Sea Salt Versus Table Salt

Salt is a controversial topic lately. Too much salt is bad and too little salt is bad. What is the deal with sea salt? Is it better than table salt? I personally use sea salt. I have looked up information on it and here is what I have found.

When you eat clean and cook your own food, you are in control of your salt intake.  You can add flavors with herbs, lemon, garlic, and lots of other things besides salt.  But, your body does need salt and certain recipes, like breads, will not work unless you have salt in them.  So...what kind of salt to use..


Table Salt:  Table salt is mined from the ground.  The common table salt is 99.9% sodium chloride. It is obtained from the salt deposits which are mined, heat-blasted and chemically treated. Due to these processes, table salt is stripped of all minerals other than sodium and chloride. Some anti-caking agents are added to table salt to make it free-flowing. Although, initially table salt which had just sodium and chlorine as the only minerals was consumed by people, later on, salt manufacturers started adding iodine to it to prevent people from suffering from iodine deficiency diseases.

Sea Salt:  refers to the unrefined salt that is obtained by evaporating sea water collected in man-made pools near a protected shoreline. Sea water is channeled into man-made pools along protected shores, and is then left under the Sun till all the water gets evaporated. What is left behind in the pools is sea salt. Sea salt is 98% sodium chloride, while the remaining 2% is made of other important minerals like iron, sulfur, magnesium and other trace elements. Due to higher mineral content, sea salts are more flavored than table salt and you can use less for more flavor.


Table Salt Vs Sea Salt:

• While sodium and chlorine are the only minerals contained in table salt, sea salt has other minerals like iron, sulfur and magnesium naturally present in them. This increases the nutritional value of sea salt as compared to table salt. The various minerals present in sea salt helps us to maintain a healthy balance of the various electrolytes in the body.
• The refining process of table salt strips it of all of its minerals, other than sodium and chloride. This makes it an unnatural substance as compared to sea salt, and contributes to high blood pressure, heart and kidney diseases. On the other hand, benefits of sea salt include, inducing proper sleep, promoting efficient working of the liver, kidneys and the adrenal glands. Sea salts also boost the immune system of the body and don't cause high blood pressure like refined table salt.
• Table salt is fine, white crystals. Sea salt on the other hand may have a slight grayish color if they are from the coastal areas of France, or may pinkish hue if it came from some other exotic locale. It may be coarse or fine grained.
• Although, due to the higher mineral content, sea salt may be considered to be a healthier choice than table salt, it has its own drawbacks. One major disadvantage of sea salt is that it is a poor source of iodine. The iodine that is added during the refining process of table salt makes it a better source of iodine than sea salt. Iodine helps with the thyroid so if you consume sea salt, make sure you eat other foods rich in iodine like sea food, strawberries, dairy products,  cranberries, navy beans, and potatoes.

Some retailers may sell sea salts that are fine-grained and white in color. If you want to enjoy the advantages of sea salt, be sure that it is the unrefined one and contains the minerals that gives it an edge over table salt.

 

Other Health Benefits of Sea Salt:

Heart Disease

Sea salt in conjunction with water, is essential for the regulation of blood pressure.When salt is taken with water it can help to reduce high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and help to regulate an irregular heart beat. Thus sea salt can help to prevent atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes.

Sleep
Before sleeping, if taken with warm water, it helps a person get a deeper and longer sleep.

Healthy Immune System
Sea salt naturally helps you to build up a strong immune system so that you can fight off the cold virus, the fever and flu, allergies and other autoimmune disorders.

Diabetes
Sea salt helps in food absorption from the intestinal tract and maintains the level of sugar in the blood, hence reducing the risk of diabetes.

Weight Loss
Believe it or not, but sea salt can also help you in weight loss. It helps the body to create digestive juices so that the foods you eat are digested faster, and it helps to prevent buildup in the digestive tract, which eventually can lead to constipation and weight gain.

Digestion
Salt also provides chloride, which helps produce acids necessary to digest protein and enzymes for carbohydrate digestion, and is necessary for proper brain functioning and growth.

