{"id":1290,"date":"2017-11-17T11:01:07","date_gmt":"2017-11-17T11:01:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=1290"},"modified":"2021-05-14T17:46:02","modified_gmt":"2021-05-14T17:46:02","slug":"20-interesting-sea-salt-facts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/20-interesting-sea-salt-facts\/","title":{"rendered":"20 Interesting Sea Salt Facts"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Though salt is often believed to be unhealthy. In fact, several prominent organizations, such as the American Heart Association, warn against eating a diet that is high in salt. That\u2019s understandable, considering that diets high in salt have been found to cause several health complications, including high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes. However, given the fact that salt adds so much flavoring to food, and the fact that our bodies actually crave it, cutting out salt completely is virtually impossible.<\/p>\n

If you want to avoid the complications that have are associated with salt, but you don\u2019t want to forego this beloved flavoring agent, you\u2019ll be happy to know that you don\u2019t have to! Just change the type of salt that you\u2019re eating. Ditch the table salt and instead, opt for sea salt. Table salt is highly processed, which eliminates vital minerals. It also contains additives that prevent it from clumping. Sea salt is created from evaporated salt water from oceans or lakes, which leaves behind trace minerals that offer various health benefits.<\/p>\n

Sea salt really is quite interesting, especially when compared to its processed, refined counterpart; table salt. Here is a look at 20 interesting things about sea salt.<\/p>\n

1. It\u2019s a rich source of trace minerals<\/h3>\n

Sea salt<\/a> is highly regarded for the high amounts of trace minerals that it contains. In fact, superior quality usually has around 60 trace minerals, and Himalayan sea salt is believed to have more than 80 trace minerals. This is important for the nutrition of modern-day humans. Today, the soil that food is grown in lacks vital nutrients, which reduces the nutritional value of the food. Since sea salt contains a high amount of trace minerals, it enhances the nutritional value of the food that we eat, thus making our food healthier.<\/p>\n

\"\"2. It contains electrolytes<\/h3>\n

Unlike table salt, which is highly processed, sea salt undergoes virtually no processing. This allows it to retain most of the natural minerals that it contains. This includes various electrolytes<\/a>, such as magnesium, sodium, potassium and calcium, all of which are vital for your health. Some of the important functions that electrolytes play include aiding in muscle contraction and regulating the beat of your heart. By consuming sea salt (in moderation), you can avoid imbalances of electrolytes and the complications that these imbalances can cause, some of which have the potential to be deadly, like heart issues.<\/p>\n

\"\"3. It balances fluid levels<\/h3>\n

Consuming sea salt can help to balance fluid levels in the body and prevent dehydration<\/a>. If you eat too much salt, you retain water; however, if you are not consuming enough salt, you lose water, which can result in dehydration. By eating a moderate amount of sea salt on a regular basis, you can help your body maintain proper sodium levels, which will help to balance out the ratios of sodium and potassium; electrolytes that work in unison to ensure the right balance of fluids in the cells of the body, the plasma of the blood, and extracellular fluids.<\/p>\n

\"\"4. Improves the health of the skin<\/h3>\n

The high mineral content of sea salt has been found to rejuvenate the skin and improve its overall health. Contrary to popular belief, bathing in sea salt can actually moisturize the skin. It also helps to boost the function of the barrier of the skin and reduces inflammation on the surface of the skin, as well as roughness. Research has found that sea salt has an anti-inflammatory<\/a> effect as a result of the high amounts of magnesium it contains. Moreover, bathing in sea salt can flush toxins out of the body and improve circulation.<\/p>\n

\"\"5. It exfoliates the skin<\/h3>\n

Sea salt also serves as a powerful natural exfoliate. This is due to the coarse texture of the salt, which, when applied to the skin, helps to remove the buildup of dead cells that collect on the surface of the skin. It also helps to tone the tissues of the skin, promotes the circulation of blood, and encourages renewal of the skin. It is because of the exfoliating<\/a> benefits that many manufacturers in the cosmetic industry add sea salt to their products, such as antiperspirants, skin cleansers, skin masks and various other skin care products.<\/p>\n

