Understanding Real Salt and its Mineral Content
Real Salt is a brand of unrefined salt mined from an ancient sea bed in Redmond, Utah, that was covered by volcanic ash. This natural, minimal processing is what allows it to retain a diverse range of trace minerals, unlike the heavily refined and bleached table salt commonly found in stores. The characteristic color variations, from pinks to reds, are a visible indicator of these mineral deposits.
The presence of minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium in Real Salt is a key distinguishing factor. While the absolute quantity of these trace minerals is small and not a primary source for your dietary needs, their inclusion is often cited as a reason for the salt's more complex flavor profile. This differs significantly from standard table salt, which is almost pure sodium chloride, with other compounds removed during processing.
The Source and Purity of Real Salt
For millions of years, the Real Salt deposit has been protected under layers of bentonite clay and volcanic ash, which also shielded it from modern-day pollutants. This ancient source is often emphasized by proponents as a factor contributing to its purity compared to some sea salts harvested from contemporary, potentially polluted oceans. The salt is extracted using dry mining methods, crushed, and then screened for size, without the high-heat processing or chemical additives used for table salt.
The Nutritional Context of Magnesium in Salt
While Real Salt does contain magnesium, it's crucial to put this into perspective. The amount of magnesium per serving is very small and would not constitute a significant portion of an adult's daily magnesium intake. A person would need to consume an unhealthy and excessive amount of salt to get a meaningful amount of magnesium from it. For example, one analysis found only 8 milligrams of magnesium in a full day's sodium equivalent of Redmond Real Salt, which is a minuscule amount compared to the recommended daily intake. A healthy and balanced diet, rich in magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts, and seeds, is a far superior source for this essential nutrient.
A Comparison of Different Salt Types
| Feature | Real Salt | Table Salt | Sea Salt | Himalayan Pink Salt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processing | Minimally processed, unrefined | Heavily processed, refined | Varies; can be minimally or moderately processed | Minimally processed, unrefined |
| Source | Mined from an ancient, underground sea bed in Utah | Mined from underground deposits and purified | Evaporated from modern seawater or salt lakes | Mined from ancient sea beds in Pakistan |
| Magnesium Content | Contains trace amounts | Stripped of most natural minerals during processing | Contains trace amounts; varies by source | Contains trace amounts |
| Other Minerals | Over 60 naturally-occurring trace minerals | Typically fortified with iodine; anti-caking agents added | Contains various trace minerals, depending on source | Contains trace minerals like iron (which gives it color) |
| Additives | None added | Anti-caking agents and iodine typically added | May contain anti-caking agents depending on the brand | None typically added |
| Contaminants | Protected from modern contaminants due to ancient, deep source | Minimal to none due to intense purification | Can have modern ocean pollutants like microplastics | Concerns sometimes raised about consistency due to multiple mines |
Does Magnesium Offer Health Benefits in Salt?
Because the concentration of magnesium in Real Salt is so low, any health benefits would be negligible, especially when compared to obtaining the mineral from food or supplements. The potential health advantages of unrefined salts are often more closely tied to the lack of chemical additives and processing rather than the trace mineral content itself. For example, some people use magnesium-rich salts in bath soaks for skin health, where the mineral can be absorbed topically. However, this is a different application than dietary intake, where the benefits from a pinch of salt are insubstantial. The real nutritional value of salt, regardless of type, is its sodium content, which is essential for certain bodily functions but must be consumed in moderation. It is important to remember that all salt is primarily sodium chloride.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the claim that Real Salt contains magnesium is accurate, but misleading if taken out of context. It does contain trace amounts of magnesium, as well as a spectrum of other minerals, due to its unrefined nature and natural origin from an ancient sea bed. However, the quantity is so minuscule that it does not provide any significant nutritional benefit for magnesium. For meaningful magnesium intake, relying on a diverse, whole-foods diet is the only effective strategy. The choice between Real Salt and other options comes down to preference for flavor complexity and commitment to less-processed, additive-free ingredients, rather than sourcing substantial nutritional minerals from it. Consumers seeking health benefits should focus on moderation in salt intake and obtaining minerals from more concentrated dietary sources. For more on the nutritional differences between salts, a visit to a resource like the Center for Science in the Public Interest can be enlightening.
Frequently Asked Questions About Real Salt and Magnesium
Is the magnesium in Real Salt enough to be nutritionally significant?
No, the magnesium content in Real Salt is present only in trace amounts and is not nutritionally significant. For meaningful magnesium intake, you should rely on other dietary sources like leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and legumes.
How does Real Salt get its trace minerals?
Real Salt is mined from an ancient sea bed that was sealed off and protected by layers of volcanic ash and clay. Because it is minimally processed and unrefined, it retains the natural mineral profile that was present millions of years ago.
What gives Real Salt its color?
The flecks of color, ranging from pink to red, come from the more than 60 naturally-occurring trace minerals present in the salt, including iron. These minerals are what differentiate it visually from highly-processed white table salt.
Does Real Salt have a different taste due to its mineral content?
Yes, the diverse mineral profile in Real Salt contributes to a more complex and nuanced flavor compared to the pure, sharp taste of refined table salt. Many chefs and home cooks appreciate this subtle, slightly sweet flavor.
Is Real Salt healthier than iodized table salt?
Real Salt is not necessarily healthier, just different. While Real Salt is additive-free and contains some trace minerals, iodized table salt contains added iodine, which is an important nutrient for thyroid health. If you use Real Salt, you need to ensure you get sufficient iodine from other food sources.
Is sea salt the same as Real Salt?
No, they are different. Sea salt is made from the evaporation of modern seawater and can contain modern pollutants like microplastics. Real Salt is mined from an ancient, underground, and protected sea bed, making it free from contemporary ocean pollutants.
Should I use Real Salt as a primary source of magnesium?
No, you should not use Real Salt as a primary source of magnesium. The quantity of the mineral is too low to provide any substantial health benefit, and a balanced diet is the best way to get enough magnesium.
