Why Salt Purity Matters
Modern industrialization and pollution have introduced a new wave of contaminants into our food supply, and salt is not immune. Many sea salts, harvested from the world's oceans, are now known to contain microplastics due to pervasive plastic pollution. Heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium can also find their way into salt, either from polluted sources or naturally occurring deposits in certain mining areas. Long-term exposure to these substances, even at low levels, can pose potential health risks, making the source of your salt a significant dietary consideration. For health-conscious consumers, seeking out purer salt options is a crucial step toward reducing overall toxic load.
The Cleanest Salt Sources
When choosing a purer salt, the source is the most important factor. Salts harvested from ancient, protected deposits or inland sources are far less likely to be contaminated by modern pollution than those from today's oceans. Independent lab testing is also a key indicator of a brand's commitment to purity.
- Ancient Mined Salt: Sourced from ancient underground sea beds that were sealed off millions of years ago, these salts are protected from modern environmental contamination. Redmond Real Salt, mined from an ancient deposit in Utah, is a well-known example that is often tested and considered very low in contaminants. Lake Deborah Salt from Australia, harvested from a pristine inland lake, is another independently tested option that is free from heavy metals and microplastics.
- Spring Salt: Some of the purest salts available come from ancient spring-fed aquifers, far from industrial pollution. Vera Salt, sourced from a spring high in the Spanish foothills, is third-party tested and has shown very low levels of heavy metals.
- Sustainably Sourced Sea Salt: For those who prefer sea salt, choosing a brand that harvests from the cleanest oceans and uses sustainable, controlled methods can reduce risk. Saltverk Icelandic Flake Salt is produced using geothermal energy from the clean Arctic Ocean and is tested to contain low heavy metal levels and zero microplastics. Jacobsen Salt Co. from Oregon purifies its water and also conducts testing.
Comparison of Salt Types and Contaminants
| Salt Type | Source | Heavy Metal Risk | Microplastic Risk | Common Contaminants | Third-Party Tested? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ancient Mined Salt | Protected, ancient sea beds (e.g., Utah) | Very Low | Very Low | Minimal | Often, brands like Redmond Real Salt provide results |
| Spring Salt | Underground, ancient spring aquifers (e.g., Spain, Andes) | Very Low | Very Low | Minimal | Often, brands like Vera Salt provide results |
| Icelandic Flake Salt | Clean, Arctic Ocean waters | Low | Very Low | Minimal, but source dependent | Often, brands like Saltverk provide results |
| Himalayan Pink Salt | Mined rock salt (Pakistan) | Moderate | Very Low | Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium | Varies by brand and batch |
| Celtic Sea Salt | Traditional sea salt (e.g., France) | Elevated (Lead, Arsenic) | Moderate | Lead from clay beds, microplastics | Testing results show variation |
| Refined Table Salt | Various sources (mined or sea) | Varies; typically low after processing | Varies; source dependent | Additives, but processing removes many minerals | Varies |
How to Choose a Purer Salt for Your Diet
Making a switch to a purer salt doesn't have to be complicated. The key is to shift your focus from marketing claims to the actual source and transparency of the brand.
Prioritize Source over Appearance
While pink or grey salts are often marketed as healthier due to their natural mineral content, the color itself does not guarantee purity. In fact, studies have shown that some pink salts with darker hues or in flake form may have higher levels of heavy metals. The location and age of the source, whether a protected ancient sea bed, inland lake, or pristine spring, is a more reliable indicator of a salt's cleanliness.
Look for Third-Party Testing
Reputable brands that prioritize purity will often provide third-party laboratory test results on their website. These reports, known as Certificates of Analysis (COAs), detail the salt's mineral composition and confirm the levels of contaminants like heavy metals (e.g., lead, arsenic, cadmium) and microplastics. Brands like Vera Salt and Lake Deborah are praised for their transparency in this area.
Be Wary of Salts from Polluted Oceans
As much as 90% of sea salts tested globally have contained microplastics due to the widespread pollution of our waterways. While minimally processed sea salt may retain more trace minerals, its origin from a potentially polluted marine environment poses a significant risk of microplastic contamination. If you opt for sea salt, research brands that harvest from exceptionally clean, controlled waters and test for contaminants.
Choose Trusted Brands
Several brands have built a reputation for offering low-contaminant salt options:
- Vera Salt: Sourced from a high-altitude spring, this salt is third-party tested and free from microplastics and heavy metals.
- Redmond Real Salt: Mined from ancient sea beds in Utah, it is protected from modern pollutants and offers a mineral-rich profile with very low levels of contaminants.
- Lake Deborah Salt: This Australian salt is harvested from an isolated inland lake and undergoes independent testing to ensure it is free from modern pollutants.
- Saltverk Icelandic Flake Salt: A good option for sea salt lovers, harvested from the clean Arctic waters and tested for purity.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice for Your Health
While trace minerals in unrefined salts can be beneficial, the potential presence of heavy metals and microplastics warrants careful consideration. The quest to find what salt is free of heavy metals? leads to sources isolated from modern industrial pollution, such as ancient spring-fed aquifers and subterranean salt beds. Rather than relying solely on marketing that emphasizes minerals, look for brands that provide clear evidence of third-party testing and transparent sourcing. By choosing a salt with minimal contaminants, you can ensure a cleaner, healthier diet. It's a small change that reflects a larger commitment to mindful nutrition and food safety.
