I often discuss how Salt is essential for healthfrom supporting electrolyte balance to regulating blood pressure. Calling in my salt consumption has also been a player of my sleep and energy. Many salts are hiding a filthy secret though: microplastic pollution!
Salt got an unjustly bad rap and many of us are walking in salty (but actually deficient) as a result!
Microplastic
I add salt to most of my water (not tips, just what I do), so I noticed when reports began to go out for microplastics in salt. According to my slightly obsessive brain, I descend a rabbit hole in salt and microplastics. I appeared on the other hand by placing salt in my water without concern, but with some important warnings!
According to recent reports, microplastics – small, almost invisible particles of plastics that infiltrate our oceans are (in some cases) making their way to the foods we eat, including salt.
In this post, we are immersing deep into What are microplasticsThe shocking study that found them in sea salt, why this is a problem, and most importantly – how to avoid microplastics in your salt. Alert Spoiler: It'S'S'S easier than you think!
What are the microplastics?
Before discussing how microplastics are emerging in your salt shaker, let's determine them. Microplasts are small plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size (about the size of a sesame or smaller). They come from various sources, such as the demolition of larger plastic waste (think water bottles, plastic bags or fishing nets).
They are so small that they are almost impossible to be seen with the naked eye. Over time, plastic debris breaks into smaller pieces, which are then transported through water systems, often ending in our oceans. This is one reason why I stopped using synthetic microfiber cleaning cloth!
Unfortunately, the microplasty does not only stand in the water. Now they are found in everything, from fish to honey, and yes – even sea salt. While these particles are so small that they cannot be seen, they have a major impact on our environment and our health.
The study that rocked the salt industry
You might ask yourself: How did the microplasty end in the salt I use to season my food? Well, it turns out that our oceans, where most sea salt is harvested, are contaminated with microplastics. And it's not just a few pieces lost here and there. A 2017 study led by researchers in Magazine of Science and Technology of Environment GAIN Over 90% of seafood samples From all over the world it contained microplastics.
This is not just a case of salt collection waste from the ocean. These plastic particles are small enough to be absorbed by sea organisms like fish, which we then consume. Since people often reap salt through evaporation, plastic particles end up in the salt you sprinkle in our food. It is more or less how to spend your meals with a spray of ocean pollution.
The study did not just focus on sea salt; She also found microplastics in table salt and other foods as well. However, the sea salt seemed to have a higher concentration of these particles, probably due to its direct connection to the ocean water.
This is also part of a matter of rapid microplastics and is certainly not only isolated for salt.
Why is a microplasty problem in salt?
Now, you may be thinking, “just a small amount of plastic, isn't it harm what damage can some plastic pieces do?” Well, this is exactly what scientists and health experts are trying to understand. The full impact of microplastics on human health is not fully understood, research has shown that devouring microplastics can be harmful to both our bodies and our environment.
Health concerns:
- Chemical pollution: Microplastic can carry with them harmful chemicals, such as pesticides, heavy metals and flame retardant, which can flow into our bodies when swallowed. These toxic chemicals can contribute to long -term health issues, including hormone disruption, inflammation and even cancer. Plastic chemicals themselves are also problematic.
- Accumulation: Since the microplasty is so small, our cells can easily absorb them. While our bodies can eventually expel some of these particles, others can accumulate over time. The long -term effects of microplastic accumulation are still being studied, but it is safe to say that we do not want plastic particles to be built into our tissues.
- The impact of the ocean's life: It's not just people who are affected by microplastics. Maritime life often misuses these small plastic parts of food, which can lead to physical injury, digestive matters and even deaths. If the microplasty is appearing in fish and shellfish we eat, is a clear sign that the oceansAnd the creatures in them – suffer from the pollution we have created.
While a pinch of salt here and there may not cause an immediate health crisis, it is the cumulative effect of microplastics on our food, water and air that should disturb. The more we consume, the more microplastics our bodies are exposed. And let's be honest, we didn't register for plastic salad sauce or plastic -wrapped steak.
Since I am consuming teaspoon of salt every day, I wanted to find options without microplastics!
How to avoid microplastics in your salt
If you are like most people, the idea of eating plastic is a little far away. So how can we avoid microplastics in our salt, while still enjoying the health benefits of this essential mineral? Here is the good news: You have the opportunity!
Choose high -quality, prefixed salt
Not all salt is created equal. When it comes to avoiding microplastics, pre -salt salt – like Himalayan pink salt, Celtic sea salt or real redmond salt – is your best bet. These salts are harvested by ancient deposits or clean, pristine waters, which means that they are less likely to contain plastic particles compared to the salt -processed table.
Prefined salts also carry valuable trace minerals such as magnesium, calcium and potassium, which are removed from regular table salt during processing. So you are not just avoiding plastic, you are also getting a healthier, denser nutritional option.
Look for sea salt from clean waters
Not all sea salt is contaminated with microplastics. It depends on where and how it is harvested. Look for brands that sprinkle their sea salt from clean, polluted waters. For example, certain brands reap salt from remote regions, uncontaminated away from industrial activity, giving you a much safer product to use In your cooking.
Choose for salt brands that test for microplastics
Some high quality salt brands are now going extra miles to try their products for microplastic pollution. These brands realize that consumers are concerned about the quality of their salt and they are working hard to provide a clean product. If you are not sure of a brand, look for certificates or test results that confirm that their products are microplasty -free.
Avoid processed salt
Processed salts, like table salt, not only are more likely to contain microplastics, but they are also stripped of useful minerals. The table salt is typically processed with anti-Lacmi agents and other chemicals that do not provide the same health benefits as pre-set salts. So while it may be cheaper and more appropriate, it is worth avoiding in favor of higher quality options, rich in minerals.
A note over salt from ancient sources
Himalayan pink salt or salt from other ancient sources, such as redmond, are popular, natural options. Many people prefer these salts emanating from the ancient seafood beds deep within the Himalayas. They are removed from the pollution of modern oceans and often come with minimal processing. These are also said to contain up to 80 trace minerals that are useful to your body.
From my research, Himalayan salt and Redmond Real Salt are likely to be microplasty -free. However, some people have concerns about the quantities of tracks of heavy metals They may contain. I still feel good about them and I would not avoid eating something that had one of these types of salt. However, I use other types of salt in my salty water consumption.
Salts I have eaten (and drinking) recently
I have experimented with different types of salt and alternated these three in cooking and in my water lately:
At the end of the day, fear of what we eat and drink is probably as harmful as the “bad” things we can consume. I do not want to create any fear of this post, but to provide you with mental peace and microplastic -free options.
After all: Avoiding microplastics in salt is simple and important
While detecting microplastics in sea salt is worrying, it is important to remember that there are many ways to avoid them and still enjoy all the health benefits of salt. By choosing high quality, pre -quoted salts, helping with clean waters and making conscious choices about the products you buy, you can help minimize your exposure to microplastics and support the best health.
Salt is an essential part of your diet, but it does not have to come with a side of plastic. So, the next time you arrive for that salt shaker, be sure to choose wisely. Your body (and the planet) will thank you!
Final thoughts
Microplasty in sea salt is a reminder of how widespread plastic pollution has also been made a call to address that problem. If you are on the Pro-Crip Train like me, we can make smarter, healthier choices without compromising fragrance or quality. Climb in pre-quality, high quality salts from clean sources and enjoy your meals knowing that you are feeding your body-Plastic!
What kind of salt do you use? Will you change to another brand? Leave a comment and tell us!
