Salt is one of those kitchen staples that comes in many different forms. Each type of salt serves different purposes, from seasoning a simple boiled egg to adding a special touch to more sophisticated dishes.

Salt (commonly referred to) is chemically known as sodium chloride, consisting of approximately 40% sodium and 60% chloride. Sodium, in this case, is the component of salt.

Here are some types of salt available today:

Table salt, the most common type we use every day, often contains iodine to help prevent health issues. Coarse salt is more robust, great for a good barbecue. There's also sea salt, which is harvested from the evaporation of seawater and contains additional minerals like magnesium and calcium. Kosher salt is used in Jewish dishes and does not contain additives. Fleur de sel is super fine and is sprinkled on top of dishes just before serving to add a special flavor. For fans of more exotic flavors, there's black salt, which is cool for adding an eggy touch to vegan recipes, and Himalayan salt, which is beautiful and contains a bit of minerals, but really very little. And we can't forget smoked salt, which brings a smoky flavor, and light salt, which is for those who need to cut down on sodium.

Which salt is healthier?

Even Himalayan salt and other fancy salts with those extra minerals have such a small amount that it hardly makes a difference in our nutrition. With the recommendation of only 600mg of sodium per day, it's best to use any salt in moderation. There's no need to spend more on an expensive salt just because it claims to have more minerals.

While these different salts are cool to try and can enhance the appearance and taste of dishes, they don't make much difference when it comes to health. If you really want to improve your diet with more minerals, it's better to invest in eating more vegetables, meats, and legumes. This way, you can get more nutrients without spending too much on salts that promise more than they deliver.