What Does Salt Contain?

In history, large scale wars have been fought over control of salt mines, and salt was even used as currency in the Roman empire. Salt is a critical part of the human diet when consumed in moderation, and is used for many other things as well.

Salt from Different Sources

• Salt is obtained from several different sources, and is processed in various ways. Some of the methods used can change the mineral makeup of the salt crystals, or give it a different flavor. The most common harvesting methods for the salt we add to our foods are by evaporating sea water and by cutting it from slabs in mines formed by ancient seas.

Properties of Salt

• The primary building block of salt is sodium chloride. According to United States Department of Agriculture charts, table salt contains 2325 mg of sodium per 1 teaspoon serving. Depending on the source of the salt, trace amounts of other minerals, such as sulfur, can be enough to modify visual appearance and flavor. Processed table salt commonly purchased at the grocery store is generally uniform in flavor, from one brand to the next.

Fortified salt

• Table salt is commonly fortified with trace amounts of iodine as a nutritional supplement, to help prevent goiters, mental retardation and other serious health conditions.