The Origin and Processing of Redmond Real Salt
Redmond Real Salt is an unrefined ancient sea salt sourced from a deposit in Central Utah, which was once part of the Sundance Sea from the Jurassic Period. This ancient seabed was eventually trapped within the earth and protected by a layer of bentonite clay, shielding it from modern contaminants. Unlike modern sea salts, which can be exposed to current ocean pollutants, Redmond's ancient origin ensures a purer mineral profile.
The mining and processing of Redmond Real Salt prioritize minimal intervention. The salt is extracted with a stainless steel hydraulic rotary tool, crushed, and screened for size. It is not kiln-dried, heat-processed, or treated with anti-caking agents, ensuring its natural mineral content remains intact. This contrasts with standard table salts, which are typically refined to strip away minerals, and then fortified with synthetic iodine.
What an Analysis Reveals: The Presence of Copper
In response to the question, "Does Redmond salt have copper in it?", the answer is definitively yes. A chemical analysis of Redmond Natural Trace Mineral Salt shows an average copper content of 3 ppm. This is a minute, trace amount, well within safe dietary limits. It is one of over 60 minerals found in the salt, contributing to its distinct flavor and color. Other trace minerals present include zinc, manganese, iodine, and iron.
The Role of Trace Minerals in a Balanced Diet
Trace minerals, also known as trace elements, are essential micronutrients required by the human body in small quantities. Despite their minimal presence, they are vital for numerous physiological functions, including growth, development, and metabolic processes. The body cannot produce these minerals, so they must be obtained through diet.
Copper’s Functions in the Body
Copper, specifically, plays several critical roles in human health:
- Red Blood Cell Formation: Copper works with iron to help the body form red blood cells.
- Connective Tissue: It is essential for the formation of connective tissues, like collagen, which maintain the strength of blood vessels, nerves, and bones.
- Enzyme Cofactor: Copper serves as a cofactor for many enzymes involved in various chemical reactions throughout the body.
- Immune System Support: It contributes to a healthy immune system.
- Iron Metabolism: Copper is involved in iron metabolism and helps transport oxygen in the blood.
Recommended Daily Intake
For adults aged 19 and older, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for copper is 900 micrograms (mcg) per day. A copper intake of 3 ppm from salt contributes negligibly to this total, as the vast majority of dietary copper comes from other food sources, such as nuts, seeds, whole grains, and organ meats. The body also has a homeostatic mechanism to regulate copper absorption and excretion, helping to prevent both deficiency and toxicity.
Comparison of Redmond Real Salt with Other Salts
To put Redmond Real Salt's mineral content into perspective, it helps to compare it with other popular salt varieties.
| Feature | Redmond Real Salt | Himalayan Pink Salt | Celtic Sea Salt | Refined Table Salt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Ancient, inland Utah sea bed | Ancient salt mines in Pakistan | Coastal regions of France from ocean water | Modern salt deposits; heavily processed |
| Processing | Unrefined, no additives or high heat | Unrefined, minimal processing | Harvested by hand from clay-lined pools, unrefined | Processed, high-heat kiln dried |
| Copper Content | 3 ppm (trace) | Trace amounts (varies) | Trace amounts (can vary) | Minimal to none (removed by refining) |
| Additives | None | None | None | Anti-caking agents, iodine (often added) |
| Contaminants | Protected from modern pollutants | Protected from modern pollutants | Potential exposure to modern ocean pollutants | Can contain microplastics from seawater |
Potential Health Considerations: Moderation is Key
While Redmond Real Salt contains beneficial trace minerals, it's crucial to remember that salt is still predominantly sodium chloride. Excessive sodium intake is a major health concern linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, and kidney problems. Health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend limiting daily salt intake. The trace mineral content in any salt, including Redmond's, does not negate the health risks of overconsumption.
For most individuals, the tiny amount of copper in Redmond Real Salt does not pose a toxicity risk. The body has efficient mechanisms to regulate copper levels. However, genetic conditions like Wilson's disease can impair the body's ability to excrete copper, leading to a dangerous buildup. Individuals with this condition must carefully monitor their copper intake. For the general population, getting enough copper is generally achieved through a varied diet, not primarily through salt.
Why Choose an Unrefined Salt?
For those who prefer unrefined salt, Redmond Real Salt offers several advantages: its ancient origin protects it from modern contaminants like microplastics, it retains a full spectrum of natural minerals, and it is free of additives. Its flavor profile is also considered sweeter and more complex than conventional table salt. However, switching to a mineral-rich salt is not a substitute for a balanced diet that provides a full range of vitamins and minerals. The benefits are in the nuanced flavor and unadulterated nature, not as a primary source of dietary minerals.
Conclusion
In summary, Redmond Real Salt does contain copper, but only in minute, naturally occurring trace amounts (3 ppm). It is an unrefined salt harvested from an ancient, protected seabed, giving it a full profile of over 60 trace minerals, including copper. While these minerals are beneficial for overall health, the amount present in salt contributes negligibly to daily nutritional needs. As with any salt, moderation is key due to the high sodium content. The choice to use Redmond Real Salt is more about a preference for unrefined, additive-free salt with a unique flavor profile, rather than as a significant source of copper or other minerals.
