These days, pink Himalayan salt, a rock salt mined from the Punjab region of Pakistan is everywhere. Himalayan pink salt is naturally rich in iodine with a rich taste and flavour. It is mined and washed by hand without undergoing any extra processing which is why it is famously called the purest salt on earth. Accompanying its rise in popularity are numerous claims about its benefits and its superiority to regular salt. Here are the health benefits of Himalayan salt.
Nutritional information
Himalayan salt has trace amounts of minerals that ordinary table salt does not have, including zinc, iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. It is these trace minerals that give it its distinct pink colour. The minerals and trace elements present can vary depending on where it was mined. Himalayan pink salt is also completely devoid of calories, protein, fat, carbohydrates, fibre, and sugar.
It’s also worth noting that some samples of Himalayan pink salt have been found to contain potentially toxic elements like arsenic, mercury, and lead.
May help detoxify the body
Himalayan salt contains more than 80 mineral elements including potassium, iron, and calcium, all of which aid in the body’s natural detoxification process. It also promotes the removal of bacteria from the body.
Beyond just consuming it in food, this detoxifying effect can be received from adding Himalayan pink salt to bath water for a rejuvenating and detoxifying bath. Taking a bath in this water helps draw toxins out of healthy cells and into the bloodstream for release out of the body altogether.
Improved respiratory health
It is widely believed that inhaling air infused with Himalayan salt is beneficial for respiratory conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). One study reported significant improvements in patients with various types of respiratory diseases.
Lowers blood pressure
One of the differences between ordinary table salt and Himalayan salt is that ordinary salt is highly processed and contains fewer minerals and more sodium. Low sodium makes it easier for the body to process it and decreases the amount of water the body uses to clear it out. Himalayan pink salt is also naturally rich in iodine which is usually artificially added to table salt. The natural iodine in it is effective in helping the intestines absorb nutrients and lower blood pressure.
Rejuvenates skin
Soaking in a Himalayan pink salt/brine bath helps rejuvenate the skin. The skin soaks up the many minerals in it which among other things help keep the skin smooth, fight acne, and prevent scarring. It can also soothe cramped muscles and soft tissues. You can also use it as an exfoliant on the face.
Improves digestion
As soon as Himalayan hits your mouth, it stimulates the salivary glands to produce a starch dissolving enzyme that breaks down the food in the mouth. It also stimulates hydrochloric acid which breaks down the food in the stomach.
Maintains a healthy pH balance
Anecdotally, Himalayan salt is believed to stabilize the pH levels when ingested as alkaline water.
When used in salt lamps, Himalayan salt is believed to purify the air and help with allergies. It is also believed to increase libido and improve sleep quality. All these claims while impressive do not have scientific evidence backing them up.
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