Human affinity for salt is explained very well by the aquatic ape theory (if you're into that sort of thing).

Just a thought.

>I just can't accept this.  Salt is one of the basic "flavors" that we can
>taste, and while the natural desire for saltiness may not be as strong
>and compelling as our natural desire for "sweet," it seems completely
>bizarre to consider it dangerous or foreign to the human diet.
> >>
>
>Indeed, one must not forget that humans have an entire portion of the tongue
>devoted to the ability to sense "saltiness". I don't believe anyone could
>reason that this physical attribute is there "by accident" for no reason at
>all. Just because humans have been known to eat salt in amounts hundreds of
>times greater than Paleo folks might have, doesn't mean salt isn't absolutely
>necessary to sustain life, albeit in minute quantities. Humans and animals
>have always sought out natural salt licks.
>
>Maddy Mason
>Hudson Valley, NY
>