Researchers have not identified any major differences between sea salt and other types of salt in terms of health effects. Consuming too much salt, in general, may have potential negative health outcomes.
French sea salt is unrefined, which means it contains higher levels of minerals, such as magnesium and other nutrients, compared to regular table salt.
French sea salt is also known as gray salt, Fleur de Sel salt, and sea salt from the Guérande Peninsula, because it is harvested from seawater near this French peninsula.
Not all sea salts are the same, and their flavor, texture, and mineral content may vary. Although French sea salt is minimally processed, it has a similar amount of sodium as table salt.
Some people believe sea salt, including French sea salt, may have certain health benefits compared to regular table salt due to a higher content of iron, magnesium, potassium, and other nutrients.
Like sea salts, unrefined pink Himalayan salt is also popular for the same reasons (high mineral and nutrient content). The difference with sea salt is that Himalayan salt comes from salt mines, not seawater.
Some people may consider these two options healthier alternatives to regular table salt. However, research doesn’t necessarily back up any of these claims or show that any type of sea salt is healthier than regular salt.
Research on the benefits of sea salt for humans, including French sea salt and Himalayan salt, is limited and mostly inconclusive.
A 2022 study on rodents looked into the possible effects of sea salt on their health. The researchers indicated that rats who were fed a high sea salt diet experienced more negative health outcomes compared to the rats who were fed table salt. Some of these health outcomes included:
decreased fat, spleen, liver, and body weightincreased blood urea nitrogen, water intake, and gut salt contentdecrease in beneficial bacteria, such as Lachnospiraceae and Lactobacillusincrease in potentially harmful bacteriachanges in hormones
The researchers agreed that more research is necessary to confirm these findings, especially when applying these results to humans.
Another 2022 study compared the effects of Himalayan salt versus common salt in people with hypertension (high blood pressure) who didn’t eat out more than once a week. The researchers split the participants into two randomized groups. They gave one group pink Himalayan salt and regular table salt to the other group.
The researchers measured participants’ blood pressure and collected their urine afterward. They found no significant difference in the effects of pink Himalayan salt on the participants compared to the group who was given regular salt.
Some health benefits often attributed to sea salt may be associated with its higher mineral content, which could have a relaxing effect when applied topically.
For example, some people may add a variety of sea salts to their bath to relax and relieve sore muscles after a workout. These benefits may be linked to the salt’s magnesium content. Magnesium is known to relieve muscle pain and also help with sleep.
Currently, there isn’t enough research to support the suggested benefits of French sea salt. Quality research on the benefits of sea salt in humans is limited, and there’s no evidence that this or Himalayan salts offer any particular health benefits.
Research does not indicate any adverse effects either, except when sea salt is consumed in excess. Sea salt may be generally safe to use and consume. However, living with kidney disease and other conditions may mean you should limit salt intake, including sea salt.
The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium per day. A suitable amount for most people to aim for would be 1,500 mg per day. Although some people may believe sea salt is lower in sodium, this is not the case, as both have similar sodium content.
The average person in the U.S. usually consumes more than the recommended sodium intake. Excess salt intake is associated with adverse health outcomes, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
Sodium intake recommendations may not apply to people such as competitive athletes or people working under a lot of heat stress, like firefighters, who may need a higher salt content than the average person to keep replenishing electrolytes and stay hydrated.
Connect with a healthcare professional if you need more personalized advice on sodium intake and the correct quantity.
French sea salt is an unrefined salt that contains more minerals than regular table salt. You may find it on the market under different brands, including Celtic Sea Salt.
Some people claim sea salt may have unique health benefits, but research doesn’t support these claims. The same is true for Himalayan salt.
While sea salt is safe to consume in a moderate amount, limiting salt intake in general is essential to avoid other adverse outcomes.