\"\"6. It treats sinusitis<\/h3>\n

Sinusitis<\/a> is a condition that causes inflammation within one or several of the paranasal sinuses. This condition can cause debilitating headaches, congestion, a decreased sense of smell, a cough, and even fevers. Patients who use nasal irrigations and\/or sprays that contain sea salt report experiencing a significant reduction in the symptoms that are associated with sinusitis. This is likely due to the anti-inflammatory properties that sea salt contains, which helps to reduce the swelling of the tissues that line the sinuses. Nasal products that contain sea salt are safer and more effective than products that contain steroids.<\/p>\n

\"\"7. Eases the effects of psoriasis<\/h3>\n

Psoriasis<\/a> is a chronic inflammatory disease that results in the development of large, unsightly scaly and itchy plaques on the surface of the skin. The scaly patches that are associated with this condition are the result of the excessive and rapid proliferation of the cells of the skin, which is sparked by the inflammatory agents within the body that are created by lymphocytes, a specific kind of white blood cells. Though there isn\u2019t a cure for psoriasis, sea salt has been found to reduce the scaly patches and itching that are associated with this condition.<\/p>\n

\"\"8. Eases muscle aches and pains<\/h3>\n

Another interesting fact about sea salt that you may not be aware of is that it has the ability to ease achy and painful muscles. The reason sea salt has this ability is because of the high amount of essential minerals that it contains, such as potassium and magnesium. These essential minerals have detoxifying qualities. It helps to remove the buildup of toxins<\/a> that accumulate in the body, which can impact the muscles, causing them to become stiff, achy and painful. This therapeutic quality has the ability to ease tension and fatigue in the muscles.<\/p>\n

\"\"9. Reduces the risk of osteoarthritis<\/h3>\n

Sea salt has also been found to reduce the risk of developing osteoarthritis<\/a>. Several research studies tested the effects of balneotherapy with sea salt \u2013 bathing in sea salt \u2013 on patients who were at risk for developing osteoarthritis. After their treatments, patients saw a marked improvement in the swelling and inflammation in their joints, specifically in their knees. Moreover, some of the patients that were testes found that they had greater mobility in their joints as compared to those who prone to developing osteoarthritis but tried balneotherapy with traditional sodium chloride instead of sea salt.<\/p>\n

\"\"10. Improves the function of the nervous system<\/h3>\n

Sea salt is an excellent source of sodium, an essential mineral for the nervous system<\/a>. That\u2019s because sodium regulates water levels in the body, which aids in the transmission of electrical signals throughout the body, including the nervous system. If the transmission of these electrical signals off, the function of the nervous system will also be off, as low levels of sodium can cause the cells in this vital system of the body to malfunction. If the nervous system isn\u2019t functioning properly, a variety of issues can arise, including issues with movement, communication and sensory functions.<\/p>\n

\"\"11. Aids in digestive health<\/h3>\n

Though it is said that high levels of salt<\/a> intake can have an adverse effect on digestive health, not getting enough salt can also have a negative effect on digestive health. If you aren\u2019t getting enough salt, your body will not be able to produce the proper amount of hydrochloric acid within the stomach, which plays an important part in digestion. As a result, you may not be able to absorb enough nutrients from your food, or you might develop various digestive health issues, such as acid reflux, GERD or even irritable bowel syndrome.<\/p>\n

\"\"12. Improves nutrient absorption<\/h3>\n

If you don\u2019t have the proper amount of acids in your stomach, you cannot properly digest the foods that you are consuming. This can impact the amount of vital nutrients that your body absorbs from your food, such as zinc, folate, iron, calcium and vitamin B12<\/a>. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies, which can cause various health issues. By consuming sea salt on regular basis, but in moderation, not only will your digestive health improve, but you will also be able to absorb more of the nutrients that are present in the foods that you consume.<\/p>\n

