Unrefined sea salt is becoming more mainstream these days, and its enthusiasts rave about it in particular for its health advantages and its wonderful flavor. But while it certainly turns out that adding unrefined salt to your diet could indeed raise your health levels, you should also be aware that there are some potential dangers of consuming unrefined salt. This article discusses what you need to know about the various dangers of consuming unrefined salt on a regular basis. By the time you have finished reading this, you would be able to make intelligent decisions about your salt intake.
According to experts, unrefined salt is harmful because it lacks essential nutrient, such as potassium, magnesium, iodine and sodium. These trace minerals are essential for sustaining a healthy body. You would therefore do well to increase your consumption of unrefined salt, especially if you are trying to lose weight.
Processed salt is known for causing a number of health problems, particularly high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer and heart attacks. This is due to the excessive removal of sodium from our foods. Whole food salts are healthier alternatives that are derived from natural sources such as sea salts, rock salt and even from foods grown in the land. These minerals are important dietary elements that help maintain good health. Whole foods include such healthy minerals as potassium, magnesium, iodine and sodium.
When potassium and magnesium are reduced in salt, it results in an imbalance in the mineral content. Aided by sodium, the body needs a steady supply of sodium. A lack of potassium results in weakness and low energy levels. On the other hand, potassium is needed for proper nerve function, fluid control and muscle contraction. Thus, it is clear why the two minerals are often removed from processed salt. To avoid this, opt for unrefined salt that contains one percent potassium and two percent sodium.
Magnesium is an essential mineral that helps regulate muscle movement. It also plays an important role in the production of energy. As the blood carries sodium and potassium, the cells need them to function. Thus, a lack of magnesium results in fatigue, poor circulation, weakness and muscle cramps. The consumption of unrefined salt is therefore recommended to ensure that you get all the nutrients your body needs.
Iodine is necessary to regulate thyroid functions. Thyroid hormones are responsible for regulating the metabolism and energy levels of the body. If iodine is present in the body, it can help in proper absorption of fats and protein in foods. Unrefined salts are rich in iodine, which makes them very efficient in delivering vitamins and minerals to the body. Furthermore, iodine also helps prevent the onset of fish-oil allergy.
Calcium is an important mineral that is naturally occurring in seaweed, nuts, egg yolk, milk, mushrooms, cereals and other calcium-rich foods. These nutrients are not properly absorbed by people who have allergies to these elements. This is where unrefined salt is very useful. It not only provides the right amount of these nutrients in our foods but also ensures that we get the right balance of nutrients.
The trace minerals found in unrefined salt have a wide variety of benefits to our health. However, not all these trace minerals are found in each type of salt. For example, sodium chloride has more magnesium in it than does potassium chloride, making it more effective in delivering nutrients to the body. Also, the lack of these trace minerals can affect our taste or odor.
Sodium and potassium are both considered balanced when taken in their natural forms. However, they become slightly unbalanced when combined with other elements. This is why it is used in cooking. As an example, some foods may have a salty taste if they are cooked with refined salt.
However, the problem lies in consuming too much refined salt. Overconsumption of sodium can lead to high blood pressure and cardiovascular problems. If you want to enjoy naturally sweetened foods, unrefined salt is not the way to go. Instead, opt for unrefined sea salt and natural sea salt.
Unrefined salts also contain trace amounts of manganese, copper, zinc and iron. Each of these trace minerals is beneficial to the body. However, the presence of iron can cause an unpleasant metallic taste in our mouth. This is why it is advisable to choose salty snacks such as raw potato chips or soft drinks with real cream. Such snacks will give you a savory flavor without the unpleasant aftertaste of heavy spices.