Sea Salt

 

Here is another quick and easy swap that we have made to be more processed free.  Our family has switched to using sea salt (fine crystals if I can find them) because regular salt is highly refined.  Table salt is made in such a way that the magnesium and other trace minerals are destroyed, as well as the natural iodine.  That has to be added back in as well as other stabilizers and bleaching agents.  Natural sea salt is dried by the sun which helps it to retain the natural iodine and minerals.  It usually has a bit of a stronger flavor than that of table salt, so you can use less of it.  It is also very alkalizing to the body since it hasn't been exposed to the high heat of refinement, so it helps in balancing an acidic body chemistry. 

I want to add that there is some controversy over the benefits, but I find that I still believe that reducing the amount of over processing food is beneficial to one's health and so I don't mind buying this instead of table salt.  There are some really tasty pink and black salts that have an incredible natural flavor that are worth buying.  I'm not too particular to a certain brand, but I like having the fine crystals so that they can dissolve more quickly when using them in recipes.  The course type can also make for a beautiful garnish on food (like homemade chocolates,) so have that on hand as well.