Pink Himalayan salt is mined in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains in the northern region of Pakistan. The salt, which tends to have a bright pink tint because of trace minerals found in it, is mainly used for food seasoning, as a cooking medium, and for decorative purposes, such as spa masks and lamps. Although it has long been a source of both food and decorative items, it was until recently unknown to many in the Western world. It has come to light through recent years as more people are becoming aware of its existence in their kitchen salt. Many health-conscious cooks and consumers are turning to Himalayan pink salt for their salt needs.
Pink Himalayan salt can be found in two forms are natural and processed. Natural Himalayan sea salt tends to be very high in sodium content (more than five times the average level). The highly-salt content helps improve the flavor of food. However, salt has no beneficial effect on health. Processed Himalayan pink salt on the other hand, undergoes a process that helps to remove impurities and increase the sodium and potassium content (from about 50 percent to about 70 percent of its original volume). This method helps remove any trace mineral content, resulting in salt with almost no sodium.
Regular table salt has about one percent of magnesium, making it a "trace mineral" as defined by the USDA. Himalayan pink salt is the only type that has any trace minerals. It contains four percent magnesium, making it the highest grade available and thus considered better for your health than regular table salt. Salt from the Himalayan Mountains is even more effective at increasing the number of trace minerals in your body; it is actually four times more effective at providing your body with more magnesium than regular table salt.
One of the reasons why Himalayan salt has such amazing health benefits is because it is extremely high in sodium. Regular table salt, on the other hand, is much lower in sodium, contributing to excessive sodium consumption. Himalayan sea salt has about twice the sodium of regular table salt, meaning you get to enjoy twice the health benefits. Plus, it is also a lot healthier because it contains a large amount of iron and other trace minerals that promote better overall health.
In addition to having trace minerals, Himalayan pink salt also contains antioxidants that are important to help fight off various diseases. Studies have shown that regular consumption of table salt can weaken the arteries, which increases the risk of stroke and heart disease. The effects of sodium on the arteries can be much more severe than many people realize. Since most people do not get enough antioxidants through their diets, they are often more vulnerable to cardiovascular disease.
Another health benefit of Himalayan pink salt contains trace minerals like potassium and calcium. Potassium is important for regulating muscle contractions and increasing your energy. Calcium is essential in the development of strong bones, as well as being used to build stronger teeth. And finally, magnesium is a constant source of energy that helps you feel good about yourself and stay energized all day.
Now let's get back to the idea that Himalayan pink salt contains trace amounts of several minerals that are beneficial to your health. But don't go thinking you are getting everything you need from just one bottle of Himalayan pink salt. This mineral salt is actually a multi-product product. Many of the ingredients found in regular table salt are removed in the process of creating this product, meaning you are getting less of each essential mineral. This is why many people believe Himalayan salt contains "essence" that cannot be found anywhere else. While there may be a slight difference in the number of trace minerals found in different brands, there are still other important minerals to look for when shopping for a natural health supplement.
For example, look for sodium chloride. This ingredient is always included in trace amounts, even in trace mineral supplements sold at your local health store. Sodium chloride is an essential component of our cells and is necessary for healthy blood pressure regulation. But you will rarely find it listed on the ingredients label of any sea salt or Himalayan pink salt you purchase.