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Salt and Health: Separating Fact from Fiction
This article discusses the nutritional value and potential health effects of different types of salt, including table salt, sea salt, and Himalayan salt, and addresses common misconceptions.
German
Germany
HealthFoodNutritionDietSalt
German Nutrition Society (Dge)Verbraucherzentrale Berlin
Judith SchryroSilke Restemeyer
- Why is it recommended to consume iodized and fluoridated table salt?
- Iodized and fluoridated table salt is recommended by the German Nutrition Society (DGE) because iodine deficiency can affect the thyroid, while fluoride helps prevent tooth decay. The DGE does not advise consuming salt with added folic acid, as sufficient intake can be achieved through diet.
- Is there any truth to the claim that drinking salt water can lower blood pressure?
- Drinking salt water (sole) to lower blood pressure is not advised, as this could potentially raise blood pressure in sensitive individuals. Instead, the DGE recommends using herbs and spices and only adding salt at the end to improve taste and reduce overall salt consumption.
- Are there any potential drawbacks to consuming natural salts instead of table salt?
- While natural salts are not inherently harmful, they may contain trace amounts of microplastics (sea salt) or have higher carbon footprints due to long transportation distances (Himalayan, etc.). Also, their coarser texture could lead to increased consumption of salt which is already high in many people's diet.
- What is the controversy surrounding additives in table salt, and what are the regulations around this?
- Anti-caking agents like silicon dioxide (E551) are sometimes added to salt and are subject to debate regarding their health effects, though permitted amounts are regulated. The use of health benefits as a sales argument is disallowed if it implies that the salt is essential to a healthy diet.
- What are the key differences between various types of salt, such as sea salt, rock salt, Himalayan salt, and table salt?
- The main difference between various salts (sea salt, rock salt, Himalayan salt, and table salt) lies in their origin and processing. Table salt is industrially refined, removing minerals like potassium, iron, and calcium, while other salts retain these elements but in trace amounts that offer no significant health benefits.