Natural Sea Salt: Uses, Benefits, and Downsides

Natural Sea Salt

Sea salt, as its name suggests, is made from seawater. There are more nutrients in sea salt because it hasn’t been over-processed, and these minerals contribute to the salt’s bright colour and pure flavour. As a result of consumer demand for more natural ingredients, manufacturers are now adding sea salt to packaged snacks, such as potato chips, to meet the demand. Natural sea salt may also contain an unexpected ingredient in addition to the natural minerals it contains. The water from which sea salt is derived contains tiny plastic particles that originate from larger plastic debris, according to a recent study. We don’t yet know how these plastic microparticles will affect the environment.

Sea salt primarily consists of sodium chloride, a vital compound that regulates fluid balance and blood pressure. Unlike table salt, it undergoes minimal processing and retains trace minerals such as potassium, iron, and calcium, making it seem nutritionally superior. However, these minerals exist in very small amounts, so whole foods remain better sources.

Due to its larger granules, sea salt contains less sodium per teaspoon (2,000 mg) than table salt (2,300 mg), but this is simply due to packing density. Many believe sea salt is healthier, yet excessive sodium intake—regardless of the type—can contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease. In cooking, people often use more sea salt to achieve the same flavour, negating any potential benefit.

Is Sea Salt Good for You?

Sea salt can be part of a healthy diet, but it’s not inherently “healthier” than regular table salt. Both primarily consist of sodium chloride, which the body needs for:

• Regulating fluid balance
• Nerve function
• Muscle contraction

However, natural sea salt contains trace minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium. These minerals give sea salt its distinct taste and texture, but they exist in very small quantities that do not significantly contribute to your nutritional intake.

 Scientific finding: Some skin-related benefits, such as improved hydration and reduced inflammation, have been observed in people with dry or irritated skin who bathe in Dead Sea salt solutions (Nathoo & Ball, 2020).

Is Sea Salt Good for High Blood Pressure?

Not necessarily. Sea salt has about the same sodium content as regular salt by weight, even though the crystals are larger and may be less dense per teaspoon. However:

• Sodium, regardless of the source, can raise blood pressure when consumed in excess.
• Sea salt is not a “low-sodium” product unless specially labeled as such.

Health tip: If you have high blood pressure, focus on reducing total sodium intake, not just switching to sea salt.

How Much Potassium Is in Sea Salt?

Some sea salts may contain about 380 mg/liter of potassium, depending on the source and processing. However:

• This is a very small amount.
• Whole foods like bananas, spinach, sweet potatoes, and legumes are much better sources of potassium.
• Potassium helps counterbalance sodium’s effect on blood pressure, but sea salt doesn’t supply enough to make a meaningful difference

Sea Salt Benefits

It is the purest and most unadulterated form of Natural sea salt that can be found in the ocean. They are made by evaporating and filtering salty water from lakes and oceans, but unlike table salt, they are not iodized.

1. Helps in Skin Care

• Dead Sea salt is famous for its skin-rejuvenating and moisturizing effects.
• Bathing in sea salt solutions can reduce roughness and inflammation.

2. Supports Oral Hygiene

Fluoride, which is good for dental health, may be found in sea salt. There is some evidence that fluoride may help to protect teeth from acid damage and prevent caries and cavities from forming. Mouth sores, bleeding gums, ulcers, and sore throats can all be helped by gargling with tepid sea salt water regularly.

3. Aids Rheumatoid Arthritis Relief

Rheumatoid arthritis patients have found relief from their symptoms after using Dead Sea salts. One study found that baths containing these salts improved the health of participants compared to baths containing sodium chloride, which had no effect.

Amazing Health Benefits of Sea Salt to Your Diet

1. Arthritis Relief

For people with arthritis, the potent anti-inflammatory property of sea salts is critical in reducing pain and inflammation. Several studies have shown that bathing with Dead Sea salts and incorporating sea salt into your diet can help alleviate pain and inflammation associated with both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.

2. Boosts the Immune System

Sea salt’s alkalizing properties help fight bacterial and viral illnesses. Iron, zinc, phosphorus, and manganese are vital elements that help increase the body’s immunity.

3. Enhances Heart Function

Sea salt, rich in sodium and potassium, is essential for proper heartbeat and cardiovascular health. Unlike table salt, sea salt does not raise blood pressure, yet multiple studies demonstrate that replacing it with sea salt reduces hypertension and thus the risk of heart disease.

