman to the man who maintains her.
The phenomenal features of this product lies in the simultaneous healing effect on all organs of the body. Pink crystals are not just a beautiful seasoning for a dish. This is a unique ingredient that draws out toxins from the body. As a result of regular consumption of such a spice, the skin becomes much cleaner, inflamed sores, psoriasis, eczema disappear, and the body as a whole is rejuvenated. 
No wonder the founders of medical science spoke of salt as "white gold", food and medicine. But do not forget that the beneficial properties of the product are not at all a reason for its uncontrolled use. Do not overdo it, otherwise trouble cannot be avoided.
Dear readers, hello! We all know perfectly well that salt is an indispensable seasoning for cooking various dishes. It reacts very quickly to the receptors of the tongue and creates a richness of taste. In stores and supermarkets, we are offered a large selection of types of this product, among which the most popular is the cooking and sea. Recently, we are increasingly hearing that it is better to use sea salt instead of table salt. Let's try to figure out how they differ from each other.
How is sea salt different from table salt?
For more than 4,000 years, people have been extracting sea salt from the sea, which is obtained by evaporating water under the influence of wind and sun, i.e. through natural climatic conditions.
According to the type of origin, edible table salt is divided into boiling, stone, cage and self-planting.
Stone is a crushed mineral halite, which is mined in salt mines and quarries.
Vyvarochnaya - small and snow-white. It is obtained from the halite of lake water or water passed through salt layers. Then they are processed: evaporated, cleaned of impurities, bleached and substances are added that prevent the absorption of moisture, which prevents it from caking. And it should be noted that these additives are not at all harmless to human health.
Seed water is obtained by artificial evaporation of lake salt water or sea water, and self-planting is salt that has settled to the bottom of salt lakes.
Both salts contain NaCl. Only the chemical composition of sea salt, in addition to sodium chloride, includes a large number of macro- and microelements. This is due to the fact that it is obtained from sea water, which contains many minerals. The main ones are potassium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, bromine, iodine and others (more than 40 types) that the human body needs. In certain proportions, all these minerals help boost immunity, improve digestion, normalize blood pressure and heart muscle function, and relieve stress.
In turn, table salt, having gone through a multi-stage chemical purification process, contains only pure NaCl (up to 99%) and is characterized by a complete absence of useful substances.
Of course, sodium chlorite plays an important role in the body. This mineral is involved in the formation of hydrochloric acid, which is necessary for the stomach to activate digestive enzymes. Sodium chloride is one of the electrolytes that serve for the full functioning of the body.
In order to maintain the water-salt balance, sodium and chlorine ions must be contained in a certain amount. The norm of consumption is 5 grams of salt per day (one teaspoon), taking into account all the products in which it is contained.
With excessive salt intake, the body's need for water increases. Salt, containing practically only NaCl, has the ability to retain fluid, which contributes to the formation of edema and increased blood pressure. In addition, there is a load on the heart and kidneys.
Sea salt contains potassium salts. Potassium displaces sodium and reduces swelling. Potassium is an indispensable trace element of our body, without which the functioning of all cells is impossible.
Especially sea salt is rich in iodine content. It is present in it from its very nature. This element is necessary for the thyroid gland, which controls all the metabolic processes of our body, and it is also useful for pregnant women for the normal development of the fetus. Salt does not contain iodine.
Recently, iodine deficiency has been observed in people in the body. According to statistics, 35% of Russians suffer from this problem. Therefore, table salt began to be made iodized. Previously, potassium iodite was used for this, but this compound was fragile and two weeks after the product was packaged, the iodine evaporated. Since 1998, potassium iodate has been used, which made it possible to significantly increase the period of content of this element in the product up to a year. It should be noted that potassium iodate is a strong oxidizing agent and has increased toxicity compared to potassium iodite. Sea salt has no expiration date.
There is another distinctive feature. Sea salt has a more pronounced salty taste than regular salt. Therefore, when cooking, it is used in smaller quantities.
In addition, I suggest watching this interesting video.
Good health to you!
Sea salt: benefits and harms. "White poison" - give a description of one. "White gold" - contradict others. The controversy has not subsided for decades. So who is right?
Benefits of Sea Salt
She is everywhere. Without it, life on earth is impossible. If there is too much of it, all living things die. Salt is the only mineral that we eat in its pure form. It is widely known that sea salt has been used by people since ancient times. Even 4,000 years ago, it was seasoned with food and used to store food. The pioneers in the extraction and use of sea salt were the inhabitants of the Mediterranean.
