by Emily Mongan
Mined from deep within the Himalayan mountain range, pink Himalayan salt has been valued for centuries for its therapeutic and medicinal properties. The crystalline mineral was so prized and found in so few locations that it was even used by some ancient Himalaya-dwellers as currency. But Himalayan salt’s true value doesn’t just come from its rarity – these pink crystals pack a powerful nutrient punch. if you’re looking to make a healthy switch to your diet, substitute your plain white table salt for its naturally pink cousin. The healthy benefits are plentiful, and your body will thank you!
Normal processed table salt is chemically enriched and bleached, meaning most of the nutrients found naturally in salt are removed. Himalayan salt’s pollution-free mountain origins mean it’s pure, free from additives, and still contains all the beneficial nutrients found naturally in salt. Himalayan salt is considered by some to be the most nutrient dense variety of salt on the planet, with 84 trace minerals needed to maintain a healthy body like calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium. Because it is easily and efficiently absorbed into the blood stream, Himalayan salt can also aid in improving circulation and even help lower blood pressure. Other benefits include easing sinus issues, improving sleep patterns and helps balance blood sugar.
But it doesn’t just put good stuff into your body – the pink little crystals can also help detox the body by removing toxins from healthy cells more effectively than plain table salt. Consuming Himalayan salt or adding it to a warm bath can also help balance out the pH levels in your blood cells, which is crucial since the average diet typically causes the body to be more acidic. This imbalance can result in fatigue, headaches and even premature aging. Many proponents of an alkaline diet – where acidic foods like white bread, alcohol, caffeine and dairy are avoided in order to reach a more alkaline pH level – urge switching from table sale to Himalayan salt for it’s pH balancing benefits.
Because of Himalayan salt’s smoother, more subtle flavor, it’s easy to incorporate it into your diet in place of table salt. Because it has a larger crystal size than table salt, substitute 1 1/2 teaspoons for Himalayan salt for every 1 teaspoon of plain salt in recipes. If you’re more adventurous in the kitchen, look for pink Himalayan salt blocks in your cooking. The blocks can be cooled or heated, as their porous texture holds its temperature for a while, and used as a unique serving plate for dishes. Food can also be sauteed, baked and cured on the pink salt blocks, which imparts the food with the blocks’ delicately salty flavor. Looking for a lower maintenance way to reap the benefits of pink salt? Relax and have a soak in a warm bath with two tablespoons of dissolved salt in it. The salt will help detox the body while soothing sore muscles and replenishing skin.