Food Grade Epsom Salt vs Epsom Salt
Epsom salt has been used in households for many centuries. It is well known for its countless uses, from soothing baths to gardening. But many of us didn’t know there are differences between food-grade Epsom salt and regular Epsom salt. In this article, we will explore the topic of food-grade Epsom salt vs Epsom salt, their differences, and their impact on our daily lives.
What is Epsom Salt?
Epsom salt, also known as Magnesium Sulphate, is found naturally and is rich in essential minerals. Its chemical composition consists of sulphur, magnesium, and oxygen. Epsom salt is usually known for its health benefits. It is commonly used as a bath salt to relieve sore muscles, but there are many more uses than just bathing.
Types of Epsom Salt
There are two types of Epsom salts: Food-grade and regular. both are different, serve different purposes, and have different standards and regulations.
Understanding Food-grade Epsom Salt
Food-grade salt is generally produced for human consumption and used in the food and beverage industry. When added to food, it acts as a magnesium supplement. It is also used as a coagulant in tofu-making and salt-brewing for beer production. The quality of salt is paramount. Production methods of food-grade Epsom salt follow strict quality standards and eliminate any impurities in the salt.
Understanding Regular Epsom Salt
Regular Epsom salt is similar to food grade, but the purity standards reflect the difference. It is generally used in healthcare for its soothing effects, gardening to enhance soil, and cleaning household products. However, due to its impurities, regular Epsom salt is not recommended for human consumption.
Production and Purity
The manufacturing process is quite similar for both Epsom salts. The difference lies in the purification process. Food-grade Epsom salt undergoes several purification processes to eliminate harmful impurities, making it safe for human consumption. Regular Epsom salt doesn’t undergo extensive purification because it is generally used for external applications only.
Safety Considerations
Whatever food-grade salt we take should be in moderate amounts to avoid adverse health effects. Food-grade Epsom salt is safe for human consumption in moderate amounts. Regular Epsom salt is not recommended for ingestion due to its harmful impurities. Consumption can lead to health effects like digestive issues and the possibility of intoxication.
Uses of Food-grade Epsom Salt
- Culinary Uses: Food-grade Epsom salt can be used to cook and prepare food. It’s often added to recipes to provide magnesium to the body or used in brewing and fermentation.
- Health Benefits and Dietary Supplements: Magnesium is an important mineral, and food-grade Epsom salt is an easy way to get more of it. It can help with magnesium deficiency and support overall health and wellness.
Uses of Regular Epsom Salt
- Bath Salts and Skincare: Regular Epsom salt is generally used as bath salts for soothing baths and relieving muscle soreness and stress. It is one of the most popular ingredients used in skin care products due to its exfoliating properties.
- Gardening and Household Cleaning: Epsom salt is mostly preferred by farmers and home gardeners to enhance plant growth and improve soil fertility. Because of its abrasive nature is also used as a household cleaning agent to scrub tiles and surfaces.
Benefits of Food-grade Epsom Salt
- Nutritional Benefits: Eating food-grade Epsom salt can help you get enough magnesium for your daily requirements. Magnesium supports muscle and nerve functions, helps regulate blood sugars, and contributes to overall bone health.
- Health Benefits: Regular Epsom salt intake helps digestion, reduces inflammation, and improves sleep quality. It has been used as a natural remedy for various minor health issues for centuries.
Benefits of Regular Epsom Salt
- Relaxation and Muscle Relief: Epsom salt helps relax muscles, reduces swelling and soreness, and provides a soothing effect. It is mostly used by athletes during recovery schedules and people with chronic pain conditions.
- Other Therapeutic Benefits: Regular Epsom salt can be used in foot soaks to treat fungal infections and reduce foot odour. Its anti-inflammatory properties also help with minor skin irritations and insect bites.
How to Identify Food-Grade Epsom Salt?
Check the packaging for clear labels to ensure you buy food-grade Epsom salt. Look for certifications from health authorities or food safety organizations. The packaging should state that it is safe for human consumption.
Comparative Analysis
- Key Differences: The main difference between food-grade and regular Epsom salt is its purity and intended use. Food-grade Epsom salt is purified to be safe for consumption, while regular Epsom salt is meant for external and non-consumption purposes.
- Pros and Cons: Food-grade salt can be used for both ingestion and external use, but it is comparatively more expensive than regular Epsom salt. Regular salt is affordable and easily available; the only concern is that it is unsafe for consumption.
Myths and Misconceptions
- Common Myths: A common myth is that all Epsom salts are the same and safe to eat. Another misconception is that Epsom salt can cure serious illnesses.
- Clarifications: Epsom salt has several benefits, but not all types are safe to eat. It can cure minor illnesses but not severe ones. It is not a cure and should not be considered a replacement for medical treatment.
Conclusion
Knowing the difference between food-grade Epsom salt and regular Epsom salt is important for using them safely. Both have many benefits, but using the right type at the right time can improve your health, cooking, and household tasks. Use food-grade Epsom salt if you plan to eat it, and keep regular Epsom salt for baths, gardening, and cleaning. At Canada Salt Group Ltd, we deal with high-quality food-grade salt and salt products. Contact us for more details.