Pink Himalayan Salt: 5 Reasons to Ditch Regular Table Salt

Pink Himalayan salt is a special type of rock salt that contains plenty of health benefits, particularly because it offers more than 84 natural elements in their mineral form. Being formed more than 250 million years ago, it is considered as the purest and most valuable salt on earth today.

Studies have shown that it has incredible ionic energy, which means that it helps to neutralize electromagnetic radiation and air pollution. Due to this, pink Himalayan salt is also used in the form of crystal salt lamps, bath salts, and as cooking slabs.

Where Does Himalayan Salt Originate from?
It originates from the foothills of the Himalayan mountains in Pakistan and is found in salt beds that are protected by layers of ancient lava. It is collected and hand washed, being crafted either into thick slabs or ground into crystal form.

Why is it Healthier than Table Salt?
Being the product of ancient tectonic pressure combined with natural spring water, Himalayan salt contains no contaminants or pollutants, unlike table salt, which is made from chemically cleaned sodium chloride.

Table salt also contains added iodine, anti-caking agents, and bleach, which is known to overwhelm the body’s elimination and fluid balance systems.

What are the Health Benefits?

Improves Digestion
Studies have shown that Himalayan pink salt helps to stimulate the salivary glands and activates digestive enzymes, which is important for the proper functioning of the digestive system. This ensures that the stomach maintains a proper pH balance and helps to balance the rate at which food is broken down.

Boosts Immunity
Being naturally antimicrobial and antibacterial means that it helps to eliminate harmful bacteria and germs from the body, which is an excellent support system for the immune system.

In fact, Himalayan salt is so good for improving overall health that it is used for inhalation therapy to help reduce allergies, clear nasal passages and improve the symptoms of asthma.

Reduces Water Retention
The World Health Organization recommends limiting salt intake to 2000 milligrams per day, which is equivalent to one teaspoon per day, to maintain a healthy fluid balance.

However, Himalayan pink salt contains up to 82% less sodium and is 100% natural, which means that a simple switch from table salt to this incredible sea salt will help to prevent excess water retention while additionally being more flavourful.

Balances Blood Pressure
Hypertension, a dangerous condition of chronic high blood pressure, can be caused by an excess of sodium and additives in the diet, which makes it important to cut out table salt and to replace it with Himalayan salt.

Research has shown that this simple switch can help to reduce and balance blood pressure within 21 days, which helps to reduce the risk of developing heart disease and strokes.

Prevents Muscle Cramps
Magnesium is an important mineral for preventing muscle cramps, menstrual cramps, and spasms, and Himalayan salt contains plenty of it.

These natural salt crystals are highly absorbable, offering the body a rich dose of purifying minerals that help to rejuvenate fatigued muscles. Some athletes are known to add a pinch of pink salt to their drinking water to improve electrolyte and fluid balance, which prevents unnecessary cramping.

Where to Buy it?
Pink Himalayan salt can be bought online, at health food stores, and is becoming more popular in the health food section of grocery stores. Use just like ordinary salt, either in a grinder or in finely ground form.

Contributed by Sophie Robinson, who blogs at Natural News.

Sources:
http://www.healthyhubb.com/10-amazing-health-benefits-of-pink-himalayan-salt/
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs393/en/
http://www.actiononsalt.org.uk/salthealth/Recommendations%20on%20salt/
http://geology.gsapubs.org/content/16/1/3.short
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/news/notes/2013/salt_potassium_20130131/en/
http://themeadow.com/pages/minerals-in-himalayan-pink-salt-spectral-analysis
http://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure/facts.htm