Himalayan Pink Salt- Health Benefits & Is It Better Than Regular Salt

Himalayan pink salt is known to be the purest form of salt in the world. Also, the delicate pink color comes from  presence of 84 natural minerals. Although, sometimes it is also found in shades of off-white. Harvested from the caves in northern Pakistan, this edible salt is popular across the world due to its superior nutritional profile as compared to refined table salt. Lets know a little more about Himalayan Pink Salt, its health benefits & if it's really better than regular salt.

How is Himalayan pink salt different:

The salt is untouched by any mineral stripping process of refinement, as it occurs naturally. The bolder flavor as compared to other salts, makes it ideal for cooking. Also, its used in adding finishing touches to cocktails- imagine a nice pink salt rim on your Bloody Mary! Slabs of this salt are also used for cooking purpose as they remain hot for a longer duration. Apart from culinary uses, Himalayan Pink Salt is also widely used in saunas (yes, we visited one such sauna in Finland) and in lamps. 

Lets look at some health benefits of Himalayan Pink Salt. Also, what makes it better than regular salt:

Better Nutritional Profile:

Naturally rich in minerals like magnesium, iron, phosphorus, calcium, chloride, makes it a better choice. Adding the salt to our daily diet, helps better bodily functions without any harmful traces of chemical processing. Intake of this salt in moderation, helps us enjoy the health benefits imparted by all the trace elements and minerals present without causing any harm.

Helps Correct Respiratory Problems

Due to its anti bacterial and anti inflammatory properties, this salt helps correct respiratory problems. Nowadays, lamps made of Himalayan pink salt are widely used to ease mucous congestion and clear excessive pollen from air.

Balance pH Levels

Unhealthy pH levels may give rise to a variety of health problems like immune deficiency, loss of bone density to kidney stones and more. Research shows that intake of  this salt helps balance your body’s pH levels. Moreover, it helps achieve a healthy acid-alkaline ratio.

Neutralize Stomach Acid

Due to alkaline nature of Himalayan pink salt, it helps neutralize presence of excess stomach acid and harmful effects of acid reflux. Mix one teaspoon of this salt in a glass of water (room temperature and preferably chlorine free) and drink.

Aids Digestion

The nutrients present aid proper digestion right from the time you pop it in your mouth! It stimulates salivary glands to produce amylase (an enzyme that helps conversion of starch into sugar) and helps the gastrointestinal tract to absorb nutrients better. Better digestion means better removal of toxins and a satiated feeling that keeps hunger pangs at bay.

Please note: Contact your doctor/dietician before using Himalayan pink salt for optimal results. Replacing your table salt with Himalayan pink salt completely is not a good idea too as table salt contains Iodine that helps thyroid function.