The word iodine is a common one in many households, especially when it comes to preparing meals. Depending on where you live, it is likely you have come into contact with at least some form of iodine in your diet. But there are a lot of misconceptions about iodine, especially when it comes to Morton Mediterranean Sea Salt.
For starters, many people confuse iodized salt with Morton Mediterranean Sea Salt. Iodized salt is regular table salt that has been fortified with iodide, while Morton Mediterranean Sea Salt is unrefined and natural sea salt. Mortons Mediterranean Sea Salt is produced through a harvesting process that involves drawing ocean water into inland ponds and then drawing out the salts with natural sun evaporation. This process dates back hundreds of years and native people harvested and dried the same type of sea salt in similar ways.
Morton Mediterranean Sea Salt is made from evaporate sea water, and is not enriched with any additional iodine or any other chemicals. As a result, the iodine levels in Morton Mediterranean Sea Salt vary from one batch to another. It does contain trace amounts of sodium, magnesium, and other minerals, but it does not contain any added iodine. Generally speaking, Morton Mediterranean Sea Salt does not contain as much iodine as iodized salt does.
Iodine is an essential nutrient for humans, helping to form the thyroid hormones that regulate body temperature, metabolism, and heart rate. As such, it is important to have an adequate level of iodine in the body. Without it, the body cannot function properly and can become ill. Because of this, the American Thyroid Association has recommended that people consume at least 150 mcg of iodine each day, which is usually met through the consumption of iodized salt.
While Morton Mediterranean Sea Salt does not contain any added nicotine, the trace amount of minerals it does contain may include some amounts of iodine. It’s difficult to know for sure, since each batch can have different levels. Because of this, people who are concerned about iodine levels should use a different type of salt, such as iodized salt.
At the end of the day, it is up to individuals to decide which type of salt is best for their health. Morton Mediterranean Sea Salt may be an excellent choice for those who prefer unrefined sea salt, albeit with the understanding that it may not contain adequate levels of iodine. Those with specific health concerns – such as those who have a preexisting thyroid condition – may want to consult with a physician before using Morton Mediterranean Sea Salt as their primary source of salt.
How Sea Salt Is Harvested
Morton Mediterranean Sea Salt is harvested from the Mediterranean Sea in a time honored way that dates back centuries. Workers use naturally evaporated sea water from the Red Sea, which is drawn into coastal saltpans and then further concentrated. As the water slowly evaporates, minerals and trace elements slowly build up until tiny salt crystals form, which can then be harvested. This is a time consuming process that can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
Morton Mediterranean Sea Salt does not contain any additives such as iodine or any other type of chemical. In fact, it’s only the water and the minerals and trace elements that can be found in the Mediterranean Sea. As a result, it has a distinctive flavor and texture that has made it a much sought-after seasoning. This taste profile is further enhanced by the trace minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
The lack of iodine might be off-putting to some, but it’s a benefit for those who prefer a purer taste. Most of the iodine in salt today comes from enriched table salt, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but some do prefer the purer taste of Morton Mediterranean Sea Salt.
Health Benefits of Sea Salt
Morton Mediterranean Sea Salt is a popular choice for many who seek to reap the health benefits associated with unrefined sea salt. Studies have suggested that consuming sea salt can help to reduce risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer, due to its mineral and trace element content. For example, the trace element magnesium is important for cardiovascular health, helping to relax the muscles of the heart and reduce blood pressure. Similarly, sea salt is also associated with improved digestion, as well as a reduced risk of food poisoning due to its antibacterial compounds.
In addition to these potential health benefits, Morton Mediterranean Sea Salt also has two important characteristics that some people are drawn to: its delicate flavor and natural coloration. Many cooks find its taste to be more flavorful than other more common varieties of salt, such as table salt or kosher salt. Meanwhile, its natural coloration is appealing to the eyes when used in presentation dishes.
In addition to these benefits, Morton Mediterranean Sea Salt has become increasingly popular with many chefs. Compared with conventional salt, Morton Mediterranean Sea Salt has a lower sodium content, allowing cooks to experiment with different levels of salinity, making it ideal for seasoning or finishing dishes. It is also relatively free from additives, meaning there is less of a risk of any kind of contamination, which is important for those focusing on healthful diets.
Disadvantages of Sea Salt
Although there are plenty of potential health benefits associated with Morton Mediterranean Sea Salt, there are also some potential drawbacks. As mentioned previously, Morton Mediterranean Sea Salt does not contain any added iodine – something that is an essential nutrient for people who follow the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for iodine.
Additionally, there are certain salts that are much saltier than Morton Mediterranean Sea Salt, which might make it difficult to control sodium intake. For instance, removing salt from table salt is difficult, since it requires much more meticulous measuring and measuring spoons that are not normally available. On the other hand, Morton Mediterranean Sea Salt can be more easily adjusted, allowing people to flavor their dishes while still managing their sodium intake.
Finally, one of the most commonly cited disadvantages to unrefined salt is its expense. Morton Mediterranean Sea Salt can be more expensive than other more common, commercially available salts, such as table salt or iodized salt. Considering these drawbacks may be important for those who are seeking to use unrefined sea salt on a regular basis.
Alternatives to Morton Mediterranean Sea Salt
For those seeking alternatives to Morton Mediterranean Sea Salt, there are plenty of options available. Pink Himalayan sea salt, Celtic sea salt, and Black Hawaiian sea salt are all popular unrefined varieties that offer similar benefits to Morton Mediterranean Sea Salt. Some of these varieties also contain iodine, and so can serve as viable substitutes for regular iodized salt.
Other alternatives to consider include table salt, which can be inexpensive and easy to measure. In addition, there are many different varieties of kosher salt, which are made from both sea salt and table salt, offering a combination of flavor and convenience. Finally, there is also fleur de sel, which is typically made from hand-harvested French sea salt and is often a premium option in restaurants.
Conclusion
In summary, Morton Mediterranean Sea Salt can be a great choice for those looking for a flavorful, unrefined salt with a delicate taste. While it is not iodized, Morton Mediterranean Sea Salt does contain trace amounts of minerals that can be beneficial for some individuals. Still, those with specific iodine requirements may find other options better suited to their needs, such as iodized salt or the various specialty salts on the market.
