Himalayan pink salt, also called pink salt or pink crystal salt, is a salt derived from sulfur deposits in the foothills of the Himalayan range. It is one of the oldest salts on earth and was discovered by Sir Alfred Wallace in 18 48. Since then, it has been used not only for its distinctive pink hue, but for its many other attributes including its healing properties, its hygienic benefits and its various cosmetic applications. Himalayan pink salt can be found in many countries worldwide. In addition to the United States, this salt can also be found in India, Tibet and the rehabilitation centers in Germany.
Himalayan pink salt is a highly refined salt that contains trace amounts of iron oxide, making it slightly less dense than the traditional rock salt we all know and love. This is a benefit since the salt can then readily absorb small amounts of iron or other minerals that it may come in contact with. Trace amounts of iron oxide are needed to make the pink color of this mineral. Other trace minerals found in the himalayan salt include magnesium, potassium, calcium and phosphorus.
In addition to the pink hue, this mineral contains small quantities of other beneficial minerals that are important to our health. These include copper, manganese, sodium, zinc and iron. This mineral is easily absorbed by our bodies and does not produce any waste while being broken down so it is easily flushed away from the body in small quantities.
One of the most popular health benefits associated with this pink himalayan salt comes from its ability to lower the blood pressure in people suffering from hypertension. However, while this mineral does lower blood pressure, there are still other health benefits that Pakistan’s inhabitants are taking advantage of because it can also help in reducing the number and symptoms of heart attacks as well as lowering the possibility of a stroke. This is due to the copper content found in the salt.
Certain types of bacteria found in the pink salt caves have been proven to be effective against certain types of fungi. These bacteria are effective in improving respiratory health for those who suffer from respiratory conditions such as asthma. This is mainly due to their ability to inhibit and eliminate airborne pathogens. Respiratory infections are known to trigger an increase in the production of mucus which in turn stimulates an overproduction of bacteria within the lungs. This bacterial overproduction can lead to various diseases such as pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and chronic obstruction to the respiratory tract.
Some pink salt comes packaged with a blend of minerals such as iron, chromium and manganese which improve the absorption of iron from food. The presence of iron increases the absorption of chromium and manganese which allows you to reduce your dependence on red meat. However, these minerals also help in improving the hardness of your blood. Another mineral present in pink Himalayan salt is zinc which works in decreasing blood sugar. Other minerals found in pink Himalayan salt include magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium and manganese which are beneficial in improving respiratory health.
Since magnesium is one of the trace amounts of essential minerals and because it helps in increasing the hardness of blood it is often included in salt remedies. It helps in lowering cholesterol and triglycerides which are also responsible for coronary artery blockage. As for calcium, it contributes to bone strength as well as healthy teeth and bones. Potassium is found in salt remedies because this mineral helps in balancing water levels in the body and this aids in proper mineral absorption.
Sodium is also one of the trace amounts of sodium which is needed for transmitting nerve signals and for conducting various body functions. The presence of sodium in your blood gives rise to problems related to heart and kidney. There is little evidence to suggest that pink Himalayan salt works in reducing blood pressure. However, it is important to note that any beneficial effect on your blood pressure can only be attained if you use a salt with a naturally lower sodium concentration.