Sofia Martinez
It is widely known that plastic pollution is a prevalent issue, and microplastics have been found in various foods, including seafood, milk, and beer. A 2019 study published in Scientific Reports revealed that 94% of globally tested salt products contained microplastics, with the most common types being polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (PE). While the long-term health effects of ingesting microplastics are still being studied, early research suggests potential health risks, emphasizing the importance of choosing salts with the least plastic content. Pure salts without anti-caking agents or added chemicals are recommended to minimize plastic consumption. Some brands, such as Vera Salt and Mayi Delice Natural Spring Salt, offer products that are lab-tested for microplastics and packaged with environmentally friendly materials.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of salt | Pure salt without any anti-caking agents or other added chemicals |
| Packaging | Plastic-free packaging with cardboard on the outside and a biodegradable, compostable inner bag made of potato-starch |
| Salt brands | Vera Salt, Mayi Delice Natural Spring Salt, Colima, Morton iodized salt, Himalayan pink salt |
| Salt to avoid | Refined salts, sea salt |
| Health risks | Microplastics in food can carry harmful chemicals and toxins, and their accumulation in the body may contribute to inflammation and other health concerns |
| Testing | Optical analysis or third-party lab testing for microplastics, heavy metals, and other additives |
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What You'll Learn
Pure salt, without anti-caking agents, is best for traditional cooking
Pure salt, which does not contain anti-caking agents or other added chemicals, is best for traditional cooking. When purchasing salt, choose a product that simply lists "salt" or "sea salt" as the only ingredient. While sea salt can contain tiny amounts of harmful substances, such as aluminium, lead, and mercury, it is still a good option for traditional cooking if pure salt is not available.
Some examples of pure salts include Vera Salt, which is sourced from an ancient spring in Spain and is lab-tested for microplastics and other additives. Another option is Mayi Delice Natural Spring Salt, which is sourced from an aquifer in the Andes mountains and is also free from anti-caking agents and other additives.
If you are looking for an iodized salt without anti-caking agents, options are limited. Some sources suggest that La Baleine, a Mediterranean sea salt brand available in Europe, sells iodized sea salt without any added ingredients. However, other sources indicate that this brand specifically states that their salt does not supply iodide. Therefore, it is important to read labels carefully and contact the manufacturer if you are unsure about the ingredients.
In addition to the health benefits of choosing a pure salt, avoiding microplastics in your diet is also beneficial for your health. Microplastics can carry harmful chemicals and toxins, and their accumulation in the body may contribute to inflammation and other health concerns. Therefore, choosing a pure salt that is also lab-tested for microplastics is a proactive step towards better health.
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Sea salt is contaminated by microplastic particles
Plastic pollution is a pressing issue, and it is no surprise that microplastics have been found in sea salt. Sea salt is obtained from the ocean, and with the ever-increasing plastic pollution in our oceans, it is inevitable that salt will be contaminated by microplastic particles.
A 2018 study published in the Journal of Environmental Science & Technology concluded that sea salt can be a good indicator of the level of microplastic pollution in the surrounding marine environment. This study highlights the link between seawater pollution and the resulting salt. Other studies have also confirmed the presence of microplastics in sea salt, with a 2019 study finding that 94% of globally tested salt products contained microplastics. These tiny plastic particles are often invisible to the naked eye, and they find their way into our salt and, consequently, our bodies.
The health risks of ingesting microplastics are still being studied, but early findings suggest potential hazards. Microplastics can carry harmful chemicals and toxins, and their accumulation in the body may contribute to inflammation and other health issues. While the full extent of the dangers is not yet known, it is concerning that microplastics are so prevalent in our food sources, especially in something as commonly used as salt.
To address this issue, consumers can opt for pure salts that do not contain anti-caking agents or other added chemicals. These salts are often labelled simply as "salt" or "sea salt," without any additional ingredients listed. Additionally, some companies offer salt products that are sourced from remote and pristine locations, such as ancient springs or natural aquifers, which are less likely to be contaminated by human activity and pollution. These salts are also packaged in plastic-free and biodegradable materials, further reducing the environmental impact.
While it may be challenging to completely avoid microplastics in our diet, being mindful of the issue and making informed choices can help reduce our exposure to these potentially harmful particles.
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Microplastics in food can carry harmful chemicals and toxins
Microplastics are present in all ecosystems, including the atmosphere, soil, seas, oceans, and many organisms, such as fish, birds, domestic animals, and humans. They are the fragments of stabilizers, lubricants, fillers, plasticizers, and other chemicals that manufacturers use to give plastics their desirable properties, such as transparency, flexibility, and durability.
