What is Morton Sea Salt?
Morton Sea Salt is a product harvested from evaporated seawater. Morton offers both a 'Natural Sea Salt' with no additives and an 'Iodized Sea Salt' which has iodine added for thyroid health. Unlike heavily processed table salt, which is mined and then purified to remove impurities and minerals, Morton's natural sea salt is minimally processed, allowing it to retain some trace minerals. However, it's crucial to understand that 'minimally processed' does not automatically equate to a significant health advantage, particularly concerning sodium levels.
The truth about trace minerals
One of the main reasons sea salt is often lauded as a healthier alternative is its retention of trace minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium. While these minerals are beneficial, the amounts found in sea salt are minuscule. A person would need to consume an unhealthy and dangerous amount of salt to gain any significant nutritional benefit from these trace minerals. A balanced diet rich in whole foods is a far more effective and safer way to obtain essential minerals than relying on salt, regardless of its source.
Comparing Morton sea salt and table salt
On a gram-for-gram basis, Morton sea salt and standard table salt have virtually identical sodium levels—about 40%. A common misconception arises because sea salt crystals are typically larger than those of fine-grained table salt. This means a teaspoon of coarse sea salt may contain less sodium by volume because fewer crystals fit into the spoon. However, this difference is only a measurement artifact; if you were to grind the sea salt crystals to the same fineness, their sodium content would be the same. The real health issue is the total amount of sodium consumed, not the type of salt used to season food.
Potential issues with some sea salts
While Morton's natural sea salt is generally considered free of additives, the sourcing of sea salt can be a concern. Some studies have raised the possibility of microplastics in certain sea salts harvested from modern oceans. The long-term health implications of ingesting microplastics are still not fully understood, but this is a factor to consider for those concerned about potential contaminants. Mined salts, like Himalayan pink salt, are generally free of this particular issue because they come from ancient, uncontaminated sea beds.
The dangers of excessive sodium intake
For most people, the most significant health risk related to salt, including Morton sea salt, is consuming too much sodium. Health organizations worldwide, including the World Health Organization, recommend limiting daily sodium intake to less than 2,000 mg (about one teaspoon of salt). Exceeding this limit consistently can lead to serious health problems:
- High blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke
- Increased risk of gastric cancer
- Increased risk of obesity
- Increased risk of osteoporosis and kidney disease
- Electrolyte imbalance
Table: Morton Sea Salt vs. Table Salt vs. Himalayan Salt
| Feature | Morton Sea Salt | Standard Table Salt | Himalayan Pink Salt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Evaporated seawater | Mined from underground deposits | Mined from ancient seabeds |
| Processing | Minimally processed (Natural) | Heavily processed and refined | Minimally processed, hand-mined |
| Trace Minerals | Present in trace amounts | Removed during processing | Present in trace amounts, including iron oxide |
| Additives | May contain added iodine; natural version is additive-free | Often includes anti-caking agents and iodine | No additives |
| Sodium Content (by weight) | Approx. 40% | Approx. 40% | Approx. 37-38% |
| Flavor | A cleaner, more complex taste | Sharp, pure salt flavor | Milder, slightly sweet, earthy taste |
| Texture | Coarser crystals | Fine, uniform crystals | Varied crystal sizes, often coarse |
Conclusion: Focus on moderation, not salt type
When evaluating if Morton sea salt is healthy, the key takeaway is to focus on moderation and total daily sodium intake rather than the type of salt. Nutritionally, there is no significant difference between Morton sea salt and table salt that would impact your health. The trace minerals in sea salt are present in such small amounts that their health benefits are negligible. The World Health Organization's recommendation to limit sodium intake is the most important guideline to follow for maintaining heart and overall health. Choosing Morton sea salt over table salt is a matter of personal preference for taste and texture, not a significant step towards better health. For those concerned about iodine deficiency, opting for iodized salt or ensuring a diet rich in iodine sources like seafood and dairy is recommended. Ultimately, a balanced, whole-food diet with careful seasoning is the healthiest approach, regardless of the salt you choose.
To better control your sodium, try seasoning food with herbs and spices instead of relying solely on salt. You can learn more about sodium and its impact on your health by visiting the American Heart Association website.
