Pink Himalayan salt is a mined product from the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains. It has become popular in the last few decades as a natural alternative to table salt. It is derived from Himalayan pink sea salt, which is considered to be the highest quality salt available. The pink color of the salt comes from iron mineral content and the dark color is due to copper. It is used for food seasoning, as an alternative to table salt, and in many other applications.
Pink Himalayan salt is mined mostly from two locations in Pakistan, namely Koh Dal lake and Chashmashahi Valley. These areas are two of the largest salt mines in Asia and produce the maximum amount of this pinkish salt per year. These deposits have been mined since ancient times and were first discovered by the Dutch in the 1800s. In the recent past, the production of Himalayan pink salt has increased manifold and the government of Pakistan has made it a point to boost its economy by exploiting its natural resources. Several environmental groups have criticized this mine for depleting the riverbed and flooding surrounding areas. Some of them feel that the mine should be closed and others want to see a limit on the production.
The major advantage of Himalayan pink salt over table salt is the absence of any toxic substances or heavy metals in it. It has more trace minerals than any other mineral present in nature and this makes it a healthy alternative to any other mineral. These trace minerals come from fossils and dead plant and animal matter and are extremely essential for the human body.
A huge range of health benefits can be gained by using Himalayan Pink Salt in cooking, in supplements, and at the same time also as a cleanser for the body. Himalayan crystal salt contains calcium, bromine, strontium, magnesium, zinc, iron, manganese, and several other minerals that are essential for good health. Irrespective, of where you buy this pink hue from, make sure that it is pure and not synthesized. Himalayan crystal salt does have the ability to absorb moisture and heat, so do not keep them in glass bottles which are very prone to heat damage. Pure salt comes with a distinctive pink color and hence is known as pink salt. Some of the other salts may also have traces of other minerals, but these substances will be negligible and insignificant and will definitely be less in comparison to the Himalayan crystal salt.
One of the most important advantages of using Himalayan pink salt is its purity. There are numerous salt mining companies around the world that are severely polluting the environment and even endangering the sea life that exists in the waters surrounding their mines. This affects fish stocks and destroys aquatic plants that depend on the sea for survival. The seafloor and marine organisms are getting contaminated with heavy metals and other harmful elements that come from the mine tailings and are transported to different parts of the world, affecting aquatic plants and fish stocks.
A large number of countries have banned the use of Himalayan pink salt because of all these environmental and health complications. However, the World Health Organization maintains that sodium chloride is still necessary for good health. It has also been mandated by countries to add Himalayan salt to their regular table salt so that they can be protected against cardiovascular diseases and certain respiratory infections. The US government too is keeping tabs on the pollution levels and adding them to food.
While most people believe that magnesium is an essential element for healthy bones and teeth, it has now become a fact that it is just one among many that are needed in the body. In fact, most people do not have the amount of magnesium in their bodies that is required for the proper functioning of different systems. This is why they are often found to experience fatigue and muscle pains. On the other hand, taking regular salt has made Himalayan pink salt an important dietary supplement for many people because it increases the level of magnesium in the body, enabling it to be used efficiently.
Although a lot of people do not know it yet, regular table salt does not contain any minerals that are needed in the human body. They are mostly made up of chemicals that have no effect whatsoever on the human body and cause only negative effects when consumed in high doses. Himalayan pink salt is made from natural minerals and contains trace amounts of essential minerals that are required by our bodies. It has also been found to be free from cancer-causing agents and is very beneficial for our overall health. Hence, it is now time to switch to this special kind of salt!