Regular Table Salt vs Himalayan Pink Salt: What’s the Difference?

According to the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, sodium consumption should not exceed 2,300 milligrams per day. Yet, the average person consumes about nine to 12 grams of sodium daily. Even though these recommendations make perfect sense, not all types of salt are created equal.

Unless you live on a deserted island, you’ve probably heard that eating too much salt may contribute to heart disease, stroke, and premature death.

Believe it or not, these claims lack scientific evidence. While it’s true that cutting back on salt may reduce blood pressure and fluid retention, that’s pretty much everything you can expect from it.

In fact, certain salts are loaded with minerals that your body needs to function optimally.

Himalayan salt, for example, isn’t just healthy and nutritious but quite low in sodium too. It’s an excellent source of potassium, magnesium, iron, and other minerals with therapeutic properties.

But how is Himalayan pink salt different from regular table salt? Is it really that healthy? Let’s find out!

Himalayan Pink Salt at a Glance

This type of salt comes from the foothills of the Himalayas in Pakistan. Its chemical structure is similar to that of table salt. In addition to sodium, it contains over 84 minerals and trace elements that support health and well-being.

Himalayan salt is about 87 to 98 percent sodium. It’s less refined and comes in larger pieces compared to table salt, so you’re actually getting a lower amount of sodium per serving.

The first records of mining this salt date back to the 1200s. However, people have been mining it since the beginnings of mankind. Its color variations, which include red, white, or pink, are given by its mineral content.

Touted as the purest salt in the world, Himalayan pink salt balances your electrolyte levels, supports cardiovascular health, and may improve respiratory function. Those who use it regularly say that it may also improve libido, slow down aging, and strengthen the bones.

These potential health benefits are due to its levels of calcium, potassium, magnesium, and other minerals. Himalayan salt provides both flavor and nutrition, leading to greater energy and stamina, improved adrenal function, migraine relief, and better sleep.

How Does It Differ from Regular Table Salt?

From regular table salt to sea salt, Himalayan pink salt, Celtic salt, and kosher salt, there are various types of salt available. Each has distinctive properties. They not only taste differently but also have unique chemical characteristics.

Refined salt is the most commonly used variety. As its name suggests, it’s highly refined to have any impurities removed. In general, it’s about 97 percent sodium and may be enriched with iodine.

The problem with table salt is that most of its minerals are lost during processing.

Plus, it contains anti-caking compounds that may contain cyanide or aluminum compounds. When consumed in excess, it may raise your blood pressure, which can lead to cardiovascular problems in the long run.

Himalayan pink salt, by comparison, retains all of its minerals and trace elements. It contains no added flavors, synthetic dyes, and other chemicals.

Its pink color is given by iron oxide deposits in the Khewra Salt Mine. Refined salt, by contrast, it’s chemically bleached to make it white.

This type of salt is extracted by hand and minimally processed. Even though it’s not a cure-all like many people think, it does exhibit therapeutic properties due to its high mineral content.

Regular table salt, on the other hand, contains little or no nutrients other than sodium.

Furthermore, Himalayan pink salt is more flavorful than refined salt. Therefore, it can make your meals taste a lot better even when used in tiny amounts. Plus, it’s naturally rich in iodine.

Is Himalayan Salt Really Healthy?

One of the primary health benefits of this salt variety lies in its ability to restore your electrolyte levels.

Your body needs optimum doses of calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, and other electrolytes to function at its peak. Himalayan pink salt contains all of these and much more.

Exercise, dehydration, bad eating, and certain medications can affect your electrolyte balance.

For example, you’re losing electrolytes through sweat when working out, jogging, or spending time outdoors in the heat. This may lead to muscle cramps, confusion, blood pressure fluctuations, twitching, arrhythmia, and overall weakness.

If left unaddressed, electrolyte imbalances may cause nervous system disorders, seizures, lethargy, confusion, and even coma.

You’ll have a hard time recovering from training, lose your ability to focus, and experience low energy. Nausea, vomiting, muscle spasms, and fatigue are all common symptoms.

Himalayan pink salt can help prevent these issues, restoring your energy and stamina.

In fact, many athletes add a pinch of salt to their post-workout shakes and protein drinks to speed up recovery from training and prevent muscle cramps.

This superfood also balances your body’s pH levels, which in turn, results in a stronger immune system and improved digestive health. Additionally, it’s higher in potassium compared to refined salt, so it helps counteract the effects of sodium on blood pressure.

Research shows that a high potassium intake may be more effective at reducing blood pressure than cutting back on sodium. When consumed in optimum doses, this mineral may lower the risk of stroke by up to 24 percent and improve cardiovascular health.

Harness the Healing Power of Himalayan Salt

Now that you know why Himalayan pink salt is healthier than regular table salt, try it yourself. It’s nutritious, flavorful, and convenient.

Store your salt in an airtight container and place it a cool, dry place. Add it to your daily meals to boost their taste and nutritional value.

If you’re sore, tired, or low on energy, take a Himalayan salt bath. The minerals in this salt will relax your body and mind, relieve cramps, and improve circulation. Plus, they help flush out toxins and reduce fluid retention.

Don’t forget about Himalayan salt lamps! These beautiful decorations will purify the air in your home and keep your lungs healthy.