Salt is not just for soup
Salt – indispensable in almost every kitchen, vital for health, and yet so often underestimated. In this article, you'll learn everything you need to know about salt, different types of salt, the importance of salt for our health, and what to look for when buying salt.
What is salt and why is it so important?
Salt (chemically: sodium chloride) occurs naturally in our soils, the sea, and salt deposits. Salt is essential for our bodies: It regulates water balance, supports nerve function, and is essential for cellular metabolism.
Without salt, many processes in the body would not function. A balanced salt intake supports health – both for athletes, in everyday life, and in a natural diet.
What types of salt are there?
1. Table salt: The most widely used salt, refined and free of impurities. Table salt is often enriched with iodine. Inexpensive and widely available, it usually contains anti-caking agents.
2. Sea salt: Obtained by evaporation of seawater. It naturally contains minerals such as magnesium and calcium. Sea salt is considered more natural and less heavily processed.
3. Rock salt: Also known as mountain salt. It originates from ancient, dried-up seas and is mined in salt mines. The most famous rock salt is pink Himalayan salt, which owes its color to iron oxide.
4. Fleur de Sel: The "flower of salt" is a rare, hand-harvested salt flower that forms on certain salt pans. It has a particularly mild and delicate flavor.
5. Specialty salts: Smoked salt, black lava salt, herbal salts, and others offer exciting variety in the kitchen.
Effects of salt
The World Health Organization recommends consuming no more than 5 g of salt per day (about one teaspoon). Too much salt can increase blood pressure and strain the kidneys. But too little is also harmful to the body.
Buying salt – what to look out for?
When buying salt, it is worth taking a look at the label:
- Prefer natural salt without additives
- If you want to compensate for an iodine deficiency, you can use iodized salt
- Pay attention to origin and sustainable production
- For creative cooking, special gourmet salts are available
In our online shop for spices and natural products you will find a large selection of high-quality salts.
Salt in the modern diet
Salt is not only a seasoning, but also a preservative and an important ingredient in many favorite dishes. Especially with ready-made foods, it's worth paying attention to the salt content and adding your own high-quality salt.