\"\"13. Promotes a restful sleep<\/h3>\n

If you have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, taking a bath in sea salt may be able to help you get a more restful sleep<\/a>. Thanks to the high amount of nutrients that sea salt contains, taking a bath in the salt can be extremely calming and induce sleepiness. Not only can taking a bath in sea salt help you fall asleep and stay asleep, but it can also make your sleep more rejuvenating. Moreover, sea salt has been found to prevent the production of excess saliva while sleep, helping you remain hydrated.<\/p>\n

\"\"14. Regulates blood sugar levels<\/h3>\n

If you are a diabetic<\/a> or you are pre-diabetic, consuming sea salt in moderation on a daily basis can help your body regulate its blood sugar levels. When consumed, sea salt is absorbed into the circulatory system and it activates the transmission of water from the cells to the blood by way of osmotic pressure. This helps to improve blood volume. It also helps the kidneys flush out excess amounts of sugar in the blood. It has been found that sea salt can help to reduce the dependency on insulin medications by naturally regulating blood sugar.<\/p>\n

\"\"15. May prevent hair loss<\/h3>\n

Another interesting fact about sea salt is that it may be able to help prevent hair loss<\/a>. By rubbing sea salt into the scalp, it can help to boost the circulation of blood in the scalp, which can strengthen hair follicles and stimulate hair growth. This can also help to prevent the loss of hair. The reason behind this interesting fact is because of the combination of the coarse texture of sea salt and the high amounts of essential minerals that it contains. Simply rub sea salt into your scalp before you wash your hair.<\/p>\n

\"\"16. Improves the look of the eyes<\/h3>\n

If you have dark circles<\/a> around your eyes, or your eyelids are puffy and sagging, sea salt may be able to improve their appearance. Try mixing together sea salt and water and apply the solution to the skin that surrounds your eyes, paying close attention to the area below your eyes where dark circles and puffiness lie. Allow the solution to sit in place for several minutes before rinsing with warm water. Sea salt has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce the puffiness, sagging and dark circles that develop under the eyes.<\/p>\n

\"\"17. Reduces acidity levels in the body<\/h3>\n

Sea salt can also help to reduce high acidity levels in the body. High levels of acid can cause a number of health issues. Sea salt has an alkalizing effect on the cells within the body, which helps to facilitate the excretion of excess acid levels via urination. This helps the body maintain a proper acid-alkali ratio. If the pH levels of the blood become too acidic, sea salt can help to distribute a health balance of acid in the body, helping to prevent various problematic and degenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer\u2019s disease<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"18. Improves oral health<\/h3>\n

Sea salt has also been found to be beneficial for oral health. That\u2019s because, believe it or not, sea salt actually contains fluoride<\/a>, a compound that plays an important part in strengthening the teeth and improving the overall health of the mouth. Fluoride helps to protect the teeth from damage that is caused by acids that are found in many foods and drinks. This can help to prevent the development of cavities and tooth loss. Rinsing the mouth with a mixture of sea salt and tepid water can also help to alleviate sores that develop in the mouth.<\/p>\n

\"\"19. Normalizes the heartbeat<\/h3>\n

While consuming too much salt can cause problems for the health of your heart, not getting enough of it can actually do the same. Sea salt can actually help to maintain a healthy blood pressure level, which can aid in normalizing an irregular heartbeat<\/a> and prevent cardiovascular conditions, such as heart murmurs, as well as heart attacks. That\u2019s because sea salt has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to improve the function of the heart and aid in health blood flow through the heart. Consuming sea salt regularly and in moderation can help you maintain a healthy heart.<\/p>\n

\"\"20. It\u2019s all natural<\/h3>\n

Unlike table salt, which is highly refined once it is harvested and contains various additives, including bleaches and compounds that prevent it from clumping, sea salt is completely natural. Once it is harvested, it remains virtually untouched. This means that the trace minerals<\/a> and essential nutrients that it contains remain in-tact. Even the process of harvesting some types of sea salts is completely naturally. Celtic sea salt, for example, is harvested by hand with wooden tools. This means that you are not ingesting additives; only the natural elements that sea salt contains.<\/p>\n\r\n

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