Sea Salt vs. Iodized Salt

Iodized salt and sea salt are two types of salt that differ in their sources, composition, and nutritional properties. Here’s how they differ:

1. Sources: Iodized salt is made from rock salt or sodium chloride that is mined from underground salt deposits, and then iodine is added to it in the form of potassium iodide. Sea salt, on the other hand, is obtained by evaporating seawater, and it contains minerals and trace elements that are naturally present in seawater.
2. Composition: Iodized salt typically contains about 97-99% sodium chloride and a small amount of potassium iodide (added as a dietary supplement to prevent iodine deficiency), while sea salt can contain varying amounts of sodium chloride (ranging from 60-98%) and other minerals like magnesium, calcium, potassium, and iron.
3. Nutritional properties: Iodized salt is an important source of iodine, a mineral that is essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, which regulates metabolism. Sea salt, on the other hand, contains trace amounts of minerals that can contribute to a varied and balanced diet. However, the amounts of these minerals are generally too small to make a significant nutritional impact.

In summary, iodized salt is a more reliable source of iodine, which is essential for thyroid function, while sea salt may contain a wider range of minerals and trace elements, but in smaller amounts. Both types of salt can be used in cooking and as table salt, but iodized salt is generally recommended as the main source of salt in the diet to prevent iodine deficiency.