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The Chemical Compound: Salt : Salt, a chemical compound made from sodium and chlorine, is an essential mineral for human nutrition. It helps keep the body in the right amounts of numerous chemicals. Chemical-wise salts are compounds obtained as a result of a base reacting with an acid plus water. This editorial provides an in-depth look at the types and properties of salts from the perspectives of chemical, daily-usage, and medical fields.
What is Salt in Simple Terms?
Let me give you an example – salt may be described as “a white, crystalline, edible substance with a salty taste.” It is an intense taste of which people have different opinions.
What is Salt from a Chemical Perspective?
Sodium chloride, or salt, is a “compound that is formed when an acid and a base react, and usually it takes the form of crystals or a loose powder.”
What is Edible Salt?
Edible salt or table salt (NaCl) is the most commonly used salt in human life. These are colorless, clear, and devoid of smell. The molecular composition of edible salt is NaCl, containing units of sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl).
How is Salt Produced?
Salt can be found naturally. There are also some possibilities for its industrial production.
Natural Salt ProductionEvaporation of seawater and ocean water: This method is one of the most common ways. By the action of sunlight, water is heated and thus, it evaporates. The salt is gradually forming salt crystals in the process.Wells that bear salt: Salt wells are created in areas that are far from the sea and have no direct way of access to it. The brine in these wells will then evaporate and the remaining salt will be collected.Industrial Salt ProductionSalt extraction from mines: In some cases, minerals are below ground and consist of different salts. These are then took out of the earth and by purifying, they become pure salter.Removal of salt from brine: Besides that, salt is removed from the natural aerial or underground brines by means of the evaporation-relief process.Once all the salt is taken out of the mine, the process of refining and packing it for the market begins.
Salt ProductionSalt production involves:
Distillation: This is the first step of the process, and in this, all dirt, sand and other minerals are removed. Further purification may be done using the chemical process.Packaging: Salt can be found in the market in forms such as in a shaker, bag, or a box as a retail or industrial item.Adding the ingredients for some brands is optional, but most brands do this. They should then make the food/substance more nutritious and thus healthier. Some of the recipes are also produced with the electrolyte-like substance which can then be eaten as a snack.
The following table presents the nutritional composition of 100 grams of salt:
Name Value
Water 0.2 g
Energy 0 kJ
Protein 0 g
Fat 0 g
Carbohydrates 0 g
Fiber 0 g
Sugar 0 g
Calcium (Ca) 24 mg
Iron (Fe) 0.33 mg
Magnesium (Mg) 1 mg
Phosphorus (P) 0 mg
Potassium (K) 8 mg
Sodium (Na) 38800 mg
Zinc (Zn) 0.1 mg
Copper (Cu) 0.03 mg
Manganese (Mn) 0.1 mg
Selenium (Se) 0.1 mg
Fluoride (F) 0.002 mg
Export to Sheets
Source: USDA
The composition of salt varies across different types.
Types of Salt
Here’s a look at some types of edible salts:
Kosher Salt: A coarse-grained, high-purity salt often used as a seasoning.
Table Salt: Processed salt with added iodine, characterized by fine, uniform grains.
Sea Salt: Obtained from evaporating seawater, often used for food decoration due to its attractive grains and higher mineral content.
Fleur de Sel: Harvested from salt marshes, with a delicate flavor.
Pink Himalayan Salt: Has a saltier taste due to iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) content.
Red Alaea Salt: Gets its color from volcanic clay, rich in iron oxide.
Blue Persian Salt: A rare salt containing calcium, magnesium, and potassium, giving it a blue color and medicinal properties.
Black Lava Salt: Formed from volcanic activity, rich in minerals.
Flavored Salts: Any salt combined with additives like herbs or spices.
Health Benefits of Salt
Aids Water Absorption: Salt solutions can treat dehydration caused by illnesses.
Relieves Muscle Cramps: Salt deficiency is a cause of muscle cramps.
Prevents Tooth Decay: Salt helps maintain the enamel layer of teeth.
Soothes Sore Throats: Gargling salt water can relieve throat pain and itchiness.
Aids Digestion: Salt stimulates digestive enzymes.
Controls Eczema: Salt baths can reduce eczema inflammation.
Improves Sleep: Salt intake before sleep helps regulate saliva production and promotes relaxation.
Supports Heart Function: Salt regulates heart rate and cholesterol levels.
Side Effects of Excessive Salt Consumption
Hypertension: High salt intake increases the risk of high blood pressure.
Cardiovascular Diseases: Excessive salt intake can lead to heart diseases and stroke.
Stomach Cancer: High salt consumption can increase the risk of stomach cancer.
Kidney Diseases: High salt intake can damage the kidneys.