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The pink Himalayan salt is mined in Pakistan near the Himalayas. This product is derived naturally, and as the title suggests, it has a pink color.

Many people who have been using this salt for decades claim that it has various health benefits since it contains a lot of minerals.

Pink Himalayan salt is also considered to be healthier than the usual white salt that people are used to. But, that does not mean that this type of salt is any less special than any other kind of salt available in the market.

Here is a comprehensive view of pink Himalayan salt. With the help of this information, you will be able to decide whether this type of salt is worth to buy or not.

What Salt Is?

Salt is a natural mineral that made of sodium chloride compound.

The amount of sodium chloride compound found in salt is estimated to be 98% – that many people use the phrase “sodium“ and “salt“ interchangeably.

One way of producing salt is by extracting it from salt mines or by evaporating salt water.

Once the salt has been extracted from the salt mines, it is then taken through a refining process before it is considered to be safe for consumption. The process of refining helps to eliminated unwanted elements such as dangerous minerals and other impurities.

To prevent iodine deficiency, iodine is usually added to the final product as well as anticaking agents, which help with absorbing moisture.

Humans have been using salt for centuries to preserve food and add flavor.

Why Is Salt Important To The Body?

Sodium is one of the essential elements that is found in salt. The reason why salt is vital to our bodies is that it provides support for several functions such as:

  • Relaxing and contracting muscles.
  • Prevent dehydration and maintain proper fluid balance.
  • Prevent low blood pressure.
  • Send nervous system impulses.

According to a recent search, it is concluded that eating salt can help reduce the risk of infection and also eliminate bacteria.

Another research done on animal led to the conclusion that salt compound contributes to fighting symptoms of depression.

More About Pink Himalayan Salt

The first thing you will notice about the Himalayan salt is its pink color. This unique salt is mined from the Khewar salt mine that located next to the Himalayas in Pakistan.

In fact that Khewra Salt Mine is the largest and oldest salt mine that exists today.

This type of salt that is mined from this region is believed to have formed centuries ago through the process of evaporation of ancient salty bodies.Pink Himalayan Salt

When it comes to extracting this type of salt, miners do not use any special tools. In fact, they use hands to do this. Moreover, the salt undergoes minimal processing to produce. Pink Himalayan Salt is unrefined and free of additives.

Another reason why pink Himalayan is derived using hands is to prevent loss of other minerals that are found in the salt. The number of minerals estimated to be inside this type of salt is 84. These are both trace elements and minerals. One of the key minerals that are found in Himalayan salt is iron, which gives the salt characteristic pink color.

A Brief History of Himalayan Salt Mining

The history of the Himalayan salt goes way back about five hundred million years ago during the formative Precambrian era. According to the story, there was once an ancient inland sea that slowly evaporated and left behind mineral salt deposits that were very rare. However, after the earth shifted by the tectonic activities, the seabed was buried and sealed under intense pressure. The continents continued to shift, and this caused the rock surrounding the buried seabed to force its way upward, forming mountain ranges where people mine Himalayan Salt.

Later on around the 326BC, the salt deposits were discovered by Alexander the Great and his soldiers, who stopped over in the Khewra region to rest. While they were resting, one of the soldiers noticed hungry and tired horses gather in one specific area licking the rocks that happen to be salty.

Centuries later, after this discovery was made, a standardized salt mining plan was started by the Mughal emperor known as Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar. Even though most historians believe that the salt was mined by local communities in small quantities, the truth is that the pink salt was accepted as a traded commodity during the reign of Akbar the Emperor.

Mining of Himalayan salt was improved in the year 1827 when one of the British engineers established an effective excavation model that was called “Room and Pillar.”

The Origin Of Himalayan Salt

The Salt Range where the mining process takes places is located close to the Himalayan mountains found in the northeast side of Pakistan. The Salt Range stretches across the Jhelum river for approximately 186 miles. The range also has several peaks that are estimated to be about five thousand feet high. The main primary mines are six in total, and all of them produce varied, unique, and distinct salts.

The most popular Salt mine is the Khewra salt mine which is also known as Mayo Salt Mine. Besides being popular, it is also the oldest and the most extensive salt range found in this region. Most of the Himalayan salt is produced here.

This mine has also become a tourist attraction for the tourist. The mine has eighteen working levels, and the tunnels extend across for 25miles. Each year, more than three hundred thousand tourist visit this region just to get a glimpse of this fantastic mine and its unique artistic salt carvings of the Great Wall of China and the Eiffel Tower.

As a company, we work in hand with trusted and reputable mining companies to deliver the best quality of the Himalayan Pink Salt. The salt vendors we deal with are authorized by the FDA as required by the Bioterrorism Act of 2002. The mine is managed by the Mining Development Corporation in Pakistan. The corporation also plays the role of ensuring that fair wages are provided to all the individuals who work in the mine. The company also provides education and medical care for those who are in need of medical assistance.

