Getting Salty: The Surprising Health Benefits of the Right Salt
When you think of salt, you might picture that little shaker on your kitchen table, but not all salts are created equal. The type of salt you choose can significantly impact your health. I’ve been on a journey to find the best, most natural salts for my family, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned with you.
Why Salt is Essential
Salt isn’t just for flavor—though it certainly makes everything taste better! Your body actually needs salt (sodium chloride) for several vital functions. It helps maintain fluid balance, supports nerve function, and is crucial for muscle contractions. However, not all salts provide the same benefits, and the quality of the salt you choose is key to getting the nutrients your body needs.
Natural vs. Processed Salt
You’ve probably seen a variety of salts on store shelves, from regular table salt to sea salt and Himalayan pink salt. The difference between them isn’t just in the color or texture—it’s in what they offer your body. Natural salts, like sea salt and Himalayan pink salt, are minimally processed and retain essential minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium. These minerals support hydration, nerve function, and overall health, making natural salt a far healthier choice than regular table salt, which is often stripped of these vital nutrients and may contain additives. Mamavation has sent out 23 salt products to an EPA-certified lab to test for aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead and microplastics. The good news is that none of the tested salt products came back with levels that would require a Prop.65 warning; however, the bad news is that all of them had detectable amounts of the metals tested present!
Maintaining Mineral Balance
Your body thrives when it has the right balance of minerals, crucial for cellular health and detoxification. High-quality, unrefined salts help maintain this balance, ensuring optimal body function. For example, when I start craving salty foods, it’s often my body’s way of telling me I need more salt. That’s when I’ll add a pinch of natural salt to my coconut water or electrolyte drink to stay hydrated and balanced. These trace minerals also play a vital role in nerve function, helping to regulate nerve impulses and promote smooth communication between your brain and muscles. This balance helps prevent muscle cramps and supports overall well-being.
Why I Love Baja Gold Salt
I’ve tried various types of salt over the years, and one that’s really stood out is Baja Gold mineral salt. It’s become a staple in my kitchen for good reason. Baja Gold Salt is harvested sustainably from the Baja California region in Mexico, which means it’s not just good for you—it’s good for the planet too. This salt is rich in trace minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium, which are essential for maintaining hydration, nerve function, and overall mineral balance.
What I love most about Baja Gold is its unique, mild flavor. It has a slightly sweet taste that enhances dishes without overpowering them. Whether I’m using it as a finishing salt on a salad or adding it to a recipe, it always adds just the right touch. Plus, knowing it’s free of additives makes me feel good about using it for my family.
Salt for an Active Lifestyle
If you lead an active lifestyle, salt is crucial for maintaining both hydration and energy levels. Sweating during exercise causes you to lose not just water but also essential minerals. Adding a pinch of natural salt to your water or post-workout snack helps replenish these lost minerals, keeping you energized and supporting your body’s recovery.
Sustainable and Natural Salt Choices
In today’s world, it’s more important than ever to make choices that are not only good for our health but also for the environment. Baja Gold Salt stands out because it’s sustainably harvested with minimal processing, preserving both its nutritional value and the planet. Choosing sustainable, mineral-rich salts means you’re aligning with a holistic approach to health and wellness.
The Final Word on Salt
Choosing the right salt nourishes your body with essential minerals and supports your overall well-being. By opting for natural, unrefined salts like Baja Gold, you’re giving your body the nutrients it needs to stay balanced, hydrated, and energized. Plus, you’re making a choice that benefits the environment. Next time you reach for the salt shaker, make sure it’s filled with something that supports your health and aligns with your values.
Love,
Jenn