4. Supports Digestive Health

In order to aid digestion, sea salt is essential. When the taste buds are stimulated, salivary amylase, an enzyme that aids in the breakdown of carbohydrates, is released. Hydrochloric acid deficiency can cause indigestion, bloating, stomach cramps, abdominal distension, heartburn, and other stomach problems.

5. Renews and Revitalizes Skin

Acts as a natural exfoliant, benefiting acne, psoriasis, eczema, and aging skin.

Combined with honey and almond oil, it nourishes and improves skin texture.

6. Eases Respiratory Issues

Anti-inflammatory and soothing properties of sea salt can be extremely beneficial to respiratory health.

7. Relieves Stress Naturally

Sea salt’s adaptogenic and sedative properties help regulate two hormones in the body, serotonin and melatonin, both of which promote relaxation and a restful night’s sleep.

8. Prevents Muscle Cramps

Due to the loss of electrolytes through sweat, muscle cramps are a common occurrence following a strenuous workout.

Effects of Seawater on the Skin

How can salt water be beneficial to the skin when tap water isn’t? Saltwater benefits far outweigh those of a shower or bath, even if you think you’re getting some from them. As a starting point, tap water is often tainted with chemicals that can harm your skin. When it comes to the health effects of saltwater, however, the opposite is true.

• Effects of seawater on the skin like cleansing agent derived from plants- Your entire body’s skin can benefit from a saltwater detox by using saltwater products. Salt is a natural adsorbent and can remove impurities from the skin. Sea salt can be used as an exfoliating agent to remove dead skin cells and brighten your complexion.
• Effects of seawater on the skin, like clearing acne- Acne may be cleared up by using a saltwater cleanser. Saltwater contains naturally occurring minerals such as potassium and calcium, which can help clear up many skin issues and dry out acne-causing bacteria pockets, all while keeping your healthy skin looking vibrant and youthful.
• Effects of seawater on the skin like a gentle exfoliant- Saltwater’s ability to exfoliate the skin is one of the most commonly used benefits. Sea salt scrubs have been around for a long time because of their numerous advantages.

Sea Salt Benefits for Skin

• As a face wash, Sea salt is a natural exfoliant that works to remove dirt and impurities from the skin’s pores while also regulating oil production and locking in moisture. Inhibiting the growth of bacteria that cause acne and breakouts is one of its antibacterial properties.
• Exfoliant and Nourisher: Sea salt massages and exfoliates, restoring skin elasticity and radiance, making it look younger and more vibrant.
• Toner for the face- As an oil-absorbing toner and face mist, salt can be used in a spray can. It’s a safe and effective way to replenish moisture in your skin.
• A mask- Salt not only removes excess oils but also provides the right amount of hydration to keep the skin looking and feeling healthy.
• As a body scrub, Sea salt is a great exfoliant for the whole body. It’s a gentle exfoliator that removes dead skin cells, allowing for smooth and fresh skin to be unveiled. Softening and brightening effects are achieved by ingesting the mineral-rich liquid.

Additional benefits of Sea Salt

• Adding Sea Salt to Your Diet Has a Huge Positive Effect on Your Health.
• This helps alleviate the pain and discomfort of arthritis.
• Boosts the body’s natural defences.
• Improves Cardiac Performance.
• Digestion is improved.
• Exfoliates and regenerates the skin.

How to Use Sea Salt?

Sea salt enhances the flavour of various dishes. It can be sprinkled over roasted vegetables, grilled meats, seafood, and even chocolate-based desserts to add depth and texture. In baking, finely ground sea salt should be used as a substitute for table salt to maintain the correct sodium balance. Additionally, sea salt is popular for seasoning marinades, dressings, and soups. Beyond culinary use, it can be added to warm bathwater for a soothing soak, promoting relaxation. It can also be used as a natural exfoliant for soft and rejuvenated skin in skincare routines.

Expert Quote-

“Sea salt’s packed with good minerals that can help your skin, digestion, and keep your body balanced—just remember to use it in moderation for the best benefits.”

Dr. Kavya Rejikumar

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

• Ld, L. S. M. R. (2019, November 12). Sea salt: Uses, benefits, and downsides. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sea-salt-benefits
• Is sea salt healthier than table salt? (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/sea-salt/faq-20058512