Himalayan Salt or Pink salt is trending everywhere. People are now switching from Table Salt to Pink salt for its health benefits. This salt is mostly found in Punjab (in Pakistan) in the foothills of the Himalayas. Pink salt is popular for its attractive colour. It is also used in table lamps for decorative purposes because of its colour.
The popularity of Himalayan salt has increased only in recent years. About 400,000 tons of exports have increased each year.
People have found Pink salt as a healthier option over regular salt. Some have claimed that pink salt, when used in table lamps, helps in purifying the air. Himalayan salt helps in the detoxification of heavy minerals when used in lamps. But the question is, do such claims have any scientific evidence? Are these salts beneficial for health? Or do these minerals have more harmful effects than benefits?
To get the answer to all these queries, go through the article thoroughly.
Which one is better, Himalayan Salt or Table Salt?
Mineral traces are added to it for taste and looks. Sea salt is also beneficial for health. The texture of this salt depends on the way it is harvested and its processing. Useful minerals found in sea salt are: calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sometimes iron and zinc.
There is a slight difference between Himalayan salt and table salt. As far as the mineral percentage is concerned, Pink salt has about 84 different varieties of minerals in it. Potassium, iron, sodium, and calcium are a few important minerals present in the Pink salt. These minerals are extremely helpful for women ‘s health. The content of iron oxide in this salt gives it a pink colour. For millions of years, Himalayan Salt has been found on Earth. But its popularity has increased a lot in recent years.
Table Salt vs Pink Salt
Table salt is more refined and fine in texture than sea salt. It is a regular salt that contains sodium chloride, iodine, and trace minerals. As you know, sodium is found in every kind of salt. Himalayan salt also contains sodium. But the amount may vary.
Table salt contains about 2,300 milligrams of sodium, the amount used per day. Only 2,200 milligrams of Sodium are present in Himalayan salt.
The Need for salt in the body
- Salt is very important for your body. Urine, semen, and sweat production need salt.
- The human body uses salt for water retention. This keeps the body hydrated and maintains blood pressure.
- To carry out all these activities, the body needs a small amount of salt. This small amount is enough for all your body’s requirements.
Benefits of Himalayan Pink Salt:
- The iron found keeps your body filled with energy and fights against diseases.
- Magnesium reduces cramps and maintains hormonal balance. It also relaxes the body.
- Calcium present in the Pink Salt helps in making the bones strong, mainly during the ageing process.
Why use Himalayan Salt over other salts?
Your body needs sodium, but the amount required is very less. As per the health experts, you must use salt in smaller amounts to reduce health risks. Himalayan salt or Pink salt has a limited sodium amount.
Most of you must have high sodium levels in your body because of the food products you consume. The processed foods contain a huge amount of salt. You may not realize it, but the foods served in restaurants contain higher amounts of sodium than the body’s requirement. Excessive sodium isn’t good for your body.
Himalayan salt is very good for your skin. It helps in reducing the effects of skin diseases like eczema. Yet official confirmation is not there, but many sources claim that Himalayan salt has such positive effects.
You may add a cup of Himalayan salt to your bathtub for treating Eczema. The National Eczema Association suggests adding salt to bathing water can provide relief to Eczema patients.
Himalayan salt is filled with helpful minerals. It doesn’t have any kind of calories, fats, protein, carbohydrates, sugar, or sugar. A few minerals found in Himalayan Salt are:
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Potassium
What are the common myths associated with Himalayan Salt?
- Himalayan salt has lower sodium levels. Both table salt and Pink salt have relatively the same amount of sodium content.
- Vast difference in Sodium level – The sodium amount found in table salt and pink salt doesn’t have a vast difference. Very little difference in the amount of sodium present in both kinds of salts.
- Himalayan Salt is better than other salts – No such scientific evidence exists regarding the Pink salt. But this salt is popular for the kind of flavour it gives and its attractive colour. Unique benefits of this type of salt are still not proven scientifically.
- Minerals make Himalayan salt beneficial than other salts– This salt has a pink colour because of the mineral impurities present in it. Due to these minerals, it is said to be more beneficial than other salts. But, the amount of minerals present in Pink is very less. They can’t meet the nutritional requirement alone. To get the benefits of other minerals, you need to eat more sodium, which isn’t healthy for your body.
- Himalayan Salt keeps your body Hydrated – There are certain claims that Pink salt or Himalayan salts help to keep your body hydrated. The minerals found in salt are very less to help in the hydration of your body. In case you consume a large amount of sodium, the volume of your blood increases, and your heart starts working harder.
- Pink Salt keeps the air Clean – Many have claimed that Himalayan salt, when used in lamps, releases negative ions, which help in improving the air quality. This clean air helps in decreasing the symptoms of allergy and asthma. Good air keeps you energised and helps you deal with pressure. However, all these claims have not been proven yet. A proper research to prove this claim is still awaited.
What are the possible side effects of Himalayan Salt?
- Himalayan Pink salt has similar side effects to other salt types. Consuming more than the normal amount of Pink salt can create health issues. You may get high blood pressure by regularly ingesting a lot of sodium.
- Due to high blood pressure, you may get heart-related diseases like a heart attack or a stroke.
- Too much sodium intake might increase the risk of developing chronic kidney disease.
- Osteoporosis can be triggered by taking too much salt. In such cases, you must maintain a low-sodium diet.
- Himalayan salt lacks the presence of iodine. So, the deficiency can lead to diseases like goitre and thyroid problems. Iodine is essential for pregnant women, too. Lack of iodine might impact the growth of the foetus
What are the uses of Himalayan Salt?
- You can use it while cooking, just like table salt. It gives a good flavour to the food items.
- You can add it to your bath water in case you are suffering from eczema.
- Use pink salt for gargling, it’s useful to clear your throat.
- You try using the toothpaste with salt. Salt is very useful for the teeth.
The amount of salt content is the same in both table salt and pink salt. So limit your use. Himalayan salt is very famous all over social media. You may try using it. But don’t use it in large amounts. Avoid the intake of processed food or the food served in restaurants. They contain a huge amount of sodium, which may give rise to serious health issues. Remember, Himalayan salt is not medically proven to be a healthier salt than other salts. In case you want a flavourful and attractive-looking salt, then you may try using link salt. But stay aware of its possible side effects before using it.