Skin Conditions
A sea salt bath can help to relieve dry and itchy skin as well as serious conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. The bath naturally opens up the pores, improves circulation in the skin and hydrates the tissues so that your skin can heal. Salt baths have been used for centuries and in Greek cultures for healing for ages. Sea salt is also used in the cosmetic industry, mainly a natural exfoliant or scrub. Its high mineral content also finds it a place in the manufacture of skin care products and foundations. Sea salt crystals may also be used to make antiperspirants and deodorants

Asthma and Sinus Issues
Sea salt is effective in reducing inflammation in the respiratory system. Thus the production of phlegm is slowed down so that you can breathe easier again. Some say that sprinkling sea salt on the tongue after drinking a glass of water is just as effective as using an inhaler. But the great thing about sea salt is that it has no side effects when taken in moderation. It also helps in is clearing of sinus cavities. Sea salt is a strong natural antihistamine. After drinking a glass or two of water put a little bit of sea salt on the tongue.  It is also useful in clearing lungs of mucus plugs and phlegm.

Yogurt Fruit Dip

I like to take fruit trays to events so that I know something there will be healthy :D...I made up this yogurt fruit dip a couple of months ago and love it. I took it to our soccer tailgate and all the kids loved it..oh, wow! KID APPROVED and SUGAR FREE!!!

Clean Yogurt Fruit Dip
1/2 cup Greek Yogurt Plain
1/2 Cup Plain Yogurt
1 tsp vanilla
1tsp almond extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon
5 tsp or 5 packets of truvia

Mix all ingredients together and enjoy! I like to use half Greek and half regular yogurt to get the consistency that I was looking for.  If you like it sweeter, just add more truvia..

What to do on vacation????

Chad had to go to a seminar in Las Vegas and I tagged along for my birthday. I like to celebrate for a whole month and it just happened that we got there on my birthday. Las Vegas has so much to do and so many wonderful restaurants. What is a girl who tries to eat healthy and not gain weight to do?!?!

So, you think I am going to say to take all this junk with you and find a healthy grocery store or something like that....Nope! You really can't fly with that much stuff ....and..... It's vacation and you try to do what you can and enjoy yourself the rest of the time. REALLY?? Yes! I did take a couple of things in a little cooler on the airplane because I didn't want to eat their junk and pay a bunch on the 4 hr flight out there.  I packed nuts, fruit, and some string cheese. I also took my wheat germ and flax seed meal in baggies so I could add it to my oatmeal.

The trick is portion size.  I tried to eat healthy for breakfast and lunch and then dinner was whatever I wanted.  I took my exercise videos and did the 30 min one of those only two days.   I wanted to do everything there I could and not waste all my time exercising. Plus.. we walked everywhere we went.

For breakfast, I went to the lobby food area, got oatmeal, fruit , and milk and added my flax seed and wheat germ. I also ate and egg and bacon one day.  For lunch, while Chad was in class,  I ate one day with my friend Merideth who lives there and one day ate alone. I had salad and then a whole wheat wrap the other day. The last day, Chad had no classes, he wanted In and Out Burger and we went for it.  I will say a plug for them.  They use only fresh ingredients, healthy oil, cut the potatoes and make their buns from scratch. They are a Christian organization with John 3:16 on the wrappers and cups :D

For dinner..I had whatever I wanted. Yep, every night.  We just ate and had fun.  We ate at 2 buffets, a great little Italian place, the grande lux, and didn't think a thing about it. I tried new things, like a sushi that I finally liked and foods I don't really know what they are, and loved them all.  I ate desserts with sugar in them every night. Do you think I am nuts??!?! Well, its the 80/20 rule. We do this rule in our house a lot. You know, like when you buy a house. It's not going to be perfect, but you have to like 80% and pick your must haves.  So, for eating clean and healthy, it really matters what you do most of the time, having a good time on vacation is not going to make or break your diet. Try to eat 2 meals as healthy as possible and enjoy yourself!   I gained 3 lbs and so now I am doing no carbs for a few days and it will come right off.
Here are some photos and what we ate and did.....

My birthday..Bellagio buffet..some sushi

Chad's dessert plate

My birthday dessert plate

In and Out Burger..yum

These were as big as my hand at the Wicked Spoon Buffet

Too many desserts..just a small portion of this section at The Wicked Spoon

This was not good portion control, ha ha..I did make myself sick and didn't eat all this by the way!

