Beneficial Effects of Cheonilyeom (a Mineral-Rich Solar Sea Salt) on Health and Fermentation

Abstract

This chapter reviews the different biological effects of mineral-rich salt and mineral-deficient salt in health and fermented foods. Dietary salt plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis in the body through regulating membrane potential, fluid volume, acid–base balance, nervous system. The rock salt "halite" is mined from underground deposits that crystallize with sodium and chloride ions. This salt is formed by the evaporation of salty water, especially sea water for a long time after diastrophism. Solar sea salt is produced by natural evaporation of sea water that contains about 3.5% sodium chloride. Climate is a very important factor in solar sea salt production. Purified salt is made from sea water using an ion exchange membrane electrodialysis method. Recrystallized salt is made by recrystallization of solar sea salt dissolved in water. The debate on salt restriction has been intensifying as more reports are coming out that low sodium intake increases health problems.