How is sea salt different from regular table salt? Both products contain sodium chloride: two chemical elements (sodium and chlorine) combined into one - salt. With only one difference: the culinary analogue contained 99.9% of the chemical compound, and sea salt - 77.5%. The remaining "free" interest is occupied by the content of such trace elements as:
- magnesium;
- potassium;
- silicon;
- bromine;
- calcium;
- selenium;
- zinc;
- manganese;
- fluorine.
This proves that sea salt used as a dietary supplement is unique in its composition, and the benefits of its use are obvious, but the harm caused to health from excessive salt consumption should not be discounted:
- Increase in blood pressure.
- Fluid retention in the body, which leads to a deterioration in kidney function.
- development of gastritis.
- Exacerbation of cataracts, glaucoma.
Advice! By adding no more than four grams of sea salt per day to our diet, we present our body with a gift of beneficial minerals without overloading ourselves with a dangerous chemical base.
Salt in cooking
Salt is present on every dining table. Why do people prefer salty food to fresh food? It turns out that not only for the sake of taste sensations. One of the main constituent elements - sodium - is needed to conduct a nerve impulse, that is, to transmit commands from the brain to our body. And without another base - chlorine - the reserves of hydrochloric acid, which ensures digestion, will not be replenished.
Sea salt, as a dietary supplement for food, the benefits and harms of which are constantly considered by scientists, is necessary in minimal doses for the functioning of the body. Salt abuse, like most foods, can lead to intoxication, the development of serious illness and even death.
When buying sea salt to enrich food, you should pay attention to the size of its crystals.
- Salt from small fractions is used for dressing salads.
- Sea salt of coarse and medium grinding is used in the preparation of first and second courses.
Advice! The color of sea salt can have several shades: white, pink, yellow and even black. It depends on the area of salt extraction and the degree of purification. Do not try to buy a snow-white product: due to repeated bleaching, loss of useful properties is likely.
On the lookout for health promotion
Sea salt with vital trace elements included in its composition, the benefits and harms of which are balanced by the amount of product intake, has also found its application in medicine.
There can be a lot of salt in food, but there is no excess of it for the respiratory organs. No wonder people have long been treated by the sea for frequent colds, pneumonia, bronchial asthma, sitting on the shore, inhaling the spray of salty waves. Underground mines in speleological resorts are spread all over the world. People come here in the hope of being cured of many ailments. To date, none of the drugs has even an approximate spectrum of effects on the body of a sick person, like salt mines.
Sea salt also has a beneficial effect in cases of:
- colds of the throat (gargling with sea salt diluted in warm water);
- osteochondrosis (heating using sea salt, mustard and water at a temperature of 50-60 degrees in a ratio of 10: 1: 3);
- acne (salt lotion procedure);
- hair strengthening (light scrubs and masks).
Advice!Sea salt is not a panacea for the above diseases, especially since there are still contraindications to its use. So consultation with a specialist before conducting therapy sessions is necessary.
Salt bath relaxation
Sea salt is also healing for taking a bath, the benefits of which were appreciated in ancient times, and the harm brought to health began to be studied relatively recently. By following the general rules of bathing procedures, you can not be afraid of the negative effects of sea salt, but, on the contrary, with its help, get rid of the blues, relax the body and spirit, nourish the skin with useful trace elements.
- The duration of the bath should be 15-20 minutes.
- The water temperature should not exceed 38 degrees.
- The course of bath procedures is 10 days (daily or every 1 day).
- The best time of day for taking a bath is in the evening, as this procedure promotes relaxation and it is difficult to do business after it.
- You should not dive into water above the chest - this adversely affects the heart.
- After the bath, wipe dry and lie down under the covers.
- Herbal tea or decoction after a bath is a worthy ally on the path to peace.
Moisturizing and restoring skin turgor, peeling, regeneration of minor scratches and cracks, strengthening of nail plates, increased blood microcirculation, getting rid of a number of skin infections - this is not the whole list of healing properties of sea salt.
Advice!Joint problems can become a barrier to salt baths. In this case, it is better to consult with your doctor.
White gold face
It's hard to believe that sea salt - a gift from the world's oceans, a find by cosmetologists, a benefit for science and an excess of harm for the environment - is a reward for the skin.
Caring for the skin of the face and body occupies the highest step in the vertical of improving appearance. This is natural, because our reflection in the mirror is either depressing or improves our mood. The source of life-giving force for the skin - sea salt - is a faithful companion of a wonderful mood.
- 0.5 teaspoons of citric acid;
- 1 st. a spoonful of herbal infusion (calendula is suitable for oily and normal skin, and chamomile flowers are suitable for dry skin);
- 3 art. tablespoons of finely ground sea salt;
- 0.5 tsp cocoa;
- 1 st. a spoonful of honey
Mix the mass well and rub with light massaging movements. This scrub is indispensable for the face and body. Salt and citric acid cleanse the skin. Honey and cocoa soften, saturate with nutrients. Decoctions of herbs relieve irritation and soothe. Regular use of the scrub 1-2 times a week will make the skin glow.
