Sea salt and table salt both come from the same seawater. Sea salt is formed from evaporating ocean water, so technically it is an endless source of salt. Table salt is naturally derived from melting rock salt, so technically it is also an endless source of salt. However, manufacturers then process it to a fine crystal which is very easy to mix into food.
The main difference between the two is the way they are harvested. Sea salt is harvested by removing a layer of the rock salts high on the ocean floor. Rock salt is left exposed when the water evaporates, therefore new salt is continually being added. This is the main difference between the two. Salt contains trace amounts of potassium and magnesium.
Potassium and magnesium are the main minerals found in seawater. When we eat foods that contain trace amounts of these minerals, then we become healthier. Over time, our bodies become depleted of these minerals and our health suffers as a result. By replacing sodium with table salt, we are replenishing the mineral content in our bodies with a naturally occurring salt mineral. Over time, this will help to maintain our health.
In some countries, the government has set limits on the amount of salt that can be used per year, based on the average consumption of people within that country. For example, an individual who eats about two pounds of table salt per person per year will likely have their sodium intake limited. There are also different classifications for sodium and salt, depending on where the salt is harvested from. Some countries, such as those located in the Far East, are forbidden from adding any salt to their table salt, because they are known to have high levels of deficiency in sodium and other minerals.
Most table salt contains trace amounts of calcium and magnesium, as well as potassium and sodium. However, some table salt contains a metal called copper. Copper is used because it has a neutral effect on other metallic ions. It has been found to inhibit the absorption of fat, and its use promotes the easy movement of nutrients through the bloodstream. Another advantage is that copper increases the resistance to acidity. Because it neutralizes acids, it also helps to prevent heart disease and atherosclerosis.
The only downside to table salt is the amount of sodium that it contains. Sodium is the major cause of high blood pressure, and it can even contribute to cancer. Therefore, people with high blood pressure and other serious medical conditions should avoid table salt or take regular salt substitutes instead. For most people, even the elevated sodium content in traditional table salt causes little harm and eating smaller portions less often will not make a difference.
One of the main differences between table salt and regular table salt is the mineral content. Regular table salt typically contains only sodium and chloride, and very little else. Table salt substitutes that contain other important minerals are significantly higher in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium than they are in sodium. They also contain more iron and other beneficial nutrients, including iodine and other vitamins. In addition, because they contain more iron and other minerals, they are better for your health overall.
Irrespective of where table salt was first manufactured, one thing is certain. When you buy table salt, you are usually buying a preservative-laden product that contains a mixture of salt, sugar, additives, and other ingredients. These ingredients can have a negative impact on your health. Natural table salt supplements usually contain an assortment of beneficial minerals and beneficial additives, such as zinc and magnesium, which help to improve overall health.