How Mining Of Himalayan Salt Affect The Environment

The Himalayan salt is derived using an architectural system known as ”Dome and Pillar” (also referred to as “Room and Pillar”). This particular system was established during early 1800 by the British. The method used is safe and effective for mining the Himalayan Salt. Moreover, only 50 percent of the salt is removed in each room while the rest 50 percent is preserved for supporting the structure of all the places as well as the mountain.

Mining of salt using explosives or dynamite is usually a major concern for most people. The only time explosives are considered to be best to use is when creating an entrance point to the mine. This process has been effective and highly reliable for more than a hundred years. However, when it comes to mining of Himalayan salt, the workers use traditional methods for each mining task.

The salt also goes through Optically Clean cleaning process. The main aim of cleaning the salt is to remove foreign matter, contaminants, and any other substances found in the end product.

How Himalayan Salt Mining Influence The Community

Salt is considered to be one of the critical trade commodities. Himalayan salt is one of the agricultural products that are highly valued in this region. Moreover, the people of this region have managed to build a sustainable culture, and most of them have been relying on this environment for decades.

Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation plays the role of managing the salt mines. It also plays the role of making sure the wages are shared equally among the workers. The private mining companies and this specific corporation are given the duty of creating job opportunities and providing free medical care to workers.

Another reason why our brand is always growing is that we work hand in hand with our primary suppliers to create more opportunities for this growing market.

More Minerals In Pink Himalayan Salt

Pink Himalayan salt and table salt both contain sodium chloride comping, but the pink Himalayan salt contains more trace elements and minerals.

Some of these elements are calcium, potassium, molybdenum, and strontium. Moreover, a study was conducted to analyze the mineral elements found in different types of salts, including the pink Himalayan salt as well as the regular table salt.

Here is a comparison of the minerals that are well known.

comparison

According to the diagram above, you can clearly determine which salt has more sodium as well as other elements such as iron, potassium, and magnesium.

However, you also need to be aware of the fact that pink Himalayan salt has less amount of all these minerals as the recommended daily intake.

The minerals found in pink Himalayan salt are in small quantities, and it would take 1.7kg of this salt for the body to gain the required amount of potassium.

How Can One Use Pink Himalayan Salt?

You can use pink Himalayan salt the same way you use the white table salt. You can use it for cooking and also to preserve food.

Moreover, you can also use pink salt as a cooking surface for serving dishes. Other people use pink Himalayan salt as bath salts. You can also buy candleholders and lamps that are made of pure pink salt.

Use It To Cook And Eat

There is nothing wrong if you are cooking with the pink Himalayan salt. You can cook with it or eat it by adding to any of your meals, including marinades and sauces.

Pink Himalayan Salt For Cooking

Other people use the pink Himalayan salt as their cooking surface. That is because you can get large blocks of this particular salt. Therefore, you can use them to grill and at the same time, add flavor to your grilled meat as well as other foods.

Things To Consider When Cooking With Pink Himalayan Salt

We measuring any type of salt by volume, it is advisable that you consider the quality standard of the salt. That means emphasize more on how finely is its ground. You can use large quantities to match the saltiness of the type of salt you choose to buy.

For example, one teaspoon of table salt may contain about 2,300mg of pure sodium, while another teaspoon contains 2,000mg of pure salt. The first teaspoon may have finely ground salt but the second teaspoon has salt that contains less sodium chloride.

According to the dietary guidelines set by the U.S, the adults are recommended to consume less than 2,300 mg of pure sodium every day. This is equivalent to 6 grams of finely ground salt. However, when it comes to pink Himalayan salt, it is advisable that you check the nutrition label before consuming the salt.

For Non-Dietary Uses

Even though pink Himalayan salt has various dietary uses, it also has a few prevalent, not dietary uses. This type of salt can be used in bath since it is believed that they improve the condition of the skin.

Pink Himalayan Salt is also used to create salt lamps. According to many people, it can be used to improve air quality by getting rid of air pollutants.

The Benefits And Myths Of Pink Himalayan Salt

Although it contains small amounts of additional beneficial minerals, a majority of people still claim pink Himalayan salt offers many health benefits. Several beneficial pink Himalayan salt claims are non-dietary and based on research.

The use of salt helped with various lung diseases, which has been proven in multiple studies. However, even though it has been proven that it has some benefits, its effectiveness is something that still eludes many researchers.

Rich Mineral Content

Even though the salt contains small amounts of minerals, it has been proven to contain over 84 different types of minerals.

Research shows that it contains 98% sodium chloride, and the other 2% is made up of these various types of minerals. Given the amount of salt people consume and the small amounts of other minerals in the salt; it is questionable if the salt offers vast health benefits.

