Himalayan pink salt has quickly become one of the most popular specialty salt products on the market. But what exactly is it and what makes it stand out from sea salt or table salt?
Straight from the Majestic Mountains of Pakistan
While many assume the Himalayas, true Himalayan pink salt hails specifically from Pakistan, home to 36 peaks over 7,000 meters including K2, the tallest after Everest. This iconic Pakistani salt originates in the Punjab region’s Salt Range, an outer foothill system stretching 300 miles across the Potohar Plateau. It often comes from the ancient Khewra Salt Mine, one of the world’s oldest and largest salt mines. The stunning natural pink hue and therapeutic mineral composition of this salt can be attributed to a pristine geological journey over 500 million years ago in the Precambrian Age when a primal inland sea evaporated, leaving the valuable deposits.
What is Himalayan Pink Salt?
Himalayan pink salt consists mainly of sodium chloride, just like regular salt, but with up to 84 trace ions and elements. These include magnesium, calcium, potassium, copper and iron, many of which are vital micronutrients for human health. The varying mineral content is what gives the salt its signature rosy hue, ranging from white to deep red based on the concentration of these elements.
Compared to table salt, which is highly processed and stripped of minerals, pink Himalayan salt is touted as a more natural alternative closer to an unrefined state. The minerals add subtle flavor nuances and texture differences as well. Himalayan pink salt crystals tend to be coarser and are often sold finely ground as a cooking salt or shaped into cooking slabs, bricks and blocks.
Himalayan Pink Salt Benefits and Effects on Health
Himalayan pink salt has quickly gained popularity due to its potential health and wellness benefits. As an unrefined, mineral-rich salt, it offers advantages over highly processed table salt. While research is still emerging, many integrative health proponents believe Himalayan salt provides essential elements.
What Minerals Are In Himalayan Pink Salt?
Unlike table salt stripped of minerals, Himalayan salt boasts dozens of elements your body relies on:
Sodium – Pink Himalayan salt contains moderate amounts of sodium, which helps regulate fluid balance and nerve transmission.
Magnesium – This mineral supports muscle and nerve function throughout the body. It also regulates blood glucose levels.
Calcium – Getting enough calcium is imperative for bone health, growth and strength. Himalayan salt provides a boost.
Potassium – Necessary for fluid balance, potassium facilitates cardiac muscle contractions and steadies blood pressure.
Copper – Copper allows the body to form red blood cells and aids energy production in cells.
Iron – As a carrier of oxygen in the blood, iron is integral for many vital processes like cell growth and pregnancy.
Zinc – Over 300 enzymes in the body rely on zinc to catalyze essential chemical reactions. It regulates immune function.
what are the 84 minerals in Himalayan pink salt
In total, Himalayan pink salt consists of 84 trace ions and elements. Though minute in quantity, these include copper, iron and zinc which serve vital bodily functions. The breadth of minerals is what creates the signature color and taste.
Himalayan Pink Salt Benefits
With so many essential minerals, advocates believe Himalayan pink salt can have noticeable benefits over time:
Detoxification – Assists removal of airborne pollutants when used in salt inhalers. May also aid lymphatic drainage.
Hydration – Electrolytes encourage water balance and retention. Can offset effects of arid climates.
Digestion – Salts stimulate hydrochloric acid. This facilitates good gut health and nutrient absorption.
Circulation – Minerals benefit heart health markers like BP. May boost peripheral blood flow.
Anti-inflammatory – Contains compounds that moderately combat free radicals and inflammation.
Sleep quality – Links to stabilized serotonin production and cortisol reduction at night.
The rich mineral content may explain many experiential health benefits of Himalayan salt. More research is still needed to substantiate these claims fully. But using a pinch as seasoning seems better than stripped-down table salt.
Is Himalayan Pink Salt Healthy?
Compared to refined table salt, pink Himalayan salt may have less adverse effects in excess due to its more balanced ratio. Many people use specialty Himalayan salt for its suggested benefits:
However, most claims are anecdotal and lack solid clinical research so far. Some scientists argue many trace elements exist only in negligible amounts. But proponents maintain even small quantities can make a difference over time.
Is Himalayan Pink Salt Bad for You?
For most people, Himalayan pink salt is generally considered safe. But anyone with severe sodium-restricted diets should consult a doctor before using. Like table salt, it still has high sodium levels so is unadvisable for some heart conditions or hypertension.
Does Pink Himalayan Salt Have Iodine?
Iodine is an essential micronutrient, especially important for healthy thyroid function and metabolism. Many table salts contain added iodine to prevent deficiencies, which can disrupt hormone activity.
Unlike conventional table salt, pink Himalayan salt does not naturally contain iodine. The 84 trace ionic minerals it boasts does not include notable levels of iodine compounds. This is due to the ancient geological origins before marine life introduced high iodine levels to ocean waters.
Some brands add miniscule amounts of iodine to their pink salt blend. But in general, Himalayan pink salt should not be relied on as an adequate dietary source of this key nutrient. Those monitoring iodine levels should be cautious using it regularly.
Why is Himalayan Salt Pink?
Himalayan salt’s defining pastel pink color results from the exceptionally wide array of trace minerals found within the crystals. Mineral impurities tint rock salts’ normally white hue into various spectral shades. The concentration and combination of these colorful ions accounts for Himalayan salt’s rosy blush.
Iron compounds give salt deposits a strong red or orange aspect. Higher proportions lend deeper fuchsia tones to the salt while lower create pale pink. Manganese, copper and activated carbon account for purple notes. Matrix minerals like magnesium and calcium oxide contribute chalky white streaks mingling with the pink hues. These elements make each formation unique based on local mineralogy.
Kirkland Himalayan Pink Salt
As demand grows for niche artisanal salts, major brands now offer high-quality Himalayan salt at affordable bulk prices. Costco’s signature Kirkland label sources coarse crystals straight from Pakistan’s Potohar Plateau, crushed into flakes perfect for culinary uses.
Independent testing verifies minerals match comparable premium brands. Rigorous grading by grain size allows their salt to meet discerning chef standards. Careful washing ensures purity. The convenient coarse grind helps unlock all the signature flavor and mineral infusion Himalayan salt offers.
Bring Home an Ancient Treasure
Seeking out authentic Himalayan pink salt straight from Pakistan means enjoying the same holistic salt that naturally formed in Earth’s most ancient mountain ranges. Every salty crystal holds an intriguing story linking back through the ages to a time before humans. The beautiful color, texture and mineral richness make for ideal cooking salt or health-boosting treatments. Pins and needles have nothing over mesmerizing pink salt bricks. Bring a piece of geological history to your home while boosting health at the same time. As one of the top exports among artisanal food products, Himalayan pink salt represents an iconic taste of Pakistan’s ancient mountains and modern excellence.