No, salt does not have calories.
Salt, or sodium chloride, is an inorganic compound and a mineral essential for human life. It primarily functions in regulating fluid balance and nerve function. While crucial for these processes, it's composed of sodium and chloride ions and lacks the organic components (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins) that provide caloric energy.
Here's a breakdown:
- Composition: Salt is made up of sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl) ions.
- Calorie Source: Calories come from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
- Absence of Organic Molecules: Salt lacks these organic molecules.
Therefore, salt provides no energy and has zero calories. While high sodium intake can lead to water retention and thus a temporary increase on the scale, this is due to fluid balance and not caloric intake. The reference material correctly states that salt is a calorie-free condiment.
