Salt is one of the basic ingredients found in the subcontinent diet. Regular table salt is the most commonly used type of salt but as the world is moving towards healthier lifestyles and food alternatives, a lot of salt options are available in the market including Himalayan pink salt.
Himalayan pink salt is sourced in Pakistan’s region of Punjab which is near the Himalayan foothills. It is a pink-hued variety of salt. Nowadays, you find this salt everywhere and it is not only limited to food stores and grocery stores. Due to its attractive color, the range of this salt has been extended to home decor items like salt lamps, etc.
The market of Himalayan salt was very small even a couple of days back but now it has expanded to 400,000 tons per year.
It is claimed that Himalayan salt is beneficial for human health. For air purifying salt lamps can be used or Himalayan salt may detoxify the body. Let’s see what scientists say about these claims and how this salt is considered better than ordinary table salt.
Minerals found in Himalayan Salt Vs. Table Salt
Supposedly, pink Himalayan salt has 84 minerals. These are mainly:
– Magnesium
– Calcium
– Potassium
As table salt does not have these balancing minerals that counteract the negative effect of sodium.
Pink Himalayan salt Vs. Table
As compared to table salt which is highly refined pink Himalayan salt is more pure and natural. The important thing is that in the Punjab region of Pakistan, explosives are not used to get the purest salt possible. The final product is also tested for heavy metals which may not be beneficial to our body.
The pink Himalayan salt has more than 80 trace minerals which table salt does not have. Due to its iron contents, it looks pink. A mineral boost and especially an electrolyte boost is wonderful for the human body. Here is the reason why pink Himalayan salt is more beneficial than regular table salt.
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The majority of body cells have a higher concentration of potassium inside the cell with a higher concentration outside the cell. When we do not have enough potassium and too much sodium, the cell consumes too much sodium which is harmful for its proper functioning.
Both sodium and potassium work closely together. One of the properties of potassium is that it helps to lower blood pressure. The effective communication of muscles, nerves, and brain cells highly depends on the proper balancing of calcium, potassium, and sodium. We get more health benefits when our diet contains a full range of minerals.
Uses of Pink Himalayan Salt
It has mainly two types of uses; dietary and non-dietary.
- Dietary uses
Usually, edible pink Himalayan salt can be used for cooking purposes just like regular table salt. It can be used in cooking, baking and finishing touches. Himalayan pink salt can be used to give a salty flavor to grilled meat and veggies. It is not only available in finely ground but also in large crystal sizes.
- Non-Dietary uses
The use of pink Himalayan salt is not limited to dietary uses, it has serval non-dietary uses as well. Pink Himalayan salt is used in the making of some bath salts. It is believed that it soothes sore muscles and improves skin conditions. Bathing in salt water is also getting popular.
Toothpaste containing salt has been proven to prevent inflammation. It also inhibits bacteria in the mouth. Gargling is also an age-old remedy to relieve the pain of a sore throat.
Pink Himalayan salt is also used to make salt lamps to purify the air. It is also claimed that spending time in a salt caves can improve respiratory problems and get rid of skin issues.
Health Benefits of Pink Himalayan Salt
There are some possible unique health claims regarding pink Himalayan salt.
- Pure & Natural
Table salt is usually highly refined. To prevent clumping it is combined with anti-chemicals. On the other side, pink Himalayan salt is a more natural alternative as it is free of additives and anti-caking agents.
- Lower Sodium Intake
This salt often comes in larger crystals than table salt and offers less sodium per spoon. It requires less per serving to enjoy the same flavor as it tastes saltier than table salt.
- Improves Skin Health
Due to its pH-balancing properties, it helps to improve health. It prevents skin issues for example eczema and acne.
- Improve Respiratory Health
It is believed that salt therapy (breathing in salt-infused air) is helpful for those suffering from respiratory disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It has also been statistically proven by scientists by using a dry salt inhaler.
- Helps Balance Electrolytes
A pinch of Himalayan salt used in beverages and meals may help balance electrolytes and fluids. It also keeps one hydrated. Electrolytes support body cells to carry electrical charge. This electricity enables body cells to perform daily jobs.
- Promotes Sleep
Sleep quality can be affected by salt intake. Research indicates that low-sodium diets can decrease blood volume in the sympathetic nervous system. This in return releases stress hormones and resultantly disrupts sleep.
- Maintains Insulin Sensitivity
To get the energy out of the food that we eat, pink Himalayan salt helps to maintain insulin sensitivity.
Conclusion
Himalayan pink salt is a treasure of unprocessed, mineral-rich food ingredients in the world of salts. The exceptional properties, health benefits, and flavor-enhancing capabilities make it a valuable ingredient of our kitchen. By embracing the pink salt revolution, we can elevate our culinary experience.
