What Is Pink Himalayan Salt?
Himalayan pink salt is rock salt that has been mined out of the Khewra Salt Mine, a salt mine located in Pakistan and more importantly one of the ancient and well-known salt mines of the world. The colour comes from traces of other pink salt minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium imparting the salt a strange taste. Himalayan pink salt is just like table salt - pure sodium chloride. Yet it's mineral contents in teensy-weensy amounts differentiate each in colour and make-up.
Pink Salt Nutritional Facts
Its vast percentage of the desired attribute of pink salt is about 98% sodium chloride. Its remaining 2% is a combination of over 80 trace minerals, including:
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Iron
- Zinc
But these pink salt nutrition facts actually do exist in measurable minute quantities. You would have to consume huge, and not very healthy, quantities of it to receive even substantial nutritional advantages. But it is precisely these trace elements that make such a lovely taste and appeal to salt.
Pink Himalayan Salt Benefits
While there is little scientific evidence, its advocates cite pink salt health benefits to include:
Enhanced Mineral Profile
Relative to table salt, Himalayan pink salt provides a wider array of minerals, but maybe in trace quantities.
Minimum Processing
Himalayan pink salt is typically hand-exavated and minimally processed with fewer manipulations, without additives like anti-caking agents of table salt.
Supports Electrolyte Balance
Sodium content can assist in electrolyte balance and hydration post-sports or excessive perspiration.
Relief for Respiration
Himalayan pink salt inhalation therapy is said to relieve allergy or respiratory disease sufferers of
asthma or sinusitis.
Alkalizing Effect
Some other titles assert pink salt erases acidic pH from the body but are subjective.
Pink Himalayan Salt Vs Table Salt
It's controversy basically based on variances in processing, additives, and minerals. Pink Himalayan salt occurs naturally in pink color, not highly processed, and usually additive-free. It contains more than 80 trace minerals, which provide its flavor a mineral-like, earthy taste. Table salt does exist naturally, though, in white color, highly processed, and with additives in the form of iodine and anti-caking agents.
It simply tastes salty, and it is essentially sodium chloride from top to bottom. Both salts are used for the same culinary purposes, but Himalayan salt is most widely used because it naturally occurs as well as has taken on health benefits.
Is Pink Himalayan Salt Healthier?
Nutritionally, they are almost identical other than how much one eats, and that is not a decision. It is healthier on the grounds of natural manufacturing and absence of additives, but least likely to be more healthy.
Uses of Himalayan Salt
There is more to this salt than sprinkling it over your meal. Let's discuss the different ways on how to use pink Himalayan salt and applications of Himalayan salt in wellness, in the kitchen, and even at home.
Pink Himalayan Salt in the Kitchen
- Used as a finishing salt over grilled meats, vegetables, and salads.
- Spiced up with add-ins to marinades, spice rubs, or sauces.
- Use to prepare or serve on a Himalayan salt slab for additional flavor.
Pink Salt Bath Benefits
- Relaxing tight muscles
- Cleansing skin
- Cleaning skin
- Refining circulation
- Calming and relaxing
Add ½ cup to 1 cup pink Himalayan salt to warm bath and soak for 20 minutes.
Pink Himalayan Salt for Skin
It is used in masks or scrubs, it is a natural exfoliant, clearing:
- Gently removing dead skin
- Regulating sebum secretion
- Detoxing pores
Blend with coconut oil or essential oils to make homemade salt scrub.
Pink Himalayan Salt Lamp Benefits
Himalayan crystal salt lamps are said to:
- Purify the air
- Mood uplift
- Eliminate allergens
- Improve the quality of sleep
Although pink Himalayan salt lamp benefits are mostly anecdotal, consumers do enjoy a soothing atmosphere and soft light.
Pink Salt Weight Loss
Some health trends promote pink salt for weight loss with:
- Detox baths
- Sole water (dissolved pink salt in water ingested upon waking in the morning)
- Balanced minerals curbing appetite
No science behind it, though. It will rehydrate and replenish electrolytes, but it's no weight-loss wonder pill. Diet and exercise is still king.
Pink Salt vs Sea Salt
They are marketed mostly as a "naturals" table salt. Comparison:
- Pink salt is mined from ancient salt deposits and is more mineral-rich.
- Sea salt develops through seawater evaporation and may have trace minerals of sea minerals but, in present-day pollution, contaminants are an issue.
- pink salt vs sea salt in texture and flavor is slightly different because pink salt is coarser and rich in minerals.
Applying Pink Himalayan Salt
Need to make a few changes and incorporate pink Himalayan salt into your life? Give these easy methods a try:
- Cooking: As common salt to provide an extra taste.
- Seasoning: Season meats, roasted vegetables, or salads.
- Baths: Melt in warm water for a relaxing bath.
- Skincare: Blend into homemade face masks or scrubs.
- Air Purification: Utilize salt lamps to promote relaxation.
- Sole Water: Add 1 tsp pink salt to water and allow to stand overnight; take a small amount in the morning.
Use with caution always to avoid over-sodium.
Side Effects of Pink Himalayan Salt
Although good, pink salt must be taken sparingly. Side effects of pink Himalayan salt are:
- Excess sodium: Like any other salt, excess will increase blood pressure and lead to heart disease.
- Unsustainable iodine source: Contrary to the way it is with iodized salt, there is no element of iodine in the pink salt, and the body requires it to operate optimally with a healthy thyroid gland.
- Abuse risk: Believing that it is "healthier" can result in. abuse.
Always consult your doctor if you are suffering from kidney disease or high blood pressure.
Conclusion
Himalayan pink salt is more than beauty and functional salt with trace natural minerals and dozens of applications outside the kitchen. Pink Himalayan salt benefits are highly marketed, but nature has to get ahead of it by bringing some wake-up calls reminding us about its flip side.
is pink Himalayan salt better than table salt? Yes, due to the minimal processing and trace minerals. Is it a magic bullet? No. But in moderation, pink Himalayan salt in cooking can definitely elevate your cooking, skin care, and health routine.
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