Himalayan pink salt is an alternative natural mineral salt that has become popular in the western world. It is harvested in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains and is one of the few minerals found in nature that naturally decays into a sparkling white crystal. Because of this process, it is considered to be one of the most environmentally friendly salts on the planet. While Himalayan pink salt has been mined for centuries, the purer and softer forms are less common. This pink salt comes from excavated deposits in the Himalayan Mountains and is often more expensive than other varieties.
Himalayan pink salt is mined from the Punjab province of Pakistan. The mineral impurities in the rock cause the salt to have a beautiful pink color, but there are no harmful additives added to it during the mining process. The salt, which sometimes has a slightly pink tint due to trace mineral impurities, is used both for food seasoning and as a body scrub for the skin. There are many health benefits associated with this beautiful mineral that make it a popular addition to the kitchen pantry.
Pink Himalayan salt contains high levels of potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, chloride, iron, and zinc. Each mineral contributes to the body in varying amounts. Because of this, the salt can help to balance the electrolytes in the blood, balance blood pH, eliminate arterial plaque and cholesterol, fight against infections, heal wounds, and provide a source of B vitamins, as well as other trace minerals. In addition to these important minerals, the tiny potassium beads in the Pink Himalayan salt make a good source of dietary fiber.
Some sources of this beautiful salt include Nepal, Tibet, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Tibet, Bolivia, Spain, Italy, China, Norway, Venezuela, Brazil, and the United States. The veins in Kashmir, India may contain only trace elements, making the mineral worthless as an ingredient. However, Himalayan pink salt generally ranges from dark grey to light pink in color. These shades occur because of differences in the mineral content. Some Himalayan salts may contain as little as 10 percent potassium, while others may contain up to thirty percent potassium.
Like other minerals found in nature, the trace elements in Himalayan pink salt contain important nutrients that help our bodies to function properly and maintain good health. Because it is naturally generated, the mineral is considered to be a "clean" mineral, meaning it doesn't contain any added chemicals or unhealthy particles. Since it is so pure, it helps to produce healthy organs and blood cells, strengthens bones and teeth, and aids in digestion. It may also benefit people with problems such as hay fever, anemia, eczema, and high cholesterol. Some research even suggests it can reduce the risk of certain types of cancers and Parkinson's disease.
One of the most important health benefits of Himalayan pink salt is its effect on the heart. Research conducted in the US has indicated it can decrease the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke by reducing blood pressure and increasing the elasticity of the arteries. Other research conducted in Japan has indicated it can also reduce the risk of strokes due to claudication (weakening of the legs due to decreased blood flow). In fact, many people believe salt can help prolong one's life! Some even believe that regular table salt can cause cancer!
Although Pink Himalayan salt comes from the foothills of the great Himalayas, it has been used for many centuries throughout the world and has been recognized by many people as one of the health benefits of salt. There have been no adverse side effects reported by those using it or by those who have tried using it. There have only been a few studies done on the subject and they did not find any negative health effects. In fact, many health claims are made for it. One of the most common health claims associated with it is that it can reduce the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Atherosclerosis is the formation of plaques in the arteries and it can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Although there are no serious side effects reported by those using it, or by those who have tested it, some people do not believe in the health claims associated with Pink Himalayan salt. As they say, anything that sounds too good to be true must be false! Nevertheless, many people swear by the benefits of this mineral.