Among its many uses, unrefined Himalayan salt is used in cooking and for food presentation. In addition to replacing refined table salt, it's also used in decorative lamps and spa treatments. Read on to learn more about its benefits. We'll also cover some of its non-dietary uses. Read on to discover what you can do with Himalayan pink salt!…And why you'll love it!
Unrefined Himalayan salt
Wild Pink Himalayan salt is mined deep beneath the Himalayan mountains. It's hundreds of millions of years old, which makes it the purest salt on Earth, completely free of man-made pollution. This salt has a smooth, delicate flavor that's even more subtle than quality sea salts. Here's how to enjoy this amazing salt in cooking:
Unrefined pink Himalayan salt contains trace minerals that contribute to its pink hue. It's naturally high in minerals, and it has strict quality standards and guidelines. Some people mistakenly believe that the darker the salt, the better. In reality, the higher the crystal clarity, the higher the quality. Though there are a wide variety of Himalayan salt grades, clear diamond-like crystals are the most desirable.
Health benefits
The health benefits of pink Himalayan salt may surprise you. This salt is naturally high in iodine, a mineral that's important for proper thyroid function and cell metabolism. While common table salt does contain iodine, it's typically added during the processing process. If you're deficient in iodine, it may be wise to choose pink salt as a supplement.
One great way to reap the benefits of pink Himalayan salt is by soaking your feet in a brine bath. Not only does this relieve the symptoms of dry winter skin, but it may also improve dermal absorption. Magnesium in the salt can also promote hydration. It can also be used for soothing skin conditions, such as eczema. For added benefits, some spas and salons also offer Himalayan salt rooms, which are man-made salt caves.
Flavor
There's no doubt that the natural pink Himalayan salt has a distinct flavor and aroma. Its larger granules allow you to sprinkle a bit on your food, and you can add a pinch or more for greater flavor. While some people might prefer the taste of coarse salt, this natural sea salt is unlikely to overwhelm your taste buds. You can use a pinch for every teaspoon of salt used in cooking.
Moreover, unrefined salt helps in the digestion of food. The minerals and trace elements in pink Himalayan salt help the body to metabolize nutrients more effectively. They also keep the digestive system regular. Excessive intake of sodium can adversely affect your digestion. Low levels of stomach acid can also lead to leaky gut syndrome and inflammatory bowel syndrome. They may also negatively affect the skin.
Non-Dietary uses
The most obvious non-dietary use of pink Himalayan salt is as a cooking surface. The large blocks can be used to grill, burn, or simply add a salty flavor to food. It can be purchased in different forms, from finely ground to larger crystals. However, consumers should be aware of the size and weight of the crystals when using them. In addition, pink salt is more expensive than ordinary table salt.
Other non-dietary uses of pink Himalayan salt include cosmetics and spa treatments. This salt is an excellent substitute for table salt. It contains no artificial colors or additives and is free of preservatives and additives. In fact, it is a great natural substitute for table salt, thanks to its health benefits. However, be wary of the many marketing claims. The majority of non-dietary uses of pink Himalayan salt are unproven.
Cost
The cost of pink Himalayan salt can range from $5 to $8 per 100 grams, making it 20 times more expensive than generic table salt. Regular table salt is made by drilling underground sea beds and refining it in purification plants. These purification processes strip the natural minerals from the salt, making it pure sodium chloride. Sea salt is mined from the ocean floor, and unlike table salt, it is usually unprocessed, so its natural minerals remain intact.
The Himalayas produce a unique pink salt that is used by food producers around the world. It is mined on the outskirts of the city of Khewra in Pakistan. It is hundreds of miles away from the iconic Himalayan peaks. The salt is formed from the ruins of a 600 million-year-old lagoon. It is highly palatable for both cooking and tabletop uses.