Iodized Salt is another one of those things that we can’t seem to get a straight answer on. Are we supposed to eat it or not? First they tell us that iodine is dangerous so we switch to Kosher Salt and then we learn that our bodies need iodine to build the immune system and prevent illness. So which is it?
Don’t use Iodized Salt…
Iodized Salt has gotten a bad reputation over the last few years and for good reason. Iodine was added to table salt in the 1920’s to help prevent Iron deficiency. At that time, naturally derived Iodine was being added but over the years, they found a way to chemically manufacture it. It was cheaper and more economical than mining it, so they continue to use it today.
But wait! There are benefits…
There are many benefits to including Iodine in your diet. One benefit is that it helps strengthen the thyroid after radiation exposure. We are exposed to low levels of radiation all the time, such as flying on a plane, taking an x-ray or spending time near power lines. Though Iodized Salt is not enough to provide the necessary level of Iodine, including it in your diet may help lessen any effects this radiation exposure may have over time. Iodine deficiency has also been linked to depression, changes in metabolism and energy levels and can affect the immune system.
So what do we do?
Fortunately, there are several brands of Sea Salt with naturally derived Iodine. These companies will take salt water and place it in heat until the water evaporates and the ocean salt is left behind. The salt contains natural Iodine and it can be used in place of table salt. We cook, bake and grill with this salt with no issues. It actually has a slightly stronger flavor so less salt is needed.
Because sea salt contains a small amount of Iodine, it is not enough to support the body. To get the suggested level of Iodine, you will also need to eat vegetables with high Iodine levels. These include kale, turnip greens, chard, spinach and other green leafy vegetables. Consider including several of these vegetables along with sea salt and seafood into your diet to jump start and maintain necessary iodine levels.
If you’d like to try Iodized Sea Salt, I’d suggest trying Hain. I use it in place of regular salt and it is great! Let me know what you think!
Here’s one recipe that calls for Iodized salt: https://www.naturaldeets.com/almond-crusted-salmon/
And here’s the affiliate link:
