Ocean salt is more commonly called sea salt. Regular table salt is mined from underground salt deposits and processed to remove impurities, while ocean salt is produced by evaporating sea water. Ocean salt retains a variety of trace minerals, including sulfur and potassium, which give it an appealing taste. Ocean salt has become very popular in the past few years because it is available in a number of varieties, including white, pink, and black salts.
Ocean Salt
Ocean salt is produced by evaporation. Seawater is trapped in natural ponds called condensers, where the sun and wind are allowed to evaporate the water and allow the natural minerals to crystallize. The first mineral to crystallize is calcium carbonate, which is skimmed off. As the evaporation process continues, the water becomes more briny over time. The end product, like mined salt, is almost pure sodium chloride. But ocean salt is not processed to remove the trace minerals and thus may naturally contain iodine or other minerals.
Sulfur
Sea water has an overall salinity of 3.5 percent. Sulfur is contained in sea water in the form of sulfates, which make up 7.68 percent of sea water salinity. Sulfur is an essential nutrient for your body because its primary role is in the formation of the amino acids cysteine, cystine and methionine. Sulfur is a component of collagen and keratin, proteins that are necessary for healthy bones, skin and hair. It is also found in bile acids, which help you digest fats. You get sulfur in your diet primarily from protein sources such as eggs and meat, although beans and nuts are also sources. Ocean salt contains small amounts of sulfur, which may boost your consumption of this essential element.
Potassium
Ocean water contains only about 390 parts per million of potassium, according to Dr. Anthoni of Seafloor.org. Potassium makes up 1.11 percent of ocean salinity. Potassium is good for you because it's an electrolyte, which means that it conducts electricity. Potassium helps the smooth muscles of your body contract regularly. The presence of potassium in ocean salt may help balance a diet that is heavy in sodium and therefore keep your blood pressure in check. You probably get adequate potassium in your diet, but eating excess sodium can create the need for more potassium. Using ocean salt will help provide you with this essential mineral.
Sodium
Sodium is the second most abundant ingredient in ocean salt, with chloride being in the top spot. Sodium makes up nearly 31 percent of ocean water salinity. Both table salt and ocean salt contain almost the same amount of sodium chloride, according to Dr. Zeratsky, a Mayo Clinic nutritionist. Sodium is vital to your health as it is used by your body to regulate your blood pressure and keep your muscles and nerves functioning properly. Doctors recommend no more than 2,300 mg per day of sodium for the average adult and even less for people who have hypertension.
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