Sometimes salt gets a bad rap. Although overconsumption of salt is often associated with numerous health problems, it is essential to keep the body functioning properly. We’re not telling you to grab the Doritos—warnings regarding highly refined table salt are not unwarranted. However, unrefined natural salt possesses a number of benefits for our nutrition and well-being.

Salt improves our overall health. Salt is the essential component of the body’s extracellular fluids, helps carry nutrients into the cells and regulates various body functions, including bolstering our immune system and enabling healthy digestion. Additionally, salt contains a large variety of minerals, many of which are missing from our daily diet but essential for optimal health.

Salt reduces stress. Insufficient magnesium levels put the body into a stress response state, but salt is rich in the mineral—and it helps combat stress in other ways. Ever feel at peace near the ocean? Apparently salt increases oxygen to the brain, which is good for stress.

Salt assists in detox. While this benefit isn’t typically linked to salt that’s part of the diet, bathing in pure salt can help detoxify the body. The warm water helps open pores, allowing toxins to be released and permitting minerals to be absorbed by the body.