These tiny plastic particles, often invisible to the naked eye, are finding their way into our salt and, consequently, into our bodies. A 2019 study published in the Journal: Scientific Reports reviewed microplastic contamination in table salts and found that 94% of globally tested salt products contained microplastics. The most prevalent types were polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (PE), all of which are some of the most commonly used plastic polymers.
The accumulation of chemicals in the body is called the phenomenon of bioaccumulation. This is when a predator ingests a contaminated animal, and the chemicals from the various shellfish, for example, accumulate in its digestive tract. Humans may face higher exposure when consuming a marine species whose digestive tract has accumulated a high concentration of these chemical compounds.
To reduce exposure to microplastics, it is recommended to limit the consumption of highly processed foods, choose eco-friendly food packaging, and replace plastic water bottles with glass or stainless steel ones. When it comes to salt, it is best to choose pure salts that do not contain any anti-caking agents or other added chemicals.
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Vera Salt is a plastic-free salt brand
Plastic pollution is a pressing issue, and it has now reached our salt. A 2019 study published in the Journal: Scientific Reports found that 94% of globally tested salt products contained microplastics. The most common types of plastics found were polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (PE). These tiny plastic particles are invisible and can find their way into our bodies through the salt we consume.
However, there are salt brands that are free of microplastics and are committed to fighting plastic waste pollution. One such brand is Vera Salt, which is sourced from an ancient spring in the foothills of Spain, over 2000 feet above sea level. The location is pristine, untouched by human activity and pollution, and hosts an underground aquifer that feeds a brine spring, rich in natural minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium. The salt is harvested by hand using traditional methods.
Vera Salt is dedicated to offering 100% plastic-free packaging. The outer packaging is made of cardboard, while the inner bag is biodegradable and compostable, made from potato starch. The company also conducts third-party lab testing for microplastics, heavy metals, and other additives, with the results published on their website.
In addition to Vera Salt, there are other microplastic-free salt options available, such as Mayi Delice Natural Spring Salt, sourced from an aquifer in the Andes mountains, which is also free from heavy metals and other additives.
When choosing a salt brand, it is important to opt for pure salts without added ingredients. These salts will have a simple ingredient list, stating just "salt" or "sea salt," and will be free from anti-caking agents and other chemicals. By choosing these pure salts and supporting brands like Vera Salt, consumers can take a proactive step towards better health and contribute to the fight against plastic pollution.
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Mayi Delice Natural Spring Salt is another salt brand free from microplastics
Plastic pollution is a pressing issue, and microplastics have become pervasive in the environment, finding their way into our oceans, rivers, and even the air we breathe. This has led to various food products, including salt, becoming contaminated with these tiny plastic particles. Salt, in particular, is susceptible to microplastic contamination due to its marine and coastal harvesting sources.
A 2019 study published in the Journal: Scientific Reports revealed that an alarming 94% of globally tested salt products contained microplastics. The good news is that some salt brands are actively addressing this issue by offering products free from these harmful particles. Mayi Delice Natural Spring Salt is one such brand.
Mayi Delice Natural Spring Salt is sourced from an ancient natural spring water saltpan in Turkey, located 600 meters above sea level. This elevation, combined with its distance from industrial establishments, helps protect the salt from plastic pollutants. The salt is unrefined, free from additives, preservatives, anti-caking agents, aluminum, and bleaching agents, ensuring a pure and natural flavor.
The company takes its commitment to purity and environmental protection seriously. They have conducted an optical analysis of their salt in collaboration with a third-party lab to test for microplastics, and they are transparent about sharing these results. This transparency allows consumers to make informed choices and trust that the product is indeed free from microplastics.
Mayi Delice Natural Spring Salt is a great option for those seeking a pure and natural salt product, free from the potential health risks associated with microplastic contamination. It is a proactive choice for consumers who are conscious of the impact of plastic pollution and are taking steps to minimize their exposure to these harmful particles.
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Frequently asked questions
Pure salt that is free from additives and anti-caking agents is the best option. The packaging should simply say "salt" or "sea salt". Vera Salt and Mayi Delice Natural Spring Salt are two examples of brands that offer 100% plastic-free packaging and have their salt lab-tested for microplastics.
Some other salt brands that are free of microplastics include Colima and Morton iodized salt. Morton is considered one of the "most regular" salts you can get, and it has been found to have low amounts of metals and plastics.
Microplastics can contaminate salt during the processing and refining stages, as well as from the equipment used or the addition of anti-caking agents.
The long-term effects of ingesting microplastics are still being studied, but early findings suggest potential health risks. Microplastics can carry harmful chemicals and toxins, and their accumulation in the body may contribute to inflammation and other health issues.
Yes, you can ferment vegetables without using salt. Instead, you can use whey or seeds like celery seeds. However, salt is preferred as it provides assurance of a successful and tasty ferment.