Lower Sodium

Some believe pink Himalayan salt contains a lower amount of sodium compared to regular table salt. However, the truth is that both contain just about the same amount of sodium chloride, which is approximately 98%. The only difference is; pink salt has larger crystals compared to regular table salt. Which technically means that it contains less sodium per teaspoon.

Another difference is that it has a saltier flavor compared to regular table salt. What does all this mean? Well, it means that a person can use less salt in a serving to get the same taste. Therefore, this salt does not contain lower sodium, but due to its structure and flavor, people low quantity.

On the other hand, pink salt is available in smaller granule size that closely resembles that of regular table salt. As such, you should always consider this when measuring your sodium intake or seasoning. According to research by AHA (American Heart Association), over 75% of sodium intake comes from either processed or prepared meals we consume.

Natural Salt

Some people believe that Himalayan salt is more natural compared to table salt. Well, the truth is that this claim has merits. That is because regular table salts are heavily refined and then mixed with anti-caking agents, which helps prevent clumping. However, pink Himalayan salt is natural and does not contain additives.

Helps With Hydration

Some believe that adding a pinch of this salt either in meals or drinks helps the body achieve maximum fluid balance as well as preventing dehydration.

The truth is that pure pink Himalayan salt is an excellent source of minerals and electrolytes. Everyone with an active lifestyle always faces the risk of dehydration, especially those who are gym enthusiasts. In most cases, because we are always busy, many of us forget to take care of our health, such as drinking an appropriate amount of water the body needs.

For this reason, people are often drinking electrolyte-rich sports water. Doing this helps the body to not only hydrate but maintain the hydration levels. This simply means avoiding dehydration. It is important to note that sports water contains minerals needed by the body for optimum function. As such, it provides needed amounts of magnesium, chloride, potassium, sodium, and calcium. These minerals are absorbed faster by the body than water.

For this reason, we can say that pink Himalayan salt is an excellent alternative to sports water. It does a good job of keeping the body adequately hydrated. Remember, salt contains other types of minerals and electrolytes. You should note that having minerals in their raw form is highly beneficial.

NOTE: A solution made from pink Himalayan salt is highly beneficial to the body and balances body hydration. That is because it helps provide the body with the necessary amount of water needed to maintain several activities. Furthermore, the electrolyte available in the salt helps nourish cells.

Maintains Healthy pH Balance

As mentioned above, because we are always busy, we often take our body’s pH levels for granted, until when acidic levels increase and cause health issues. As a matter of fact, people simply think that it is only a number that separates between alkalinity and acidity. It is important to note that the body’s pH balance keeps on changing due to many facts.

For the body to function at its optimum capacity, the pH levels must be at optimum scales. The body demands a slightly alkaline pH level. As such, minimal changes are acceptable, but a huge difference in either way does impact the body’s function.

Maintains Healthy pH Balance

If this happens, you will benefit greatly from pink Himalayan salt. Remember, this salt contains sodium and other electrolytes, which all play a huge role in maintaining a balanced pH level in the body; more especially in the blood. This helps create an environment that enables cells to perform all kinds of activities.

Experts say that urine pH levels should be around 6.5 but varies throughout the day. Any complication, diet change, or some diseases affect the pH levels of the urine. This is why, when going for a medical check-up, urine samples must be collected for analysis. The pH level will tell your physician if your body is at its optimum. The good news is that you can fix this problem by drinking a solution made with pink Himalayan salt.

NOTE: It has been proven that Himalayan salt can help a person maintain the desired pH level. For this reason, drinking water that contains a pinch of this salt will help you go a long way in terms of preserving the level of the pH.

Respiratory Functions

Back in the days of the Greek, having air filled with salt was believed to heal, prevent some diseases, and maintain a person’s overall health. Because of its property, the Himalayan salt can be infused with an inhaler to enhance a person’s overall respiratory function. The reason is that this salt contains anti-inflammatory properties, and it is also an excellent antibacterial agent.

As such, it helps decrease mucus thickness from air passages and clears bronchi. It does also remove contaminants, pathogens, and dust from airways. It also reduces immunoglobulin-E, which is associated with excessive immunological sensitivity.

Why inhaling pink Himalayan salt helps? Well, this therapy works because when inhaled, it acts like a salt cave, which has been proven to be very effective against bronchitis. With just a few inhalations, the salt can change respiration quality.

NOTE: It is important to note that Himalayan salt is the best solution for clearing air passages because of antibacterial, loosens mucus, anti-inflammatory, and pathogen hunting effects. It has also been proven to treat bronchitis.

Lower High Blood Pressure

Some believe pink Himalayan salt helps lower high blood pressure. Even though this sounds insane, it is actually true, when it comes to this salt. Remember, we have been advised that salt tends to increase blood pressure. Because of the structural composition of pink Himalayan salt, it actually can reverse the effects of high blood pressure.

