Pink Himalayan Salt

Pink Himalayan Salt:

About:

Pink Himalayan salt is a type of rock salt or halite from the Punjab region of Pakistan.  These minerals give the salt its pink color, near the foothills of the Himalayans.  Pink Himalayan  salt is chemically similar to table salt.  It contains 98% sodium chloride.  The rest of the salt consists of 84 minerals and trace elements including calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, and iron.

Uses: 

This type of salt is used the same as table salt: in cooking, to season food, and to preserve food.   Blocks of pink salt sometimes become serving dishes, cooking surfaces, and cutting boards.  Some people use pink Himalayan salt in place of bath salts to improve skin conditions and sooth sore muscles.  It is possible to buy lamps, and candle holders made of pink Himalayan salt, which are claimed to reduce air pollutants.

About Sodium:

Sodium is an essential trace element found in salt.  It can support contracting and relaxing muscles, maintain proper fluid balance and prevent dehydration, send nervous system impulses, and prevent low blood pressure.   Recent research suggests that eating salt can reduce the risk of infection, and kill harmful bacteria.  .  One study on animals found that salt may have a positive effect on symptoms of depression. 

Amounts of Sodium in Salt:

1/4 teaspoon - 575 mg sodium

1/2 teaspoon - 1150 mg sodium

3/4 teaspoon - 1725 mg sodium

1  teaspoon - 2300 mg sodium

Dietary guidelines:  limit intake of sodium to less than 2.3 grams (2300mg, 1 teaspoon)

Here are serious health conditions linked to high sodium intake:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Liver damage
• Osteoporosis
• Kidney disease

Commonly Claimed Benefits of Pink Himalayan Salt:

1. Improves respiratory diseases
2. Balances your body"s pH
3. Reduces signs of aging
4. Improves sleep quality
5. Regulates blood sugar
6. Increases libido

There is actually no clear evidence to show that pink Himalayan salt provides more health benefits than regular table salt.  While pink Himalayan salt does contain several minerals not found in regular salt, these minerals are in very small quantities, and are unlikely to provide any health benefits.  

Pink Himalayan salt is a more natural salt  than table salt.  Table salt is usually heavily refined and mixed with anti-caking agents to prevent clumping, such as sodium alumnosilicate or magnesium carbonate.   Himalayan salt does not usually contain additives.

From Dr. Axe:

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Almonds

Almonds:

About:

While most people think of almonds as nuts, they are actually botonically seeds locked inside the almond fruit that grows on the almond tree.  Technically the almond fruit is a kind of drupe, rather than a nut.  It is actually a stone fruit, relataed to cherries, plums, and peaches.  

History:

Almonds were one of the first foods that humans domesticated.  Records exist from biblical times back to the Bronze age.  More than 80% of the world's almond production is from California.

Nutrition:

Nutritionally, almonds provide protein, antioxidants, healthy fat, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.  They are one of the most nutritious foods.

One ounce (a small handful) serving provides:

Fiber :  3.5 grams

Protein:  6 grams

Fat:  14 grams (9 of which are monounsaturated)

Vitamin E:  37% of the RDI

Manganese:  32% of the RDI

Magnesium: 20% of the RDI

Also contains amounts of copper, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), and phosphorus.

161 Calories

2.5 grams of digestible carbohydrates

 Health Benefits:

1. Reduce heart attack risk: Those who consume nuts 5 times a week have a 50% reduction in heart attack risk.
2. Lower bad cholesterol:  Almonds have a favorable effect on blood cholesterol levels.
3. Protect artery walls from damage:  Flavonoids in almond skins work with vitamin E to reduce the risk of heart disease.
4. Build strong bones and teeth:  Due to phosphorus.
5. Provide healthy fats and aid in weight loss:  Those who ate nuts twice a weel were 31% less likely to gain weight. 
6. Almonds lower the rise in blood sugar and insulin after meals.
7. Provide good brain function:  Riboflavin and L-carnitine in almonds boost brain activity and may reduce the risk nof Alzheimer's
8. Nourish the nervous system:  According to Ayurvida almonds help increase high intellectual levels and longetivity.
9. Alkalize the body:  Almonds are alkaline forming lowering the risk of osteoporosuys, poor immune function, low energy, and weight gain.

While almonds are not considered a "Superfood", they are fairly nutritious.  Almonds are a good source of  fat, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Ways to Eat Almonds:

• Drink Almond Milk, a delicious alternative to cow's milk
• Top off yogurt or oatmeal with almonds
• Grind almonds with a little salt into almond butter for snacks
• Include almonds in you protein or vegetable shake
• Top salads with almonds
• Crush almonds and use as a garnish
• Sprinkle almonds on the top of a pizza 
• Use Almond flour in place of wheat flour

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