2023-09-14 05:10:45
The rush for salt that occurred in some countries at the end of August actually surprised many people. It also happened after the Fukushima nuclear power incident 12 years ago. Why does history keep repeating itself?
After everyone has calmed down, please allow me to share the inquiries I have received over the past three weeks. In summary, the questions received can be classified into the following two categories:
1. How many packs of sea salt do I need to order?
2. I have a thyroid problem and I need iodine, but I can’t buy salt. What should I do?
(Picture provided by the author)
Let me break down two misconceptions about salt here.
Misunderstanding 1: I want to buy a few packs of salt because I am worried about seawater problems
Fact: Salt doesn’t necessarily come from the ocean
I believe that some people grab salt, but most people also grab it when they see others snatching it. In fact, salt is not necessarily extracted from the ocean. Most of it is extracted from underground salt mines, and some are extracted from mountain rocks or lake water. For example, table salt, the most sold white fine salt, is extracted from underground salt mines. Salt minerals are sedimentary rocks formed after the residue of older seawater dries up. Salt manufacturers wash and dissolve the precipitate with water, then evaporate the brine under vacuum to form crystals. Manufacturers then purify it to remove contaminants and other minerals, and then add anti-caking agents so the table salt is separated into grains and doesn’t stick. Reputable salt manufacturers will usually clearly indicate where the salt comes from. For example, sea salt, rock salt, etc. will clearly indicate the source. Some sea salt manufacturers will even clearly label the ocean from which their product was extracted. If the source is unknown, or the wording is vague, most are extracted from underground salt mines. Of course, if possible, you can check the brand website or ask the source, which will make you feel more at ease.
For example, for the sea salt produced in the UK in the picture above, the website states that the sea salt comes from the Atlantic Ocean.
(Picture provided by the author)
Another example is the salt produced in Australia in the picture above, which indicates that the salt comes from natural lake water.
(Picture provided by the author)
Misunderstanding 2: If you have thyroid problems, you must eat iodized salt
Fact: Salt is not a rich source of iodine
The table salt mentioned above, in addition to adding anti-caking agents to prevent crystal formation, sometimes also adds mineral iodine. Iodine is an essential mineral responsible for the production of thyroid hormones, which help produce proteins and enzymes and regulate metabolism. If the body lacks iodine, thyroid hormones cannot function properly, resulting in an underactive thyroid gland or an overactive thyroid gland, which can cause negative health effects in the body. Note that generally only table salt has iodine added, and the following salt products usually do not have iodine added:
● sea salt
● Rock salt
● Lake salt
● Other specialty salts
If iodine is added, the words Iodized or Iodised will be labeled on the front of the package, such as the following example:
(Picture provided by the author)
It is true that table salt has added iodine, but salt is not a rich source of iodine at all because we don’t eat much salt at all. If your doctor or registered dietitian advises you to consume more iodine, rich sources of iodine include:
1. Seaweed
2. Seafood
3. Dairy products
4. Eggs
5. Multivitamins or supplements
The relevant contents of signed and/or unsigned articles published by “Economics” are the author’s personal opinions and do not represent the position of “Economics”. The role of “Economics” is to provide a platform for free speech.
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