However, you must consume this salt moderately. Why? Well, simply to allow its minerals to be processed by the body. Remember, these minerals can easily be broken down by the body, which makes it maintain an optimum level. This is why it helps improve the effects of high blood pressure. We are living in a world where we consumed processed and fatty foods. However, with the help of the salt, it prevents fat from accumulating in blood vessels. On the other hand, people have the tendency of developing hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis.

Therefore, only in this context is salt helpful and offers beneficial properties to the body. The levels of calcium and magnesium found in the salt help reduce high blood pressure. Therefore, with these benefits, you have the ability to enhance your vascular health, which promotes better blood flow.

NOTE: All you need to remember is that moderate intake of the salt will help you manage high blood pressure. The salt works only because it contains magnesium and calcium minerals, which helps better a person’s vascular tissues.

Mucus Accumulation Treatment

Respiratory diseases cause mucus accumulation and congestions in the sinus or nose. This makes breathing challenging. This is where pink Himalayan salt inhalers come into the picture. Just as mentioned above, the salt has the ability to clear air passages by removing mucus accumulating caused by either cystic fibrosis or asthma. It does also have the ability to moisturize dry nose better than the best humidifier.

That is because the electrolyte in the salt forces water to travel in the membrane and promote healthy mucus formation. It does not cause irritation or block air passages. This benefit can clearly be seen in a micronized salt inhaler, which offers instant relief.

NOTE: If you have breathing problems due to mucus accumulation, then an inhaler with pink Himalayan salt is what you need to keep your air passages clear. Furthermore, it has the ability to moisturize, which prevents mucus from thickening. For this reason, you do not have to worry about airway passages getting blocked or irritation.

The Risks and Considerations

You should keep the following points in mind if you are planning to use the pink Himalayan salt.

Iodine Intake

This is a mineral that the body needs for it to maintain proper cell metabolism and thyroid function. For this reason, appropriate sources of iodine include eggs, dairy, sea vegetables, fish, and other foods. The role of iodine is to support thyroid glands. However, pink Himalayan salt contains less iodine compared to table salt, and therefore not suitable for those with iodine deficiency.

If you are looking for iodine, you should consider iodized salts. As a matter of fact, research shows that about 75% of homes across the U.S. use iodized salts.

Sodium Intake

Sodium is vital in our life; however, you must monitor the amount you consume and the type of salt. If you consume too low sodium, it will have a negative impact on your health. On the other hand, those with heart, kidney, or liver problems should really check the amount of sodium they consume. This also includes the Himalayan salt.

Even those who are perfectly healthy should monitor their consumption of sodium. According to a 2016 report by the Center for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC); over 89% of adults and 90% of kids consume more than the required amount of sodium.

Too Much Sodium

The 2015 – 2020 American Dietary Guideline recommended that an average healthy person should consume less than 2,300 mg (milligrams) of sodium per day. This amount is equivalent to 1 teaspoon of salt per day. On the other hand, those with high blood pressure should limit their sodium intake to about 1500 mg per day. However, it is wise to consult a dietitian to receive the best amount for you.

Too Much Sodium

If you are truly sodium conscious, it will help to know the total amount of sodium in a particular salt. The estimated quality of sodium is as follows:

  • 1 teaspoon – 2300 mg
  • ¾ teaspoon – 1725 mg
  • ½ teaspoon – 1150 mg
  • ¼ teaspoon 575 mg

However, the sad truth is that the majority of people consume more than this amount. Research shows that when a person consumes too much salt than what is needed in their body, the body tries to remove the excess through urine. If the kidneys are unable to do this, the salt will begin to accumulate in the fluid between cells, which is known as interstitial fluid.

The result of this is an increase in both water and blood volumes, which puts additional strains on the heart as well as blood vessels.

Many serious heart problems are linked to higher sodium intake. Too much sodium intake may cause:

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

It has been noted that too much salt consumption can cause autoimmune diseases like psoriasis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis because it overstimulates the immune system. According to a 2015 research which found a link between obesity and salt intake.

In Conclusion

Pink Himalayan salt is 99% pure, it provides the body with all that it needs to prevent dehydration and promote muscle relaxation.

Pink Himalayan salt could be exactly what you need for some great therapeutic effects. It provides the body with many electrolytes, including magnesium, sodium, and potassium. It replenishes the body and helps to combat life-threatening diseases.

Pink Himalayan salt can serve as a nutritious table salt replacement, allowing you to enjoy your usual meals with a little extra boost thanks to the powerful minerals that do far more than just provide you with a detox. It is rejuvenating and helps to promote the absorption of beneficial nutrients, while also supporting the excretion of toxic waste products.

If you’re looking for a natural health boost, replacing traditional table salt with pink Himalayan salt could be the ideal way of reducing sodium intake. However, you should be sure to enjoy the salts in moderation, excess use of salt of any form can contribute to health issues.