What salts are there

And with that, you're often learning more "common" ingredients that turn out to be anything but. That could be something as "simple" as different kinds of butter. It could be finding out about all the different kinds of squash you see at the market.

Or maybe as you attempt to master the perfect mushroom soup, you learn about an assortment of mushrooms along the way. But whether sweet or savory is your jam, salt plays an important role in cooking. It takes dishes from just ho-hum to delicious. Technically all salt is sea salt—even table salt, which is mined from rock aka halite that was formed by ancient bodies of water that no longer exist. But even so, not all salts are the same nor should they be used in the same way. Here, 12 different salts and what they're best used for.

Also known as "iodized salt," table salt has very fine grains and contains potassium iodide and an anti-caking agent that helps prevent it from clumping. Because the anti-caking agent can give off a metallic taste when used in large quantities, table salt shouldn't be used in savory recipes. It can be used when baking, though, because these types of recipes typically only call for small quantities of salt. If you have room for only one salt in your panty, opt for kosher salt.

Its texture is light but coarse which helps you avoid over salting and dissolves easily. One thing to keep in mind: Different brands of kosher salt will have different levels of salinity.

So if for some reason you have to switch between brands, be sure to taste before salting. Easily recognizable because of its pink color, this salt contains all 84 natural minerals found in the human body. Because of its steep price tag and bold flavor, use Himalayan pink salt for finishing dishes. Harvested from evaporated sea water, sea salt can be either very or lightly salty tasting, depending on where it's harvested, so make sure to taste it before using it.

Here are 6 reasons why restricting sodium too much can be harmful. Salt, also known as sodium chloride, is abundant in most people's diets.

This article explores whether salt is healthy or unhealthy. Some people think that the amount of sodium you consume plays a role. Sodium chloride—also known as salt—is used in medical treatments such as IV infusions and catheter flushes.

Learn more about the medical uses for salt. Salt has a bad reputation, but some evidence shows it may not have much impact on heart disease. This article takes a look at the research. For many people, one of the best parts about traveling is getting to explore the local cuisines. This article looks at 10 of the healthiest cuisines…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. What Is Salt? Without it, many meals would taste bland and unappealing. However, not all salt is created equal.

There are many varieties to choose from. Not only do they differ in taste and texture, but also in mineral and sodium content. This article explores the most popular salt types and compares their nutritional properties. Share on Pinterest. Refined Salt Regular Table Salt. Sea Salt. Himalayan Pink Salt. Kosher Salt. Celtic Salt. Differences in Taste. Mineral Content. Which Is Healthiest?

The Bottom Line. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Why Am I Craving Salt? Medically reviewed by Natalie Butler, R. Salt: Is It Healthy or Unhealthy? Medically reviewed by Suzanne Falck, MD. Sodium Chloride. Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M. Is Salt Actually Bad for You? So, as in the case of the refined salt, what started out as a beneficial mineral, is quickly transformed into an altered state.

That excessive heat alters the natural chemical structure of the salt. To make matters worse, during the drying process, manufacturers add anti-caking agents so the end product will pour and flow freely. These anti-caking agents are dangerous chemicals like ferrocyanide and aluminosilicate.

Along with anti-caking agents, iodine is also added to refined salt. In the United States, it started in At that time many people were experiencing iodine deficiencies, which can lead to goiters enlarged thyroid and thyroid disease.

Today, though, it is easier and recommended to get iodine from whole foods, like saltwater fish and dairy. Overall, table salt is not pure. Consuming too much of this type of salt can cause excess fluid in your body tissues and lead to various health issues. Despite table salt having little in common with natural salt, this is the type most people use to flavor their homecooked food and most food manufacturing companies dump into their packaged products.

Manufacturers use it to preserve foods extending their shelf life and enhance flavor. Without debate, there is far too much sodium in packaged foods. Sea salt is often less ground, meaning the salt flakes are larger.

This type of salt is made by evaporating seawater and usually contains some amount of trace minerals like potassium, iron, and zinc. Our oceans have become dumping grounds for toxic poisons like mercury and much more. Just like pollution has affected our fish supply, sea salt can also contain trace amounts of heavy metals, like lead and mercury.

Kosher salt was originally used for Jewish religious purposes. It was used to remove blood from the surface of meat, making the meat Kosher. This type of salt has a flaky, coarse structure that easily draws out the blood. While Kosher salt is similar to table salt because they both originate from either underground mine deposits or evaporated seawater, the two salts are not the same.