Himalayan pink salt is a mined natural product that comes in the form of crystal salt known as the “white rock”. It is formed underground in the Himalayan Mountains and is considered by many to be one of the purest natural forms of salt available. The pink color is obtained from iron oxides with trace amounts of other elements such as sulfur and manganese. Since its discovery in ancient times, Pink Himalayan salt has gained a reputation as one of the most important natural minerals in the world. It is used for a variety of applications from culinary to cosmetic cooking and has become an increasingly popular alternative to synthetically manufactured salts.
Himalayan pink salt can be found throughout the world. The largest deposits are located in northern India, Nepal, and Tibet and are more commonly referred to as coarse salt or Himalayan crystal salt. This type of salt is widely used by chefs and cooks for many reasons. For starters, it has a very high content of potassium, magnesium, sodium, calcium, phosphorus, silicon, and zinc,the mineral content of regular table salt with the addition of trace minerals. Also, it doesn’t contain any fat, cholesterol, or sodium and has no effect on blood pressure, heart health, or body chemistry in any way. Although Pink Himalayan salt is considered to be coarse because it is less dense than fine table salt, it is still quite dense and thus is very light and easily handled.
There are several different types of Himalayan salt available on the market today. Each has a different kind of mineral content from seawater to mud and even to a form of fossilized pre-historic rock like Precambrian rock. Most varieties do not contain any sugar, so it is ideal for baking and other baking applications. Many people think that sea salt or sea kelp is an alternative to Himalayan crystal salt. However, there are many differences between the two, such as the mineral content. Sea salt is also usually blended with other ingredients to make it lighter, less fattening, and therefore more acceptable to some people.
Himalayan salt has been found to have a very high concentration of potassium, which contributes to its reputation as being extremely healthy. It contains trace amounts of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, zinc, iron, manganese, and copper,all of which contribute to good general health and to the maintenance of a healthy balance of the essential mineral balance in the human body. In addition to these important minerals, it contains an excess of sodium, which can cause hypokalemia in some individuals. Some studies indicate that even very small quantities of sodium can decrease the production of human growth hormones. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid foods rich in sodium, especially foods that come from sea animals.
High blood sugar levels are one of the most common causes of weakness and exhaustion and one of the first symptoms of diabetes. In addition to potassium and calcium minerals, Himalayan salt contains a considerable amount of sodium, which raises blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels are believed to weaken the immune system and increase the risk of heart disease. One study showed that a deficiency in magnesium and calcium was associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease. The addition of small amounts of Pink Himalayan salt to the diet appears to be an easy and effective way to combat both diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
Although salt has many positive effects on health, it is important to note that although this type of rock salt is extremely healthy and natural, it should still be used in moderation. A balanced diet should still be followed and sodium must be avoided in any way possible. Although the many Himalayas exist where there is no pollution and virtually no external pressure, some Himalayan salt deposits are located near major cities, such as Gyaneshwar, Pakistan, and Darjeeling, East India. Mining this salt is illegal in most countries and can bring serious environmental consequences.
If you choose to use this natural product, there are a few health claims to be aware of. There have been some studies of using pink Himalayan salt as a wound-healing agent, but more research needs to be done. In one study, a man who regularly ingested 50mg of salt per day for four weeks had no visible changes in his blood pressure or heart rate. There were no changes noted in his fatigue or appetite. Additional research is needed to determine if these health claims are valid.
There are many non-dietary uses for this salt such as a natural preservative in pickles and cucumbers, improved skin condition for acne, and a natural abrasive for the teeth and gums. Although no studies have been done comparing the various non-dietary uses against using a diet controlled by eating regular table salt, the benefits seem promising. Regular use of this salt could also improve skin tone, provide relief from ear infections, and heal wounds. It may not be a miracle cure, but the list of health claims makes it one of the better grades of pink Himalayan salt.