Why Sodium Chloride (NaCl) is Essential to Life and Cooking

Sodium chloride, or standard table salt, is a simple compound that has an incredibly complex role in the world and in the kitchen. Composed of sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl), this mineral is not just what makes our food taste better. It is fundamental for the human body and for centuries has been used in cooking and food preservation. From helping us maintain the proper balance of fluids in our bodies to seasoning our food, sodium chloride is a superstar ingredient. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this mineral so critical, not just for our diets but our cooking.  

The role of salt (sodium chloride) for an electrolyte equilibrium

We require sodium chloride in our bodies to maintain a healthy balance of fluids. It is part of a group of minerals known as electrolytes that also includes potassium and magnesium. Such electrolytes help ensure that our cells and organs function the way they are supposed to. They help our muscles move the way they should and keep the levels of hydration in our bodies right where they should be, for example. If we don’t have enough sodium chloride salt, we can feel fatigued, suffer cramps or even become gravely ill. 

How table salt (sodium chloride) can make foods taste and store better

The salt of the earth and the staff of life. Sodium chloride is a super star in the kitchen. Not only does it make food taste better by releasing natural flavors, it also functions to preserve food. Long before refrigerators arrived, people relied on salt to keep bare handed food from spoiling. The salt draws water out of bacteria and molds, which require it to grow. This is what makes salt an excellent preservative of foods such as fish or meats. 

The function of sodium chloride in cells and nerve conduction

Sodium chloride is not only tasty to eat, but also necessary for our bodies to function. It helps our cells function properly and plays a huge part in how nerves signal to each other. Essentially, it allows our brain to communicate with various parts of our body. Which is why adequate chloride sodium is so important for feeling good and staying healthy. 

Getting enough sodium chloride in a healthy diet

Although sodium chloride is necessary, too much of it can be trouble. Super-effing-salty meats and vegetables cause high blood pressure and other health problems. Which is why there’s a happy medium. Using salt judiciously in cooking and being mindful of how much salt is in the foods we eat can help us maintain that balance and remain healthy. 

The chemistry that gives NaCl its vital role in life and cooking

The magic of sodium chloride lies in its chemical composition. Combined, Na and Cl become a helpful and stable compound. In the cooking process, this compound participates in the transformation of food products, either tempering them or altering textures by means of the phenomena invoking such processes as osmosis, dehydration, etc. Understanding this can help make us better cooks and more conscious of how ingredients work in our dishes.