Epic source
Magnesium
122 mg · 29% DV target
A crystalline mineral essential for seasoning and preservation, table salt is the primary dietary source of sodium and a fundamental regulator of fluid balance in the body.
Table salt is the primary dietary source of sodium, a mineral that consistently increases blood pressure when consumed in high amounts . Systematic reviews show that reducing salt intake by approximately 2 grams per day can lower systolic blood pressure and significantly reduce the risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease .265
Reducing salt intake does not appear to have adverse effects on blood lipid profiles, such as total cholesterol or triglycerides, according to meta-analyses of clinical trials .26
Using low-sodium salt substitutes (LSSS), which replace a portion of sodium with other minerals like potassium, can help lower blood pressure and reduce cardiovascular events, though evidence for overall mortality is currently of moderate-to-low certainty .11
While high salt intake is a well-established health risk, some large cohort studies have observed a J-shaped association where very low sodium excretion is also linked to higher mortality; however, researchers note these findings may be influenced by reverse causality (where sick individuals naturally eat less) .41012
Petal shape shows the nine FoodCompass domains, including nutrient density, processing, satiety, fats, and phytochemicals.
122 mg · 29% DV target
39350 mg · 1711% DV target
Not a benefit — best kept low
Seasonality has not been estimated for this ingredient yet.
Salt is chemically stable and does not spoil if kept away from moisture.
Prevents clumping caused by humidity.
Salt extraction via mining or evaporation is relatively low-impact compared to agricultural products.
Salt was so valuable in ancient Rome that it was sometimes used as currency, giving rise to the word 'salary' from the Latin 'salarium'.