Table salt can be either salt iodized (I) or noniodized (NOI). Iodized kosher salt has been added since 1920 to help fight an outbreak of hyperthyroidism caused by thyroid hormone imbalances. The process of making table salt involves adding potassium iodide, a substance which helps to prevent the formation of free radicals. Salt containing potassium iodide does not need to be re-ionized before use as long as you have the correct measuring apparatus.
Salt which contains sodium chloride, commonly known as sea salt, is very low in iodine and very high in chloride content. It is no wonder that sea salt is often referred to as table salt when it comes to health concerns.
Sea salt can be used in a variety of recipes including sushi, salad dressings and other cooking and baking preparation. However, table salt and kosher salt are not the same thing and are not interchangeable for cooking purposes. In fact, some people say that sea salt is healthier than table salt.
One of the most common problems that people have with table salt is that its natural color can turn yellow and brown after years of exposure to sunlight. Although table salt comes in a variety of different colors, this coloring is normal and part of how salt reacts to the environment. If left out, table salt may become discolored so you will want to store it in a cool, dark location and not leave it in your kitchen.
In order to properly use sea salt for cooking and baking, it should never be left on the table. The sodium ions from table salt react with the oxygen in the air, causing the chemical compound monosodium glutamate (MSG) to be produced and it is this compound that can cause illness.
You might also choose to add table salt to your cooking in small amounts. Many cooking experts suggest that you start by using sea salt on the surface of your food. You may add a teaspoon or two of table salt to about two tablespoons of vegetable oil before adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the food.
Cooking with sea salt also helps you avoid the sodium chloride reaction mentioned above. Instead of cooking with an ingredient like monosodium glutamate, you can now cook vegetables and other foods using sea salt instead of regular salt.
Sea salt comes in various different colors and thicknesses depending on where it is mined and what processing techniques are used to obtain it. Most sea salt mines use a process called electrolysis to produce pure sodium chloride salt. Other sources use distillation and also mechanical milling to produce salt.
Table salt is more commonly found in grocery stores. It is also available online and in specialty stores. Many people purchase salt online because the salt has a much wider array of color and thicknesses than is possible when purchasing it at your local grocery store.
Salt has several important health benefits. One is that it helps to keep your blood pressure levels balanced. Salt also has the ability to increase the amount of magnesium in the bloodstream.
Table salt also provides many other benefits including strengthening teeth and gums and protecting against many forms of cancer. It can help prevent dryness of the mouth and other health problems caused by poor oral hygiene.
Table salt is also a great preservative. It works very well in a variety of marinade and seasoning recipes. For example, sea salt can be added to soups, sauces and dips to make them taste better. It can also be added to baked items to preserve them.
