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Common salt is one of the most essential parts of our culinary. Our body requires salt in adequate amount, neither too little nor in excess. Sodium chloride in the common salt helps to regulate the blood pressure of your body. In recent years, table salt has become infamous because an excess of salt in our body can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, stomach cancer or kidney disease. But refined common salt is stripped off its essential nutrients due to which it loses its nutrient value. With the decline in the popularity of common salt, there has been a surge in the demand for Sea Salt, Rock Salt or Himalayan salt. In this article we are going to elucidate on Himalayan Salt, and how is it different from common salt and how is it beneficial in enhancing your health and beauty.
What Is Pink Himalayan Salt
Himalayan Salt is a rock salt which has a characteristic pink colour due to the presence of minerals such as iron oxide. It is extracted from Khewra mines which are situated at the foothills of salt range hill system stretching from the Punjab Province of Pakistan to the Indo-Gangetic plains. The Pink Himalayan Salt which is harvested in the foothills of salt range hill system is known to be formed from the evaporation of ancient water bodies. The salt thus extracted is minimally processed to yield unrefined pink coloured salt which is free of additives and is considered to be more in nutrient value than the regular table salt. This Pink Himalayan Salt is considered to be the natural alternative to the regular table salt. Pink Himalayan Salt is mainly composed of Sodium Chloride, and other 84 minerals and trace elements. This pink coloured salt is known for its rich flavour and purity.
Also Read : Ingredients In Depth - Pink Himalayan Salt
What Is The Difference Between Common Salt And Pink Himalayan Salt
Both Himalayan Salt and Common Salt are mainly composed of Sodium Chloride. Common salt is mined from underground salt deposits whereas Pink Himalayan Salt is mined from the salt deposits found in the foothill of the salt range hill system. Common Salt is heavily processed which eliminates a lot of minerals and has additives to prevent clumping whereas Himalayan Salts are the least processed salts and therefore contain vital minerals which are known to be beneficial for your body. The major difference between the two salts is: Apart from Sodium Chloride, Himalayan Salt also consists of Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Strontium, Molybdenum etc. In all, there are about 84 minerals and few trace elements in Pink Himalayan Salt which makes it the most preferred natural alternative to common salt.
How To Use Himalayan Salt?
The Himalayan Salt which is derived from the natural deposits found in the foothills of the Himalayas is known to be rich in minerals such as iodine. This makes it a healthy natural alternative to common salt. It is available in various shapes and sizes and you can choose according to your need. Let us have a look at some of the common uses of Himalayan Salt.
For Cooking
You can use it as a regular cooking salt or for seasoning as it clings to the surface and spreads evenly. You can add it in sauces and marinades. Pink Himalayan Salt is also used as a cooking surface, as people use large blocks of this salt to grill, bake or sear meat, fish etc.
Non-Dietary Uses
Pink Himalayan Salt is also known for its non-dietary uses.
- It is used in bath salts which are known to make your skin healthy and glowing. It also helps to soothe sore muscles.
- It is also used in home décor as Salt lamps which help to get rid of air pollutants. The salt lamps consist of large blocks of salt with a source of light placed inside it to heat the salt.
- Man-made salt caves are formed out of Pink Himalayan Salt and people usually come to spend some time in these man-made caves to improve their beauty as well as health because it is known to improve the skin condition and reduce respiratory problems.
Thus Pink Himalayan Salt is packed with beauty and health benefits as well. Apart from culinary use, this versatile salt is used to improve various health conditions as well.
Health Benefits Of Himalayan Salt
Pink Himalayan Salt is known to be quite beneficial for your health, because of the presence of minerals such as Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium and other vital minerals including trace elements make this dynamic ingredient, vital for your health. Let us have a look at some of the health benefits of Pink Himalayan Salt.
1. Helpful In Regulating Blood Sugar And Hormonal Imbalance
Regular intake of Himalayan Salt ensures a proper flow of fluids in the system. A balance between hormones and minerals is essential to improve insulin sensitivity and to prevent a sudden increase in the blood sugar level.
2. Sole Water To Flush Out Toxins
Sole water is the saturated water of Himalayan Salt. Consuming Sole water is good for your health as it contains all the beneficial properties of Himalayan Salt. For making Sole water, you need to fill 1/4th of the glass jar with Himalayan Salt and fill the remaining portion with water. Stir it well. Cover it and let it rest overnight to let the salt dissolve completely in water. Next morning you will observe a few traces of salt left behind which settle at the bottom of the jar. This water is fully saturated with Himalayan Salt and is known as Sole water which is ready for consumption. Mix 1 teaspoon of this Sole water to your regular drinking water and consume every morning. Regular consumption of this water is considered to be beneficial in balancing the pH levels in the body, eliminating toxins, boosts your energy levels and keeps your body well hydrated.
3. Improves Digestion
Himalayan Salt is beneficial in improving the process of digestion. It helps to activate salivary glands by releasing an enzyme known as Amylase which helps to digest carbs. It also stimulates Hydrochloric Acid and an enzyme which helps to break down food and helps in the digestion of proteins.