After dinner at the Cosmopolitan and I could still stand up after the sugar overload at The Wicked Spoon

Had to go to Pawn Stars shop for Joseph..he loves this show!

The strip at night..this was in front of NY NY

Frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity

Healthy Coupon Round Up

Eating Clean, doesn't have to break the bank. I find coupons on several websites. Shopping at the farmer's market and from your local farmer friends also helps.
Here is one thing you can do..go to Earth Fare's Website and click on coupons. A lot of these are manufacturer's coupons and once you print them, you can use them anywhere. Ingles has most of these items..here are a few below that I printed today. They are in black and white because once you click to print, it changes them this way to save your colored ink :D

Here are some places that I like to look at coupons:
Earth Fare
Mambo Sprouts
saving naturally

Cha Cha Cha Chia

I am referring here to the seeds..not the pets. What are Chia seeds and what am I going to do with these? I am so glad you asked!


Salvia hispanica, commonly known as chia, is a species of flowering plant in the mint family. They are a superfood. Discovered by Aztec, they were thought to hold supernatural powers.Chia was considered a running food by the Mayans for their messengers and was prized more than gold. After eating these seeds, messengers could run all day. Chia seeds absorb water and help prevent dehydration, so they are excellent for athletes.  Chia seeds expand in your stomach 9 times their original size and give you a full sensation. This is a plus for dieters!
These little seeds have been studied by researchers and have an amazing composition and amazing health benefits! The Indians were right, except that it is not supernatural, it's just another amazing creation by God :D
Chia seeds are a complete protein and are the highest fiber food available, higher that bran. This seed is as high in fiber as you can get.
You also only need about an ounce (three tablespoons) to get the benefit!! Unlike Flax seed, you don't have to grind these to get the health benefit.

I got these at Ingles

Chia Seed Benefits:

1.  Energy Booster:There is a surge of energy and strength with chia. It is credited to the synergy of its potent properties. It was once called "Indian Running Food," according to James Scheer, eloquent author of several health books including "The Magic of Chia." 
2. Weight Loss:Chia seeds are great for weight loss because they easily bulk up the food without changing the taste. Because the carbohydrates re released incredibly slow, it make people feel full. They also bulk up and cleanse the body of old "junk" so the body can detox and lose weight.
3. Blood Sugar: chia, a low glycemic food, allows blood sugar to rise slowly, without a spike, keeping blood sugar controlled. It is great for diabetes control!
4. Sleep:Chia seed contains tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes sound sleep. The healing effects originate from serotonin, a neurotransmitter needed for tryptophan formation
5. Inflammation:  The unsaturated fat contained in chia keeps inflammation down, providing a healthy balance between omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
6. Lowers Cholesterol:With chia's fiber count, linoleic acid and long chain triglycerides that scrub away artery plaque, chia lowers bad LDL cholesterol and raises good HDL levels.
7. Nutrition:  Along with essential fatty acids, chia contains minerals and vitamins that protect cells. There is as much calcium in 3 oz. of chia as there is in 2 cups of milk. Iron in 4 cups of spinach equals the same as 3 oz. of chia.
8. Anti-Aging: Chia has 3 times more antioxidant activity than blueberries. Not only does this help you to fight disease and defy age naturally, it also keeps the chia seeds from going off like other seeds such as flax.
9. Digestion: They are one of the best sources of fiber. They are great for colon cleansing and actually clear out the digestive tract so that you absorb more nutrients and eliminate waste more efficiently. It also prevents indigestion and heartburn without risk of harmful side effects.
10. Cancer Prevention:Chia holds protease inhibitors that destroy cancer cells and repair DNA damage.
    

What to do with Chia Seeds

This is the easy part..they are tasteless and do not change the taste of what you are adding them too. On the bag that I have, it says you can just add them to your water and drink them.  I don't think that will have a good texture for me, so here is what I am adding them to...
You can sprinkle them on anything..cereal, granola, yogurt, fruit dips. You can add them to smoothies and to recipes like cakes, muffins, and breads.  You can put them in jams and jellies. It can be used as a thickening agent and a substitute for eggs when soaked. 
I am going to make me a smoothie with them later..I will post it :D