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For sour salt, see Calcium Citrate or Citric Acid Edible salt, also called ''table salt'' or just ''salt,'' is a . It is a crystalline solid, white, pale pink or light grey in colour, obtained from Sea Water or from rock deposits. Sea Salt comes in fine or larger crystals. In nature, it includes not only Sodium Chloride , but also other vital trace minerals. Edible rock salts may be slightly greyish in colour due to this mineral content. Salt is necessary for the survival of all living creatures, including humans. Salt is involved in regulating the water content (fluid balance) of the body. Salt flavour is one of the Basic Taste s. Salt cravings may be caused by trace mineral deficiencies as well as by a deficiency of sodium chloride itself. Salt is required for life, but overconsumption can increase the risk of health problems, including High Blood Pressure , in those individuals who are genetically predisposed to hypertension. In food preparation, salt is used as a Preservative and as a Seasoning . HISTORY OF EDIBLE SALT See Main Article: History Of Salt Salt's preservative ability was a foundation of Civilization . It eliminated dependency on the seasonal availability of food, allowed travel over long distances, and was a vital food additive. However, because salt was difficult to obtain, it became a highly valued trade item throughout history. Until the 1900s , salt was one of the prime movers of national economies and wars. Salt was often Taxed ; research has discovered this practice to have existed as early as the 20th century BC in China. In the empire of Mali , merchants in 12th century Timbuktu —the gateway to the Sahara Desert and the seat of scholars—valued salt enough to buy it for its weight in Gold ; this trade led to the legends of the incredibly wealthy city of Timbuktu, and fueled Inflation in Europe , which was exporting the salt. FORMS OF EDIBLE SALT Unrefined salt Different natural salts have different mineralities, giving each one a unique flavor. Fleur De Sel , natural sea salt harvested by hand, has a unique flavor varying from region to region. Some assert that unrefined sea salt is more healthful than refined salts. There are concerns, however, that raw sea or rock salts may not contain sufficient Iodine salts to prevent iodine deficiency diseases like Goitre . Refined salt Refined salt, that is nowadays most widely used, is mainly sodium chloride. Only about 7% of refined salt is used as a Food Additive . The majority is sold for industrial use, from manufacturing pulp and paper to setting dyes in textiles and fabric, to producing soaps and detergents, and has great commercial value. The manufacture and use of salt is one of the oldest chemical industries. Salt is also obtained by evaporation of conventionally or through the injection of water. Injected water dissolves the salt, and the Brine solution can be pumped to the surface where the salt is collected. After the raw salt is obtained, it is refined to purify it and improve its storage and handling characteristics. Purification usually involves recrystallization. In recrystallization, a brine solution is treated with chemicals that precipitate most impurities (largely magnesium and calcium salts). Multiple stages of evaporation are then used to collect pure sodium chloride crystals, which are Kiln -dried. Anticaking Agent s (and Potassium Iodide , for iodised salt) are generally added at this point. These agents are Hygroscopic chemicals which absorb Humidity , keeping the salt crystals from sticking together. Some anticaking agents used are Tricalcium Phosphate , Calcium or Magnesium Carbonate s, Fatty Acid salts ( Acid Salt s), Magnesium Oxide , Silicon Dioxide , sodium alumino-silicate, and alumino-calcium Silicate . Concerns have been raised regarding the possible toxic effects of Aluminium in the latter two compounds, however both the European Union and the United States FDA permit their use in regulated quantities. The refined salt is then ready for packing and commercial distribution. Table salt Table salt is refined salt, nearly pure (95% or greater) sodium chloride. It usually contains substances that make it free flowing (anticaking agents). It is common practice to put a few grains of uncooked Rice in salt shakers to absorb extra moisture when anticaking agents are not enough. Table salt is also often iodised—a small amount of potassium iodide is added as a dietary supplement. Table salt is mainly employed in cooking and as a table condiment. Iodised table salt has essentially eliminated disorders of iodine deficiency in countries where it is used. Iodine is important to prevent the insufficient production of thyroid hormones ( Hypothyroidism ), which can cause Goitre , Cretinism in children, and Myxedema in adults. Table salt is now used all over the world. HEALTH EFFECTS Sodium is one of the primary Electrolytes in the body. All three electrolytes (sodium, potassium, and calcium) are available in unrefined salt, as are other vital minerals needed for optimal bodily function. Too much or too little salt in the diet can lead to an Electrolyte Disturbance , which can cause severe, even fatal neurological problems. The effects of exccessive consumption of sodium is a controversial topic. Excessive consumption of sodium has been linked to High Blood Pressure , although it seems likely that the degree of this effect varies greatly depending on the individual (the Salt Manufacturers' Association (U.K.) claims that there is no evidence of a causal link between salt intake and mortality or cardiovascular events. [http://www.saltsense.co.uk/releases/rel015.htm ). One study found that, in men with hypertension, low urinary sodium is associated with higher risk of heart attack [http://hyper.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/25/6/1144]. Insufficient salt intake, combined with drinking lots of water, puts a person at risk for Water Intoxication . A high salt diet has been linked to exercise-induced {Link without Title} . Salt substitutes (with a taste similar to regular table salt) are available for individuals who wish to restrict their sodium intake. These substitutes contain mostly Potassium Chloride , which will increase Potassium intake. Because excess potassium intake can cause potentially fatal Hyperkalemia , it is advisable to check with one's physician and pharmacist before using salt substitutes. Various diseases and Medications may decrease the body's excretion of potassium, thereby increasing the risk of hyperkalemia. The British Food Standards Agency has recently run a controversial Public Health campaign called "Salt - Watch it" featuring a character called Sid The Slug , which has been criticized by the Salt Manufacturers Association. SEE ALSO EXTERNAL LINKS FURTHER READING
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