Have you ever wondered what makes Himalayan sea salt so special? This aromatic pink Himalayan salt has been used for culinary and therapeutic purposes for centuries. It has been valued for its mineral richness and pure flavor. Many tout it as the healthiest salt on Earth with a wide range of benefits. But people don’t know much about what makes Himalayan pink salt much special. So, in this article, I will be addressing some crucial questions about the Himalayan salt.
- Why is it called Himalayan sea salt?
- What is Himalayan salt good for?
- What is the difference between sea salt and Himalayan sea salt?
- Which is better sea salt or Himalayan?
Let’s dive into the magical mineral goodness of Himalayan sea salt and see what the hype is all about.
Why Is It Called Himalayan Sea Salt?
Before diving any deeper into the topic let’s, at first, find out “Why is it called Himalayan sea salt?”. An apt name, considering it does come from salty oceanic origins! Himalayan sea salt is found deep in the Himalayan mountains, having been deposited there as primal seas evaporated over 250 million years ago when the region was surrounded by water bodies. The salts seeped into veins and pockets within the mountains as tectonic pressure pushed the landscape higher.
So while nowhere close to the sea now, the salt deposits locked within the Himalayas are ancient seaborne crystals – rightly named Himalayan sea salt!
What Makes Himalayan Sea Salt So Special?
What’s unique about this salt is its pinkish color, which comes from trace minerals like iron, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. The color of the crystals varies from pure white to various pink and red tones.
This salt is unrefined and unprocessed, retaining over 80 naturally occurring trace minerals and elements that are often lost in regular table salt during excessive processing. The minerals give the salt its colorful hues and also provide therapeutic health properties. No anti-caking agents, additives, or synthetic chemicals are added. So in a nutshell, what makes Himalayan sea salt special is:
- Ancient Origin and Mineral Richness: Mined from primal sea salt deposits, retaining a wealth of nutrients
- Untouched Purity: No refinement or additives, 100% pure and natural
- Vibrant Colors: Indicative of mineral content, from sheer white to pink and red hues
So, this is what makes Himalayan salt so special.
What is the difference between sea salt and Himalayan sea salt?
While both originate from salty ocean waters, traditional sea salt is sourced from modern-day seas whereas Himalayan sea salt comes from ancient inland deposits. During formation over millions of years, the latter had a chance to mineralize under tectonic pressure.
Conventional sea salt is fine-grained and stripped of minerals during processing. Himalayan sea salt is left unrefined with its robust mineral content intact. So while both add salty flavor, Himalayan salt offers therapeutic health benefits from all those extra minerals!
Which is better sea salt or Himalayan?
Now, let’s find the answer to the question, “Which is better sea salt or Himalayan?”. With 80+ nourishing minerals versus none, Himalayan sea salt is undoubtedly the healthier choice between the two. It adds flavor and vital nutrients minus the processing. Both real sea salt and Himalayan salt are better options compared to plain table salt which is stripped, bleached, and mixed with additives during high-heat industrial processing.
What is Himalayan Sea Salt Good For?
Now, let’s find out “What is Himalayan sea salt good for?”. From flavoring food to therapeutic uses, Himalayan sea salt boasts many benefits:
- Adds salty zing to dishes while providing essential nutrients
- Balances pH and hydration levels in the body
- Strengthens bones, thyroid function, immunity, and more
- Eases respiratory issues when used as the salt sole solution
- Promotes sleep relaxation when used in bath salts
- Detoxifies skin and softens roughness when used as a salt scrub
The plethora of trace minerals makes this salt a true nutritional powerhouse!
So, as you have got an answer to the question “What Himalayan sea salt is good for?” now let’s explore the myriad of health perks it has to offer.
Top Benefits of Himalayan Salt
Promotes Thyroid Health and Regulates Fluids
Iodine is an essential mineral needed for proper thyroid functioning and hormone production. As most soils are deficient in natural iodine, many people face the risk of disorders like hypothyroidism or goiters. Himalayan sea salt contains decent amounts of natural iodine sourced right from the Earth, vital for metabolism and cell growth.
The variety of minerals also helps balance fluids and stimulate the production of digestive fluids and saliva, aiding digestion. The minerals sodium and chloride help regulate water movement in and out of cells.
Supports Respiratory Health
The minerals in this special salt have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties. When dissolved into fortified salt solution drinks, these minerals get absorbed directly into respiratory cells, helping clear mucus build-up, ease congestion and reduce inflammation.
Potassium, also found abundantly in the salt, helps reduce coughs and loosen phlegm. No wonder Himalayan sea salt solutions are hailed as natural remedies for colds, coughs, allergies, and other respiratory issues!
Regulates pH Balance
Our cells need just the right pH balance to function optimally and excess acidity causes all kinds of health issues. The rich presence of minerals like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium in Himalayan sea salt helps maintain optimal pH balance and fluid levels in the body for good cellular health.
Promotes Bone Health
Himalayan sea salt is particularly abundant in bone-strengthening minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Getting enough of these minerals can help prevent osteoporosis and heal broken bones quicker. The trace amounts of boron found in the salt also positively impact bone health.
Improves Sleep Quality
Minerals like calcium, magnesium, and sodium promote relaxation and signal your brain to prepare for rest. This is why a pre-bedtime Himalayan salt bath or salt lamp by the bedside helps induce better sleep. The minerals get absorbed through the skin and inhaled as negative ions, promoting quality sleep.
Boosts Immune Function
Zinc and selenium are two immune-boosting minerals found in this special salt, along with vitamin C. Together, they shield cells from toxins, stimulate the production of antibodies, and strengthen immune response – helping you stay healthy through changing seasons and environments.
Supports Blood Sugar Balance
Contrary to popular belief, salt in moderation is essential for balanced blood sugar and insulin levels in the body. The minerals sodium, potassium, and chromium help regulate carbohydrate and insulin metabolism. For diabetics, unrefined Himalayan sea salt is a healthier seasoning choice compared to commercial salt.
Improves Hydration Levels
While hydration depends majorly on water intake, minerals like sodium and potassium help retain water. Himalayan sea salt adds these essential minerals to your diet, promoting better hydration. You can make fortified sole water by mixing the salt in water to balance electrolytes as well!
Skin Health and Beauty Booster
Don’t forget your largest organ when it comes to nourishing minerals! Himalayan sea salt’s nourishing minerals can be absorbed through the skin for a healthy, glowing complexion. Enjoy a detox bath with mineral-rich salt or use salt blocks as skin exfoliators to reveal brighter, smoother skin.
Read More: Sea Salt Spray For Hair | Unveiling The Secrets
Ready to Give this Magical Salt a Try?
Himalayan sea salt offers both culinary delight and therapeutic healing. Give it a try to enhance your cooking while boosting nutrition. Use it as bath salts or create sole water for an easy mineral boost every day. With its vibrant pink hues and earthy origins, spice up your health with this primal seasoning!
Have you used Himalayan sea salt before? What’s your favorite way to use it? Let me know in the comments!
