What is the difference between salt and iodized salt?

What is the difference between salt and iodized salt?

Salt and iodized salt are common condiments in daily life, but there are significant differences in their ingredients, uses and effects. This article will analyze the differences between salt and iodized salt in detail from multiple perspectives to help readers better understand their characteristics and application scenarios.

1. Definitions and basic concepts

Salt, chemically called sodium chloride (NaCl), is an inorganic compound composed of sodium ions and chloride ions. It is a kind of mineral widely existing in nature, mainly obtained by seawater evaporation or rock salt mining. Salt is an indispensable condiment in human diet, which can enhance the flavor of food, and at the same time has the effect of preserving and prolonging the shelf life of food.

Iodized salt is made by adding a certain amount of iodine (usually in the form of potassium iodide or potassium iodate) on the basis of ordinary table salt. Iodine is one of the essential trace elements for human body, which plays an important role in maintaining thyroid function and promoting metabolism. The promotion of iodized salt is mainly to prevent iodine deficiency disorders, such as goiter and hypothyroidism.

2. Ingredients and nutrition comparison

From the composition point of view, the main component of ordinary salt is sodium chloride, the content is usually above 97%, and the rest is a small amount of impurities. Iodized salt, on the other hand, adds iodine to ordinary table salt, usually with a content of 20-40 mg/kg. This addition is scientifically calculated to ensure that the amount of iodine ingested by the human body is neither too low nor too much.

In terms of nutrition, ordinary salt mainly provides sodium, while iodized salt provides additional iodine. Sodium is one of the body's essential electrolytes, involved in nerve conduction, muscle contraction and fluid balance and other functions. Excessive intake of sodium may lead to health problems such as high blood pressure, which is one of the reasons why the modern diet advocates reducing salt intake.

Iodine is unique to iodized salt. Iodine is an important raw material for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, and lack of iodine can lead to abnormal thyroid function, which in turn leads to a series of health problems. Therefore, the promotion of iodized salt has been widely used worldwide, especially in iodine-deficient areas.

3. Uses and health effects

The main use of salt is as a condiment to enhance the flavor of food. Salt is also used for preservation and freshness in food processing, such as curing foods. Excessive intake of salt may cause health problems such as edema and high blood pressure, so it is recommended that adults eat no more than 6 grams of salt per day.

The main purpose of iodized salt is to supplement the iodine element needed by the human body. Due to the uneven distribution of iodine in nature, the iodine content in soil and water sources in many areas is low, resulting in insufficient iodine intake of residents. By adding iodine to table salt, we can effectively improve this problem and prevent iodine deficiency disorders. Excessive iodine intake can also lead to health problems such as hyperthyroidism, so iodized salt needs to be used in moderation according to individual circumstances.

4. Applicable crowd and selection suggestions

Ordinary salt is suitable for everyone, but special groups such as patients with high blood pressure and heart disease should pay special attention to controlling intake. For iodized salt, patients with thyroid diseases (such as hyperthyroidism) should avoid excessive intake, and it is recommended to choose suitable salts under the guidance of doctors.

When choosing salt, it can be chosen according to individual needs and health conditions. If the location belongs to the iodine deficiency area, or the family members have insufficient iodine intake, iodized salt can be selected; if there are special requirements for iodine intake, non iodized salt can be selected. There are also some low sodium salts and healthy salts on the market, which are suitable for people with special health needs.

5. Storage and use precautions

Whether it is ordinary salt or iodized salt, should be stored in a dry, cool place, avoid moisture and direct sunlight, to prevent caking or loss of iodine. Iodized salt requires particular attention to storage conditions, as iodine tends to volatilize at high temperatures or in humid environments.

When using, it is recommended to use salt in an appropriate amount according to the type of food and personal taste. The iodine content of iodized salt has been scientifically proportioned and does not need to be added, so ordinary salt or iodized salt can be selected as needed during cooking.

Conclusion

Although both salt and iodized salt are spices in daily life, there are significant differences in their ingredients, uses and health effects. Ordinary salt mainly provides sodium, while iodized salt adds iodine on the basis of ordinary salt to meet the needs of the human body for iodine. Choosing suitable salts can not only enhance the flavor of food, but also better maintain health. It is hoped that this article can help readers better understand the difference between salt and iodized salt, and make a reasonable choice according to their own needs.