It’s easy to believe a simple swap to pink sea salt will make dinner healthier, especially given popular cooking trends. Marketing rarely mentions that these alternatives are nearly identical to table salt in what matters: sodium content.
Trace minerals in these salts don’t approach the amounts you need for effective nutrition. For that, experts say, reach for fruits, vegetables, and whole grains instead.
The more pressing issue is that most people exceed salt intake guidelines, raising risks for blood pressure and chronic diseases. Hidden sodium in processed foods is often a bigger contributor than what’s added at the table.
The healthiest choice? Whichever salt you use, use less—and be mindful of where salt lurks, especially in prepared foods.