The main differences between sea salt and table salt is the mineral content and the method of processing. Sea salt is obtained by dehydrating sea water and is rich with health-improving minerals. Table salt on the other hand can be obtained both from sea water and from rock salts. But unlike sea salt, it goes through a lot of processing and does not contain any minerals other than sodium.
As already mentioned, sea salt is harvested from sea waters. The harvesting is done by channeling large amounts of sea water into special tanks where it is allowed to process naturally by nature itself. It is usually done in sunny weather because the sun helps to speed up the dehydrating of the water. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind it’s mineral content, which is known as sea salt.
Although the salt goes through a bit of cleansing, all of its mineral contents are generally left intact for the consumer. Due to the mineral content, the salt takes on a different color. Some salts resemble the appearance of sand, while others come in shades of pink or gray.
The process of harvesting table salt is completely different. Whether it is obtained from the ocean or from rock salts, the salt is cooked at extremely high temperatures and stripped of all mineral content except for sodium chloride. This is basically the purification process where all unwanted debris is removed, leaving behind pure white salt crystals.
After the table salt has been refined and purified, other ingredients are added in order to increase the value of it. It is commonly treated with iodine, a mineral that is important for helping with brain functions and other functions of the body. Iodine is naturally present in sea salt, however, it is often treated with an extra dose as well because it is a very important mineral and often difficult to obtain otherwise.
Other substances that are added to table salt include agents that help keep it from sticking in damp weather. Although this is favorable, the substances are commonly high in aluminum, which has many negative effects on health. In addition, aluminum is bitter, making it necessary to add sugar to the salt in order to neutralize the bitterness.
Because of the different methods of harvesting, sea salt and table salt have different effects on the overall health of the body. Sea salt is said to be much safer and healthier because it contains so many natural minerals and is generally void of synthetic ingredients. It can help to maintain fluid levels, increases energy, helps to restore a healthy pH, and is also effective at easing depression.
