Salt and Health: The Benefits of Nature’s Oldest Mineral

Salt is one of the most essential—and misunderstood—minerals in the human diet.

While excessive consumption is linked to health issues like high blood pressure, the right amount of salt is crucial for hydration, nerve function, and overall well-being. But not all salts are the same.

Credit: Serious Eats / Vicky Wasik

Here's a closer look at the health benefits of salt and the unique properties of different types:

Health Benefits of Salt

• Hydration and Electrolyte Balance: Salt helps retain fluids in the body and ensures proper nerve and muscle function by balancing electrolytes.

• Supports Digestion: It stimulates stomach acid production, improving digestion and nutrient absorption.

• Adrenal Support: Natural salt can help regulate stress hormones by supporting adrenal function.

• Detox and Skin Health: Salt baths may relieve sore muscles and improve skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.

• Oral and Respiratory Health: Gargling with salt water and using saline sprays can reduce inflammation and help clear sinuses.

Types of Salt and Their Unique Benefits

• Table SaltHighly refined and often iodized. Benefit: Provides iodine, essential for thyroid health, but lacks trace minerals due to processing.

• Sea SaltHarvested from evaporated seawater. Benefit: Contains natural trace minerals like magnesium and calcium; less processed than table salt.

• Himalayan Pink SaltMined from ancient sea beds in the Himalayas. Benefit: Rich in over 80 trace minerals, may support pH balance and improve energy levels.

• Celtic Sea Salt (Gray Salt)Hand-harvested in Brittany, France. Benefit: Moist and mineral-rich, known for supporting hydration and adrenal health.

• Red Hawaiian Salt (Alaea Salt)Infused with volcanic clay. Benefit: High in iron oxide, may support blood health and detoxification.

• Black Salt (Kala Namak)Volcanic salt from South Asia with a sulfuric smell. Benefit: Used in Ayurvedic medicine to aid digestion and reduce bloating.

9 Types of Salt for Cooking from The Kitchn; Credit: Photo: Alex Lepe ; Prop Stylist: Tom Hoerup

Salt, in its natural forms, offers far more than flavor—it nourishes the body, supports vital systems, and even enhances mental clarity. Choose quality over quantity, and let nature’s mineral miracle work its subtle magic!