Understanding Non-Iodized Sea Salt: Its Composition and Health Implications
Non-iodized sea salt is an unprocessed natural product. Unlike iodized sea salt, it does not contain the additional iodine that is typically used to maintain its quality and prevent clumping.
What is Non-Iodized Sea Salt?
Non-iodized sea salt is a type of salt that is simply dried sea water, leaving only the natural salt in it. Some people prefer it for its taste or due to religious or cultural reasons. However, it is important to note that non-iodized sea salt lacks the iodine needed for optimal health, as the added iodine in processed salt is essential to prevent certain health issues.
Health Benefits of Non-Iodized Sea Salt
Non-iodized sea salt is often used in wound cleaning due to its natural properties. However, for overall health and nutrition, natural sea salt alone is not sufficient. A diet rich in iodine-bearing food such as cod, kelp, and eggs provides adequate amounts of iodine. Nevertheless, the minimal amount added to salt is included to support every individual's health needs.
The History of Iodizing Salt
Over a century ago, it was discovered that iodine helps prevent thyroid diseases such as goiter, hypothyroidism, and intellectual disabilities in children. This discovery led to the introduction of iodized salt as a public health measure. By the 20th century, significant strides were made in reducing goiter through the use of iodized salt.
The Effects of Iodine in Salt
Since the introduction of iodized salt, goiter has significantly decreased in many parts of the world. For example, the Midwest of the United States, known as the "goiter belt," saw a dramatic reduction in goiter cases within just a decade of iodized salt introduction. This is a testament to the importance of iodine for thyroid health.
Comparison of Iodized and Non-Iodized Salt
All forms of salt, NaCl, contain sodium iodide in small amounts to supply some iodine for good health. Sea salt, derived from the ocean, does not contain this nutrient as it is not added. While some purists believe sea salt tastes better, it does not provide the necessary iodine that the body needs. As such, it is less pure than regular salt, which starts without added iodine and retains none.
Global Health Concerns
No salt, whether from the table or from the sea in its natural state, contains iodine. This crucial mineral was added to salt in the early 1900s to address iodine deficiency in American diets, which was causing thyroid goiter. The discovery of this deficiency led to the introduction of "iodized" table salt, significantly reducing cases of goiter.
Moreover, iodine deficiency remains a significant global health issue. According to UNICEF in 2007, over 1 billion people worldwide suffer from iodine deficiency, and 38 million babies are born annually without adequate protection from brain damage due to Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD).
Non-iodized sea salt, therefore, is not only less pure, but it also lacks the necessary iodine needed for optimal health, making it an incomplete dietary choice compared to iodized salt.