From being the famous Hindi idiom ‘ rubbing salt on one’s wound’ to adding authentic taste to food, salt has become an integral part of life! No matter how healthy, appetizing, or exotic a food is, the absence or imbalance of salt can make the whole experience awful
Since time immemorial, salt has been used as an essential flavoring/garnishing ingredient and a vital body polishing and healing remedy. However, choosing the right type of salt is important to be able to reap all that salt has to offer us.
Today grocery stores are packed with varieties of salt. This article talks about one of the most authentic, time-tested, and trending varieties of salt- Rock Salt! Read till the end to know everything about himalayan pink salt.
what is himalayan pink salt?
People often assume that pink salt is a different variety of salt that comes from the Himalayas. This is partially true. Pink salt is a type of rock salt that is primarily mined in the salt range mountains (near the foothills of the Himalayas) in the remote Punjab region of Pakistan. The pink color of this salt comes from the trace minerals that are generously present in it.
Although chemically similar to table salt, pink salt contains 85% sodium chloride (table salt contains 100% sodium chloride), and 15% trace minerals like potassium, magnesium, calcium, and around 84 others (which are completely absent in table salt). Experts recommend pink salt over table salt for a healthier life.
health benefits of pink himalayan salt
What makes pink salt stand alone in the market filled up with varieties of salt is that; it’s unprocessed, does not contain an anti-caking agent, and is exceptionally nutrient-dense. Here’s all that pink rock salt can offer-
1. Maintains pH Balance
To maintain good health, a balanced pH is crucial. pH generally measures the acidity or alkalinity in the body. The optimal pH range for the human body is 7.2 to 7.5. Which means it should be more alkaline and slightly acidic in nature. Most medical complaints arise as a result of an imbalance of the body’s pH wherein the body turns more acidic and less alkaline in nature. Regular exercise, meditation, and healthy eating habits can help maintain a healthy pH.
Research studies report that consuming pink himalayan salt being naturally alkaline in nature can neutralize acidity and help balance pH in the body. This is primarily because pink rock salt is rich in minerals, electrolytes, and trace elements that naturally work at body cleansing and reduction in acid reflux.
2. Improves Hydration
The human body is 60% water. Said that human cells are about 75% water, and blood plasma is about 97% water. To maintain healthy hydration inside and outside the cells, electrolytes are required. On the contrary, dehydration or excess loss of fluid from the body can lead to implications like fatigue, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, confusion, and other nervous disorders.
Himalayan pink salt contains a balanced mix of electrolytes like sodium (Na), chloride (Cl), potassium, calcium, magnesium, and others. Intake of pink salt naturally helps to maintain water-electrolyte balance by increasing hydration through water retention in the body
3. Promotes Healthy Sleep
Sound sleep is crucial for a healthy body. Unfortunately, stress is the biggest obstruction to sound sleep. Thankfully! pink himalayan salt can fix this. Being rich in minerals, and low in sodium (percentage-wise), pink salt can help lower stress hormone i.e. cortisol in the body. Plus, sulfur present in pink salt helps flush out toxic waste and metabolic buildup from the blood. All of which increases the secretion of sleep hormone (melatonin) in the body, resulting in sound healthy sleep.
4. Prevents Muscle Cramps
Muscle spasms or sudden painful cramping of muscles is a very uncomfortable medical condition and can happen to anyone irrespective of age. A deficiency of minerals (potassium, magnesium, sodium, and calcium) due to low dietary intake or poor absorption, dehydration, or excessive stress can lead to involuntary cramping of muscles.
Experts believe that intake of pink himalayan salt can provide relief from muscle cramping by reducing its occurrence and intensity. This is because himalayan salt is naturally loaded with minerals that are required to maintain healthy nerves and muscular contractions.
5. Strengthen Bones
For a healthy skeletal, calcium is crucial. However, people assume that it is only calcium that helps keep bones healthy. This is not true. Calcium is an important constituent of bones but it works in synergy with magnesium and phosphorus to maintain your bone density. Himalayan pink salt contains a balanced mix of all 3 of these minerals to help your bones stay strong and healthy.
6. Controls Blood Pressure
One of the main reasons why Nutrition Experts recommend pink Himalayan salt is because it has the ability to regulate blood pressure by reducing it. Unlike table salt which contains sodium chloride in extremely higher amounts, pink salt contains sodium chloride in a balanced amount. Plus, it contains various other minerals and electrolytes that primarily work at maintaining pressure in the blood vessels.
Apart from this, table salt contains anti-caking agents, preservatives, and absorbents that add an extra burden on the heart to flush them out from the blood, resulting in high blood pressure and other cardiac complaints.
FAQs
1. Is himalayan salt better than table salt?
Definitely Yes. Owing to its purity, and nutrient profile that contains a balanced mix of electrolytes, minerals, and trace elements, Himalayan pink salt is a healthier alternative to table salt.
2. Why is pink salt expensive?
Rock salt (halite) or Himalayan pink salt is originally mined from the khewar salt mine, in Pakistan. This means much of the Himalayan pink salt consumed across the world comes from Pakistan. The cost involved in import, manpower, and storage adds up to the overall cost of pink salt.
3. Does Himalayan Pink Salt Tastes Different From Table Salt?
Himalayan pink salt has a taste that’s intense and sharper as compared to regular table salt. This is because of its purity. Unlike other salts that have anticaking agents and preservatives, himalayan pink salt is free of all sorts of chemical processing and refining resulting in an authentic flavor.
4. How to Check The Authenticity of Himalayan Pink Salt?
To check if the Himalayan salt you are investing in is authentic or fake, look for these-
- Authentic Himalayan pink salt has crystals that are slightly rough, sticky, and somewhat larger in size.
- The taste is saltier but definitely not bitter.
- When kept on a damp surface or floor, the authentic Himalayan pink salt will melt easily.
- When dissolved in water, fine grains of pink salt crystals can be seen with the naked eye.
5. Is Pink Salt Good For Weightloss?
Many people would not know the fact that pink salt can work as a catalyst in their weight loss. Health experts recommend switching to Himalayan pink salt as it helps the body to get rid of excess water retention( Edema) and undue toxic buildup.
6. Does Himalayan Pink Salt Contain Iodine?
Unlike table salt which contains iodine in appreciable amounts, Himalayan pink salt contains iodine in trace amounts. Most people misinterpret Himalayan salt as being iodine deficient while table salt is iodized or iodine-rich.
Unaware of the fact that iodized table salt contains heavy bleaching agents that actually hinder the absorption of iodine in the body while excreting out the iodine already present in the body, people tend to choose preservative-filled ‘iodized table salt’ for themselves and their families.
Wrap-up: WHich salt should you choose?
The demand and usage of rock salt as a food ingredient and a therapeutic remedy has manifolded. Various varieties of salt are now available, making it difficult to choose the ‘one’ that can cater to all the requirements. ‘Himalayan Pink Salt is one of the most talked about and researched types of rock salt available. Health and Nutrition experts recommend switching to rock pink Himalayan salt due to its incredible mineral profile and health benefits that it imparts.
On the other hand, Wellness experts recommend using Himalayan pink salt for body polishing and rejuvenation. Rock salt not only removes impurities from the skin surface but also relieves muscular tension and stiffness resulting in body relaxation and revival.
So, if you are someone who is looking for a multipurpose salt that can uplift flavor and nutrition in the food while helping home-spa your stressed feet after a hectic day, Himalayan pink salt is all that you need to try your hands on!
