Himalayan salt is a rock salt mined in the Himalayan mountains of Pakistan. The salt, which tends to have a reddish-brown color due to trace elements, is mainly used as a popular food additive both for its taste and as a health food item to replace enriched table salt. Himalayan salt also has many religious uses in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. It is used in wedding ceremonies as well as salt lamps used during meditation and prayer.
Although Himalayan salt has a long history of use in food preparation, the salts are now used mostly for decorative purposes. Salt lamps are popular Himalayan salt uses because of their unique color, which ranges from light orange to a rich brownish pinkish tone depending on the mineral content of the salt. Salt lamps produce an atmosphere similar to that of a relaxing sauna, without the hot steam and the need to clean up the dust by hand. In addition, Himalayan salt lamps naturally have a slightly different color grade than traditional salt lamps because they contain trace minerals that have been extracted from the Himalayan Mountains, making them significantly different from typical table salts. Himalayan salt lamps can be used in any room in the home or office to enhance the natural beauty of any space.
Himalayan salt can be found in many stores selling alternative or health foods, such as salt and stoves, cookware, salt blocks, herbal products, and even cosmetics. Most health food stores carry Himalayan salt in small 2-inch crystal blocks with a color ranging from pale pink to a slightly off-white. The salt is available in three different crystal types: white crystal, red crystal, and purple crystal. White and red crystalline salt tends to be the least refined and most concentrated purple crystal salt tends to be much more refined, but less highly colored and is often used in baking.
Himalayan salt crystal is a major source of the mineral sodium. Because of its sodium content, it is important to maintain proper levels of salt in the body, especially if you need to reduce your blood pressure. When blood sodium levels are too high, sodium can not dissolve in the fluids around the body as it is required and will build up in the cells instead. As a result, your body tends to lose water weight, causing you to feel bloated and generally look and feel unhealthy.
Himalayan pink salt contains trace minerals, which help to promote healthy cell growth and function. Regular table salt only contains sodium and chloride, while Himalayan salt contains magnesium, potassium, calcium, and other important minerals. Because of the wide range of minerals, it contains, Himalayan pink salt is a healthier alternative than regular salt. It also contains helpful trace minerals like calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium, all of which help to improve your overall health.
Regular table salt cannot be considered "dietary" because it contains no nutrients other than sodium chloride. Himalayan salt on the other hand is different. It is made from clay that is rich in zinc, calcium, and magnesium, as well as trace minerals like calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium. By taking these essential minerals and others, you can have a healthier diet and enjoy better overall health. Himalayan salt contains 98 percent sodium chloride, and as such is a much healthier alternative than regular salt.
The benefits of Himalayan salt do not end there. It also helps to prevent hypertension, heart disease, osteoporosis, stroke, and certain cancers. There is scientific evidence that Himalayan salt intake can increase your life span by as much as fifteen years, as well as lower your risk for heart attack, high blood pressure, and kidney stones. This means that you can enjoy better health, more energy, and improved longevity with little effort.
It should also be noted that Himalayan salt consumption lowers your risk for some types of cancer. Specifically, lung cancer and colon cancer have been shown to be lower in salt consumers. This is largely due to iodine, which is found in high quantities in the mineral. Iodine is essential in fighting a range of diseases including autism, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, thyroid disease, and skin disorders such as eczema and acne. As you can see, the benefits of Himalayan salt consumption go far beyond just looking and feeling healthier.