Food additive of table salt

Salt was mentioned in the Old Testament as a food additive with a ritual character. Its use as a food preservative was well known in Ancient Egypt, Middle East and Ancient Rome.

Table salt is sold in various grain sizes. Coarser or finer varieties afford particular advantages depending on the intended use.

A distinction is drawn between sea salt, rock salt, and evaporated granulated salt according to origin. Table salt or sodium chloride (NaCl) is a common additive to many foodstuffs where it plays many roles such as flavoring agent but also as a preservative agent against microbial attack of food stuffs under storage.

Iodized table salt is salt with added iodide and it may also contain an anti-caking agent to promote a free-flowing property of the crystals. Iodide is added in the form of cuprous iodide or potassium iodide, added to prevent thyroid disease. Table salt is regularly consumed by most Americans and it will provide a regular source of this important mineral.

Too much salt in the diet can lead to high blood pressure and increase risk for heart disease in susceptible individuals.
Food additive of table salt