4. Preventing Respiratory Diseases
Himalayan Salt is used to treat various respiratory diseases. Salt therapy is known to be helpful in treating seasonal allergies, chest and nasal congestion. Generally, Salt Inhaler is used to relieve congestion, as the salty vapours when inhaled enters the respiratory system and its antibacterial and antimicrobial properties help to cleanse your sinus issue and lungs. Thus Himalayan Salt is proved to be effective in treating various respiratory conditions.
Also Read : 10 Effective Home Remedies For Nasal Congestion
5. Bath Soak
Himalayan Salt bath soak is very beneficial in rejuvenating your skin as the skin absorbs all the minerals present in the salt. For example, the zinc which is present in Himalayan Salt gets absorbed in the body and helps prevent skin scarring, similarly, chromium helps fight acne and sulphur makes your skin soft and smooth. The magnesium present in the Himalayan salt is beneficial in soothing cramped muscles and tissues. You can soak your feet in this saltwater to relax your muscles and relieve the pain. Alternatively, you can add Himalayan salt to lukewarm water to feel refreshed and energized.
6. Himalayan Salt Lamps For Air Purification
Himalayan salt lamps not only enhance the décor of your home but also act as air purifiers. These salt lamps are known to attract the moisture from the surrounding and due to the warmth, evaporate quickly on the surface. During the process of evaporation, the negative ions are created which react with the positive ions of the dust, dirt, pollen, pollutants and allergens and neutralize them.
Himalayan Salt is known to be the purest form of salt on the earth because it has been maturing over millions of years under these huge hills and enduring the immense tectonic pressure. These salts are mined, washed by hand and do not undergo any heavy processing, thus Himalayan Salt in its purest form is known to be one of the best healers.
Beauty Benefits Of Himalayan Salt
Pink Himalayan Salt which is the latest beauty trend in the food world is gradually gaining momentum in the cosmetic world as well because of its immense beauty benefits. The beauty benefits of Himalayan Salt are attributed to the fact that this salt is minimally processed, hence is natural and pure. At the same time, it contains numerous minerals such as Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Sodium, Potassium to name a few, which are considered to be beneficial for your skin as well as hair. Let us find out more about the beauty benefits of Himalayan Salt.
1. Skin Softening Scrub
Himalayan Salt is considered to be a natural exfoliator which helps to deeply cleanse your skin and remove the dead skin cells, debris from the skin surface making your skin soft and supple. You can prepare a homemade DIY body scrub by taking 1/4th cup of Himalayan Salt granules to ½ cup of coconut oil and mix well. Apply this mixture all over the body in a gentle circular motion.
Also Read : How to Remove Dead Skin- 10 Simple Remedies to Try Out for
Note: Before applying this DIY scrub all over the body, apply it on a small portion and see how your body reacts to Himalayan Salt.
2. pH Balancing Mask
Himalayan Salt is known to possess anti-inflammatory properties which have a soothing action on your itchy and irritated skin. It is also beneficial in retaining the moisture level of your skin. You can prepare this pH balancing mask by mixing 2 teaspoons of Himalayan Salt with 2 tablespoons of raw honey. Mix well and apply this mask evenly on your face and neck. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before washing off with lukewarm water.
3. Anti-Dandruff Scalp Treatment
Himalayan Salt helps to dissolve dandruff and product buildup on the scalp and it also helps stimulate blood circulation which improves the scalp condition, thus promoting the healthy growth of hair. It also absorbs excess of oil from the scalp and at the same time helps to keep your scalp moisturized. To help get rid of dandruff instantly divide your hair into equal sections and sprinkle salt all over your scalp and with wet fingers gently massage your scalp for 10 minutes. Wash off with a mild shampoo and then apply a good conditioner. You will see a noticeable difference in your scalp and hair.
4. Hair Styling
Himalayan Salt also acts as an excellent hairstyling agent. Take 1 teaspoon of Himalayan Salt and add it to 1 cup of warm water. To this add 1 tablespoon of Olive oil and leave-in conditioner. Mix well and fill the contents in a spray bottle and spray on your hair for that messy look and wavy locks.
5. Hydrating Toner
Toner is one of the most essential parts of your skincare routine which you cannot afford to miss and your Pink Himalayan Salt acts as an excellent toner too. It helps to tighten your skin and reduce the appearance of large pores. For making a toner you need 1/2 teaspoon of Himalayan Salt, 1 teaspoon of almond oil, few drops of lemon and 1 cup of distilled water. Mix all the ingredients and transfer the contents to a spray bottle and use this mixture as a toner once you are done with cleansing your face.
These are few of the beauty benefits of Pink Himalayan Salt which help to improve the texture and appearance of your skin making it soft, smooth and more radiant. Himalayan Salt is considered to be equally beneficial for your hair as well.
As Himalayan Salt is available in a pure and natural form, with numerous minerals and trace elements, it is considered to be helpful in treating numerous health conditions and beauty concerns as well. Be it your common salt or Himalayan salt, anything is excess is not good for health, so always use it in moderation.
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