Advice!With skin rashes, scratches, cosmetic procedures using salt are not recommended.
Legs, sea and salt
Sea salt as foot baths is an undeniable benefit to the whole body, and the harm lies in only one thing: an excessive concentration of saline.
Warm foot baths can help with:
- heaviness in the feet and ankles (tight shoes and standing for a long time slows down blood circulation);
- bad smell;
- fungal manifestations;
- coarsened areas of the skin (serves as an excellent help for a pedicure);
- swelling of the legs;
- stratification of nails;
- starting runny nose;
- insomnia.
Adding decoctions of string, chamomile, mint, oak bark to foot baths will provide a lasting result. Foot massage after the bath procedure will bring a lot of pleasant sensations and disperse the blood through the vessels.
But there are still contraindications. Gynecological problems, fever, low blood pressure, pregnancy are prohibitive factors for warm foot baths.
For swelling in the legs, healers recommend warm salt compresses. Salt perfectly absorbs water, so it will “pull out” the liquid from swollen extremities. Salt dressings need to be changed every day, because salt, along with accumulated moisture, absorbs toxins from the body.
Advice! Warm compresses, as well as hot baths (above 40C), are strictly contraindicated due to the fact that pathogenic bacteria that may have settled in inflamed areas of the body will begin to multiply intensively.
Salty growth stimulus
Sea salt is suitable for any type of hair as a scrub mask, the benefits of which are manifested in the density of the hair, and damage to the scalp can only be done with great effort. The only contraindication to the use of sea salt are wounds and irritations on the scalp. Sea salt will perfectly replace expensive hair care products and will bring faster and more effective results.
When taking salt procedures, it must be remembered that salt and all salt masks should be applied to wet hair. In this case, you can not wash your head before using sea salt.
With dry scalp, it is not recommended to get involved in salt procedures: once a week - no more. To mitigate the aggressive effect on dry skin, natural additives should be mixed with medium grinding sea salt. Cream, sour cream, curdled milk, egg will serve as an excellent help here.
For a head with oily skin, cosmetic procedures with salt are acceptable up to 2 times a week. You can enrich the masks with honey, lemon juice, grape seed oil.
Apply the mask with massaging wave-like movements, rubbing into the scalp for 10-15 minutes. This promotes blood microcirculation and the supply of nutrients to the hair follicles.
Advice!Herbal decoctions are excellent as a conditioner and soothing agent for the scalp after a salt massage.
White crystals for crystal white teeth
Healthy teeth are the key to a beautiful smile. There are various ways to care for the oral cavity. Sea salt is a home doctor for teeth, good for gums, and bad for germs.
You can take care of the oral cavity with salt in two ways:
- Teeth cleaning.
- Rinsing the mouth.
It is necessary to brush your teeth with finely ground salt so as not to scratch the enamel and gums. Sea salt dental products are affordable, easy to make and easy to use:
- to 1/4 teaspoon of table soda add 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt; quench the resulting mixture with 3–4 drops of hydrogen peroxide;
- 2 teaspoons of alum (sold in a pharmacy), 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric (an excellent natural antibiotic) grind in a coffee grinder;
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon sunflower oil.
These recipes help to prevent many diseases of the oral cavity and teeth, they have no side effects, and sea salt, due to its specific qualities, serves as a diagnostician of dental diseases.
Saline mouthwash should not be hot or cold, so as not to injure tooth enamel:
- 1 st. a spoonful of sea salt per 200 ml of water;
- 1 st. a spoonful of pharmaceutical oak bark pour 200 ml of water and hold in a water bath for 10 minutes, cool to 30C, mix with salt.
Solutions will help relieve inflammation, strengthen enamel, cope with bleeding gums, and relieve bad breath.
Advice!Sea salt for oral care should be food grade, not bath salt.
Hippocrates knew about the beneficial effects of sea water. An ancient scholar strongly recommended its use for healing wounds, cracks, bruises, as well as for the treatment of scabies and lichen. Sea bathing was offered to patients suffering from neurosis and joint pain. In the 18th century, the term "thalassotherapy" appeared - sea treatment, and doctors already in those days prescribed sea baths to patients, like medicines.
Thalassotherapy is inextricably linked with sea salt, and a full immersion of the body in this mineral-rich environment will calm the nervous system, give strength to the cardiovascular system, stimulate metabolic processes, activate immune defenses and cheer up.
