What is Himalayan Salt?

You may have noticed that almost all my recipes of late include, Sea Salt, more specifically; I have switched to using Himalayan Pink Sea Salt exclusively.

“Himalayan Salt is far superior to traditional salt. Himalayan Salt is millions of years old and pure, untouched by many of the toxins and pollutants that pervade other forms of ocean salt.”

Himalayan Salt is a pure, hand-mined salt that is derived from ancient sea salt deposits, and it is believed to be the purest form of salt available.


Is it healthy?

Himalayan Salt has a purer and higher in mineral content than that of regular table salt. “This form of salt has also been maturing over the past 250 million years under intense tectonic pressure, creating an environment of zero exposure to toxins and impurities.”

“Himalayan Salt has a rich mineral content that includes over 84 minerals and trace elements such as: calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper and iron.”

“Regular consumption of Himalayan Salt provides essential minerals, trace elements, balances electrolytes, supports proper nutrient absorption, eliminates toxins, balances the body’s pH, normalizes blood pressure, and increases circulation and conductivity. It can also assist with relief from arthritis, skin rashes, psoriasis, herpes, and flu and fever symptoms.”

Traditional table salt has been stripped of iodine and other nutrients via “chemical cleaning.” What’s left is sodium chloride or an unnatural chemical form of salt that the body doesn’t recognize.

As table salt is not naturally white, it has also been bleached. You’ll notice that Himalayan Salt ranges in color from sheer white, varying shades of pink, to deep reds, the result of high mineral and iron content.
Himalayan Salt is typically hand-mind, hand-washed, hand-crushed and sun dried. Table salt is typically mined from underground salt deposits. Table salt is more heavily processed to eliminate minerals and usually contains an additive to prevent clumping.


What to do with it…

Use Himalayan Salt just as you would normal salt as it dissolves in the same way. This enables you to cook and bake with it. This salt goes well with soups, salads, pasta, vegetables, grains, baked goods, pancakes and anywhere else you desire are little saltiness.

Himalayan Salt can also be used topically for therapeutic reasons, such as: to stimulate circulation, relax the body, soothe sore muscles and remove toxins from the body. Use Himalayan Salt in bath salt recipes, body scrubs, aromatherapy and for all types of spa applications.


Where to get it…

I keep my pantry stocked with FunFresh Foods Himalayan Pink Sea Salt from Vitacost.com or Amazon. Although due to its gaining popularity you may find it in regular grocery stores and most definitely gourmet shops.


How to Store it…

This type of salt has as self-life about 4-5 years when stored in an airtight container in a cool dry place.

Keep It Healthy!

Sources:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sea-salt/AN01142

http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/himalayan-crystal-salt-benefits/

http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/pinksalt.php