Salt

a compound formed when an ACID reacts with a BASE or when a metal atom replaces one or more hydrogen atoms of an acid. Salts can be formed by other reactions such as two salts reacting together to form different compounds. Salt is also the name given to common salt, or sodium chloride (NaCl), which is found in sea water. It is a vital component of our diet although too much is considered harmful.

Taken from Dictionary of Science

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Salt is a dietary mineral composed primarily of sodium chloride that is essential for animal life, but can be toxic to many land plants. Salt flavor is one of the basic tastes, making salt the oldest, most ubiquitous food seasoning. Salt is also an important preservative.

Salt for human consumption is produced in different forms: unrefined salt (such as sea salt), refined salt (table salt), and iodized salt. It is a crystalline solid, white, pale pink or light gray in color, normally obtained from sea water or rock deposits. Edible rock salts may be slightly grayish in color because of mineral content.

Chloride and sodium ions, the two major components of salt, are necessary for the survival of all known living creatures, including humans. Salt is involved in regulating the water content (fluid balance) of the body. Overconsumption of salt increases the risk of health problems, including high blood pressure.

Taken from Wikipedia