Pink Himalayan salt is an expensive crystal salt mined in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains in southwestern India. This salt, often with a reddish tint because of trace minerals, is mainly used as a cooking salt substitute but also is used for food presentation and decorative salt lamps, spa treatments, and even as a perfume additive. Himalayan crystals were first discovered by the ancient Indians who made use of the salts while harvesting plant life for their gardens and for salt. Because the mineral content is so high, this salt was often used in the construction of masonry structures hundreds of years ago.
Scientists have shown that Himalayan salt does not increase a person's risk of heart disease. However, the evidence is preliminary and there are many factors affecting health that cannot be controlled. Himalayan salt does have a high content of trace minerals like potassium and magnesium. These minerals help prevent heart disease and high blood pressure. By taking it on a regular basis, people can protect themselves against these diseases.
Salt is a source of trace elements. Minerals are needed to make certain proteins, as well as to keep the body functioning properly. By taking too much salt, however, a person could become deficient in essential minerals. Trace minerals are much higher in magnesium than sodium and they are slightly different in potassium. Therefore, a person who takes a lot of sodium could possibly be at a higher risk for heart disease and/or hypertension while someone who took a small amount of Himalayan salt might not be at a higher risk. A slight difference in the minerals is actually a good thing because it makes the food we eat more evenly distributed throughout the body.
One of the main reasons why Pink Himalayan salt has become such a popular alternative for salt is because the mineral content is higher than table salt. Table salt has only around 0.35% sodium chloride. Himalayan salt has up to three times the normal concentration of sodium chloride. Because of this, it has been shown to have positive health effects. It has been proven that ingesting Himalayan salt reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases and decreases the risk of developing osteoporosis. It can also decrease the risk of developing kidney stones and increases the mineral content of the blood.
Because of the large amount of magnesium and the large amount of potassium that Himalayan salt contains, it has been found to be an effective replacement for common table salt. Many people have found that ingesting Himalayan salt regularly has helped them lose weight. It seems to increase the rate at which the body uses energy and it has also been found to reduce the loss of muscle strength and bone mass that accompany the aging process. Some people use it to help them get more energetic as well. The high concentration of zinc and copper minerals that it contains makes it an excellent addition to a healthy diet.
While the health benefits are clear, there are some other benefits that make Himalayan salt even more attractive to the dieting public. One of the most noticeable changes when using Himalayan salt is the noticeable change in the taste of food. No longer will salty dishes taste flat or like they were cooked with ordinary table salt. Himalayan salt brings a sense of balance to the food that makes it taste delicious.
Himalayan salt also has trace minerals that help your body to maintain its natural balance. If you eat regular table salt, you are getting a sodium ion exchange and you are getting some of the trace minerals. But when you add Himalayan salt to your diet, you are getting these trace minerals as part of the mineral content and your body is better able to absorb them and use them for the ultimate health benefits.
It is also important to note that Himalayan salts are not as heavily sought after as other salts because the deposits are not as abundant. This is why the price of them tends to be more expensive than many other types of natural stones. However, the demand continues to grow, which means that prices will eventually drop. It will be interesting to watch as the popularity of the Himalayas increases because right now they are considered to be one of the most desirable natural stones on the planet.