Salt is one of the most ancient and essential minerals in our diet. From preserving food to enhancing flavor, it’s been part of human culture for millennia. But sadly today, even something as basic as salt isn’t immune to modern pollution. In fact, recent studies have shown that over 90% of commercial salt contains microplastics: tiny particles of plastic that are invisible to the naked eye but potentially harmful to our health.
So what does this mean for you and your family? Let’s break it down.
Where Are the Microplastics Coming From?
Microplastics are the result of larger plastic items like bags, bottles, and packaging breaking down into microscopic particles. These fragments make their way into our oceans, rivers, and soil. Since most commercial table salts are sourced from sea salt, lake salt, or even rock salt, they are all vulnerable to contamination.
Even Himalayan salt, often thought to be “pure” because it’s mined, has been shown in some cases to contain trace amounts of microplastics, likely introduced during processing and packaging.
🧂 How Much Are We Consuming?
According to a 2018 study by the Environmental Science & Technology journal, the average person could be ingesting as many as 2,000 microplastic particles per year just from salt. That’s not accounting for other sources like bottled water, seafood, or processed food.
There is a widely circulated claim that the average person ingests about 5 grams of microplastics per week, roughly the weight of a standard credit card. That estimate stems from a 2019 meta‑analysis by WWF and the University of Newcastle that combined data from multiple studies worldwide.
We don’t yet fully understand the long-term health effects of ingesting microplastics. However, early research suggests they can disrupt hormones, damage organs, and act as carriers for toxic chemicals.
Why it Matters
Salt isn’t just a seasoning, it’s a daily exposure. It is an essential mineral for our body. That’s why choosing a tested, microplastic-free salt is one of the simplest and most impactful changes you can make in your kitchen at home. If you’re already investing in clean water. Grass fed meats, and organic produce, don’t overlook the purity of your salt.
What to Look for
Here’s how to make a better choice:
- Third-Party Testing: Look for brands that explicitly test for microplastics and publish the results.
- Minimal Processing: Opt for salts that are unrefined and free from anti-caking agents or additives.
- Transparency: Brands that are proud of their sourcing and purity will tell you exactly where and how their salt is harvested.
💡 My Go-To Salt Recommendation
If you’re looking for a safe starting point, I personally use (and love) Redmond Real Salt (discount code MEGMB), which is lab-tested to be microplastic-free, sourced from a pristine ancient deposit and completely reliable. It’s a little more expensive, but peace of mind is worth its weight in gold…er, salt.
In a world where plastics have infiltrated even the most basic building blocks of our diet, it’s empowering to know we still have choices. By choosing microplastic-free salt to use at home, you’re not only protecting your own health, you’re also supporting brands that prioritize integrity and sustainability.
It’s a small shift with a big impact.
🧂 Choose wisely. Your body will thank you.
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*Not medical advice