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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