What do we actually know about salt, which is an indispensable part of meals from 7 to 70? What does this nutrient really mean for our health?
It is really difficult to make the right choice among hundreds of salt types in the markets. This food, which has a large area in our lives, is considered as one of the three dangerous whites, along with sugar and flour.
Let's summarize briefly.
The body needs the mineral to generate energy, activate and transmit signals to the cells. In addition to these, minerals are vital in maintaining the water balance in cells and tissues and in the structure of bones.
Although minerals are naturally present in the foods we consume but still we cannot get enough of them. Therefore, it is necessary to add different mineral sources to the diet.
At this point, don't you think that statements like "consuming salt is harmful" sound meaningless? Salt is a substance of primary importance for the body. Yet, you just have to be careful how much you consume. Sometimes it becomes the most appetizing element that gives flavor to what we eat. Of course, when this happens, the end of the rope can escape.
Healthy people (excluding naturally occurring salt compounds in foods) should consume 8-15 grams of salt per day, which is roughly equivalent to 2-3 teaspoons of salt.
up to the amount types of salt consumedWe should not miss the point, which is indeed one of the most important details we should mention.
Let's make it easy by listing it together.
Table Salt / Refined Salt
In fact, we can also describe it as chemically treated salt. Natural spring salt is exposed to high temperature during the refining process, the heat treatment destroys the crystal structure of the salt and causes it to change to a different molecular structure. You know that table salt is made up of very small pieces. Many different chemicals are added to prevent these parts from sticking and grounding. Among these chemicals, aluminum is especially abundant. Moreover, aluminum is a factor that triggers neurological diseases, which should not be forgotten.
Finally, it should be noted that table salt contains a lot of sodium. This value is almost 97% more than other salts.
Sea salt
Another option is sea salt, which is produced by evaporating sea water or leaching minerals from the sea. Sea salt contains sodium as well as trace elements such as zinc, magnesium and iron. Although it seems healthy so far, let's not forget that the seas are getting polluted day by day and therefore the salt in its content is also affected. Plastic residues that can cause hormonal disorders can be found in it. You can choose sea salt varieties of a brand you are sure of.
Himalayan salt
The pink colored Himalayan salt, which is a favorite of recent times, is one of the types with the highest mineral content among all salt types. It contains more than 60 different types of minerals and the risk of contamination is very low due to the very old salt deposit. The pink color is due to the oxidation of these minerals. It is necessary to know the value of this beautiful powder pink color.
Rock salt
Himalayan salt is actually a derivative of rock salt. However, it is necessary to check its content by paying attention to where it comes from and whether it is a reliable brand. It is necessary to make sure that it does not come into contact with harmful chemicals, and this may not be easy to understand.
More for the curious:
Dr. Can Çiftçi – Phytotherapy Specialist
After graduating from Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Can Çiftçi founded fitekran.com in 2013. His book, Ketofasting: Ketogenic Nutrition and Intermittent Fasting, by Çiftçi, who carries out studies in the fields of obesity, oncology nutrition, phytotherapy, athlete health, rare diseases, functional medicine and pathophysiology, met the readers in 2019. Dr. Can Çiftçi continues to serve in his own clinic as a phytotherapy specialist and consultant physician.
About the author:
Alara Dolunay – Be People Editor
Alara Dolunay, who completed her undergraduate education at the Department of Media and Communication Systems at Bilgi University, completed her internships as an assistant to the project manager of ICM Turkey Digital Marketing Agency and Doğan Paksoy Gallery Young Art Magazine Writer. In 2020, she joined the Sotheby's Art Institute, Art History program. He has been working as Creative Editor at Be People since January 2021.
