| Salt: The Return of a Superstar
By Selina DeLangre
A generation ago, choosing a salt required little thought. Salt was pretty much a universal, if somewhat unexciting, commodity, valued both as a preservative and for its ability to improve the taste of food. Most stores supplied just a handful of brands, with little difference other than price and labeling.
But when health concerns over a proposed link between salt consumption and high blood pressure started making headlines, salt was transformed from favorite condiment to dietary villain, almost overnight. Many doctors advised their patients to eat little or no salt, all in the name of healthy living.
Whole, Unrefined Sea Salt . . . More than Just a Condiment
More recently, salt has morphed yet again, this time into a health staple and culinary superstar. Due in large part to the pioneering work of Celtic Sea Salt® founder Jacque DeLangre, there is a growing understanding of the health benefits of whole, unrefined sea salt, and its ability to enhance the flavor of virtually any dish. But as the saying goes, “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery”. And following the path blazed by DeLangre, a whole new product category has evolved around specialty salts. Numerous other “healthy” salts are now available, each making its own unique health and culinary claims.
The confusion about salt’s health effects has been magnified by the conflicting claims made by many salt suppliers. That being the case, it is hardly surprising that many people are uncertain about the role of salt in a healthy diet, and feel unequipped to make informed choices about this most important of all condiments. Let’s take a look at what researchers have to say about salt, particularly sea salt:
The Most Misunderstood Nutrient
In his book Salt – Your Way To Health, Dr. David Brownstein, M.D. refers to salt as “the most misunderstood nutrient.” This observation is based on the fact that salt has, in his words, “become a convenient boogeyman, responsible for all manner of health ills.”(1) Conventional wisdom holds that a low-salt diet is healthier and can lower the risk of heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure.
But as Dr. Brownstein accurately observes, this is another case where conventional wisdom misses the mark. In fact, when considering the general population, there is little or no research data that conclusively points to a strong correlation between salt consumption and health problems. The exception to this is those individuals who have sodium sensitivity, a rare condition that is often caused by kidney malfunction.
Dr. Brownstein and many health care practitioners believe that whole, unrefined sea salt, like Celtic Sea Salt®, can actually be a beneficial addition to any diet. The composition of our blood plasma, lymphatic fluid and extra cellular fluid all mirror the chemical balance of the ocean water from which sea salt is derived. As one of the most natural and healthy condiments, a quality sea salt provides a wide range of minerals and trace elements that support the health of all bodily systems, including the immune, glandular and nervous systems.
Many unrefined sea salts provide a balance of minerals and trace elements in a whole food form. Many noted health experts, such as Dr. Lynn August, M.D., believe that minerals are more easily assimilated when consumed as part of a whole food complex. And some, such as Dr. Andrew Weil, M.D., believe that when minerals are fractionated and processed, they undergo a mutation that can result in many health problems. As a whole food, sea salt provides a balanced mixture of vital nutrients, while enriching the taste of any dish.
Are All Salts The Same?
As you would imagine, conventional (refined) table salt provides few, if any, of the above benefits. Most refined salts are 99% Sodium Chloride, totally lacking in the other minerals and trace elements. Table salts are mined from the earth using bulldozers and heavy equipment, often resulting in negative environmental impact. The salt is then iodized, bleached and diluted with chemical anti-caking agents.
But you might be surprised to learn that not all natural (unrefined) salts are the same. Some natural salts are extracted from mines deep in the earth, located in mountainous regions. And while some of these salts are generally unrefined and free of additives, they lack the array of nutrients present in whole, unrefined sea salt. The forces of time and nature work to remove many of the minerals and trace elements, leaving behind primarily sodium and chloride.
Similarly, many “sea salts” are that in name only. They go through the same manufacturing process as typical table salts, resulting in a product stripped of all its essential nutrients and filled with potentially harmful chemicals. To get both health benefits and superior taste, the discriminating consumer should look for a salt that offers a broad spectrum of minerals and, ideally, has been harvested in a traditional manner by artisans well versed in their craft.
When it comes to your health, I encourage you to become a seeker of knowledge. In doing so, you will be empowered to make mindful choices that support a life of wellness and purpose. For more information on nutritional sea salts and other aspects of healthy living, visit us online at www.celticseasalt.com.
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