Salt is and has been throughout history a fundamental element in our diet , serving both in the preparation of dishes and when preserving food. It is, at least in the case of those used for consumption, sodium chloride, a necessary component for life and the electrolyte balance of the body (although it is already present in foods naturally).

However, as we already know, too much salt in the diet is tremendously harmful and can lead to life-threatening conditions and health conditions. That is why the existence of alternatives that apparently have lower levels of sodium and are healthier is desirable, and such alternatives are becoming increasingly popular.

An example of this is the increasingly common Himalayan pink salt , which we will discuss in this article.

Himalayan Pink Salt

A type of pink salt from the Himalayas is called Himalayan pink salt that, despite its name , does not come from the Himalayas but from the Khewra salt mine in Pakistan . It is a type of rock salt, since it comes from mines and not from the sea, which is widely sold throughout the world as one of the most natural and healthy salts, and is even attributed medicinal properties.

It is a natural and unrefined salt, something that has earned it the admiration of many. Also, is usually more expensive than normal , being often considered as a type of exotic gourmet salt.

It is generally said that it has around 84 essential components for our diet, although some studies seem to indicate that only around ten of them have been found in the samples analysed. Specifically, it has been observed that sodium chloride (this being the majority component), magnesium, potassium, iron, copper, cobalt, chromium, zinc, fluorine, gold, calcium, manganese and iodine. In addition, the presence of impurities in the form of gypsum (and in some cases, although in a negligible proportion, lead, mercury or arsenic) has also been observed.

Its main use is in the kitchen, where it is especially attractive both because of its different appearance from common salt and because of the benefits it is considered to have. It has also been used as a decorative element , as an element to add to the water when we bathe and there are even lamps with this type of salt.

Its alleged properties

Ever since the so-called pink gold was named and introduced by Peter Ferreira in Germany, there has been talk of the supposed medicinal properties of this type of salt .

These include the presumed ability to reduce atherosclerosis, regulate blood pressure and prevent arrhythmias, as well as helping to treat asthma or osteoporosis (supposedly by strengthening bones). It has also been said that this type of salt favours the acid-base balance of the blood and that it has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action, and that it helps to regulate the amount of glucose in the blood (something that would be useful for diabetics), to prevent cramps and to improve libido and sleep. It is also said to improve kidney function, prevent fluid retention and facilitate hydration.

What the studies seem to indicate

As we have indicated in the previous section, the properties that have been indicated so far are properties that have been attributed to it. Although some of them are true, others are based on the existence of specific minerals that in order to generate a real positive effect would require a massive consumption of salt (which on the other hand would generate adverse effects) . Unfortunately, and as can be deduced from some studies carried out, behind many of these advantages we can find a considerable marketing strategy.

It is true that we are dealing with a natural and unrefined type of salt, not being processed and therefore not chemically manipulating its properties, something that on the other hand can allow its impurities to reach the table. However, there are authors who indicate that in reality pink salt owes its colouring to a process of elaboration , not being as natural or pure as it is intended.

Another remarkable point is that although its composition is practically the same as that of other salts and it is mainly made up of sodium chloride, it does have a saltier taste (something that makes us eat less) and that by starting with large blocks of salt the amount of sodium in each portion is less. Ultimately, this can have a positive effect or rather not affect health as much as other salts at the vascular level .

In addition, like other salts, it also participates in regulating the electrolyte balance of the body and contributes to fluid retention. It also makes sense that it can help prevent cramps, since some of them are caused by low electrolyte levels. As far as the rest of the alleged properties are concerned, a greater level of research will be needed to assess them, as there is not enough evidence at the moment or they are considered to be directly false.

Bibliographic references:

  • Hall, H. (2017). “Pink Himalayan Sea Salt: An Update.” Science-based Medicine.

    • .