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Salt is a chemical substance consisting of sodium and chlorine. Salt is one of the minerals needed by humans, and its presence in the body in the right amount makes the human body function properly. Salts are produced as a product of base combination with acid along with water. In this article, we discuss the properties and reviews of different types of salts. Also, in this article, from the point of view of chemistry and from the point of view of daily and medical use, we will examine salt and everything there is about salt.
What is salt in simple words?
The simplest and most popular definition of salt can be expressed as (Salt is an edible white substance with crystalline grains that has a salty taste). But this definition is not accepted from a scientific point of view, and a more precise definition of salt should be provided.
What is salt from the point of view of chemistry?
Salt is defined from the point of view of chemistry as follows: (Salt refers to chemical compounds that are composed of an acid and a base and are usually solid as crystals or powder.)
What is table salt?
Table salt or common salt (NaCl) is the most well-known salt in everyday life. Edible salt is known as white and odorless transparent crystals. The chemical formula of table salt is NaCl, which is composed of two elements sodium (Na) and (Cl).
How is salt obtained? Salt production
Salt is obtained naturally or industrially. Here are some common ways to produce salt:
1- Production of natural salt
Evaporation of water in seas and oceans: This is one of the main methods of producing natural salt. The water in the oceans and seas is heated by sunlight and then evaporates. In this process, the salts dissolved in water gradually evaporate and form salt as large crystals.
Salt well: Salt wells are used in areas that do not have direct access to sea water. Salt water evaporates in these wells and salt is obtained.
2- Production of industrial salt:
- Extraction of salt from salt mines: some salts are found in mineral form in the basement. These salts are extracted from mines and then refined to become pure salt.
- Salt purification from salt water: In some areas, salt is extracted from salt water that is available as water sources. The salt water gradually evaporates, and the salt is purified.
After salt extraction, purification and packaging processes are carried out to turn it into usable salt in the market.
How is salt processed?
Salt is obtained naturally or industrially. Here are some common ways to produce salt:
1- Salt purification
Removal of excess bodies: In this step, unwanted bodies such as dirt, sand, or other contaminants are removed from the salt.
Chemical purification: In some chemical processes (such as the use of flocculants, oxidants, polyamides) may be used to purify salt from other salts or contaminants.
2- Packaging:
After purification, the salt is packaged in pure form. Packaging comes in different shapes and sizes, from small packages for retail sales to larger packages for industrial use.
3- Adding additives (optional):
Some salts may be enriched with additives such as antigraft, iodine or fluoride. These substances may be added to salt as iodized salt or fluoridated salt, which is beneficial to the general health of consumers.
Table of nutritional value of salt
The values listed are calculated based on 100 grams of salt.
In the table above, the amount of compounds found in edible salt is listed. Of course, the amount of elements in all salts is different.
Types of salts
Salts have different categories, and here we will review edible salts. Each of these salts has its own properties and characteristics that are unique in their scale.
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Kosher salt
Kosher salt is one of the coarse grain salts with high purity, which is usually used as a side dish. Usually, kosher salt is not used in cooking.
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Edible salt
Edible salt is usually referred to as processed salt to which iodine (I) has been added. The fine and uniform grains are the characteristics of this salt. This salt has no significant mineral properties except iodine.
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Sea salt
Sea salt is obtained from the evaporation of sea water. This salt is usually used to decorate food because its grains have a beautiful appearance. It also has more minerals than processed table salt.
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Sea flower salt
This precious salt is one of the salts obtained from the evaporation of water in lakes. This salt looks like shredded coconut.
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Pink salt
Pink salt has a more salty taste than other salts and is considered a strong seasoning for food. The pink color of this salt is due to the presence of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) elements in the rock salt of this salt.
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Red salt
Red salt is obtained from volcanic clay. This salt has a moderate salty taste and is a good source of iron oxide. Red salt is also used as a food garnish.
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Blue salt
Blue salt, also known as Semnan blue salt, is one of the rarest salts in the world. This salt has a blue color and medicinal properties due to the presence of calcium, magnesium and potassium. In the world, blue salt is known as Persian blue salt.
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Black salt (lava salt)
Black salt is obtained from mixing with active volcanic rocks in countries with volcanic mountains. These types of salts are usually very rich in minerals.
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Flavored salts
Flavored salts are not considered as a separate category. However, when you combine any type of salt with an additive such as finely chopped herbs or other edible ingredients, you have a flavored salt.
Properties of salt
1- Help to absorb water
Some pathogenic diseases that lead to the loss of a lot of water from the body, the only solution is to use a solution of salt dissolved in water and glucose. Using salt makes the body fight dryness. The use of salt water serums as a drink during diseases such as diarrhea is an example of this
2- Relieving muscle cramps
Lack of salt in the body is one of the main causes of muscle cramps. The electrolyte imbalance in the body and the loss of salt cause the muscle function to be impaired and muscle cramps and spasms to occur.
3- Prevent tooth decay
Tooth enamel, which acts as a protective layer of teeth, consists of a soluble salt. When this layer is lost, there will be no protection for the teeth and thus decay occurs.
4- Throat infection and reduction of sore throat
During colds and throat infections, gargling with salt water reduces throat pain and throat itching. Although there is no scientific research for this issue, most doctors prescribe the use of salt water solution to improve sore throat.
5- Helping to digest food
Salt stimulates the glands in the mouth and stomach to secrete enzymes that help digestion. Also, salt helps to break down the molecular structure of food, which causes better digestion of food in the digestive system.
6- Eczema control
Putting the body in a solution of water and salt helps a lot to reduce the inflammation of eczema.
7- Improving sleeping conditions
Consuming salt before going to bed makes the salivary glands secrete less while you are sleeping and this prevents drooling during sleep. Also, salt causes the release of melatonin and serotonin, both of which are relaxing.
8- Improving heart function
Salt is one of the factors that control the heart rate and can manage the regular beating of the heart. Also, water-soluble salt helps reduce high cholesterol levels, which prevents heart attacks.
Side effects of excessive salt consumption
Like any other food, consuming too much of a food can lead to problems. In this section, we will examine the possible side effects of consuming too much salt.
1- Increased blood pressure
Excessive consumption of salt leads to high blood pressure. This disease can be a serious threat to people’s health, especially in old age.
2- Cardiovascular diseases
High salt intake can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and heart attack. This is due to increased blood pressure and damage to blood vessels.
3- Stomach cancer
High salt intake can increase the risk of stomach cancer. This is due to irritation and inflammation of the stomach lining.
4- Kidney diseases
Consuming too much salt can damage the kidneys and increase the risk of kidney disease. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products from the blood, and high salt intake can make it harder for them to do this.
Frequently Asked Questions
What salt is good for blood pressure?
sea salt; It is the best option for salt sensitive blood pressure.
Is iodized salt harmful?
Consumption of iodized salt in the recommended amount is necessary for all people in the society and is not associated with any side effects.
Does salt cause obesity?
One of the problems that salt causes or aggravates is the problem of obesity. New studies by scientists show that salt has a serious effect on people’s overeating. Overeating is one of the main causes of weight gain and dense body fat.
How many calories are in salt?
Salt has no calories.