Salt of the Earth

There may be a reason why we add extra salt to our food—and it’s not about taste. University of Iowa researchers say salt may act as a natural antidepressant. Their tests on animals found that those with a salt deficiency exhibited depressive tendencies, like not doing the activities they normally chose to do. Of course, salt in excessive quantities can lead to high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke so your best bet is to use it in moderation, and when you do, choose the highest quality you can find.

To find some great salts to add to your diet, check out these companies who are using sea salt in innovative, delicious ways:

• For a exotic take on sea salt, try Urban Accents’ Mango Masala Seasoned Salt (pictured on top left), a sweet curry sea salt. ($7.50).

• Chocolate is good for you too, so combine it with sea salt in Marni’s New York Caramel Sea Salt Brownie(pictured on right) ($19 for 6).

• There’s nothing easier than putting butter on your toast. For added dash of gourmet salt, try Vermont Butter & Cheese’s Vermont Cultured Butter with Sea Salt Crystals ($7.99/6 ounces). –Denise Shoukas

Denise Shoukas is a regular foodspring.com contributor and is the author of foodspring’s food forager blog.

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