Pink Himalayan salt is the saltiest of salts and can only be found in four places on Earth. Himalayan salt has its beginnings in the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains, where ancient Indians discovered that the mineral substance had many health benefits. Today, Himalayan salt products are used throughout the world for a variety of uses including salt treatment, alternative healing, and as a popular home remedy for colds and flu. The beauty of Himalayan salt is that it is rare and precious and is difficult to obtain, making it a more valuable buy than normal table salt.
Pink Himalayan salt comes from quartz crystal deposits deep under the Himalayan Mountains. Because of the location of these deposits, it is extremely difficult to mine, yet every year thousands of people use them. The salt, which tends to have a reddish-pink tint due to trace minerals, is used primarily as a cooking ingredient to replace regular table salt but has also been used traditionally as a bath additive and for spa treatments. There are rumors that the minerals in the salt have aphrodisiac qualities, though no scientific research has been done to confirm this. Some people use it as an alternative to salt and iodine therapy, believing that it has properties that counterbalance the harmful effects of iodine.
Most of the salt in the world comes from quarries in countries including China, India, Pakistan, Tibet, and the United States. Much of the salt in the US is imported from China. Since Himalayan salt tends to be much heavier and bulkier than sea salt, it is shipped in large containers, and the containers must be kept at very high temperatures or they will burst and spill. In addition, because the salt is so heavy, most of it must be shipped in truck-mounted trucks, which are very expensive.
Himalayan pink salt can have all sorts of interesting properties. For example, it can help fight bacteria, including viruses, because the crystals contain sulfur compounds. It can help heal wounds, aid digestion, and promote weight loss. There are even some claims that it can prevent certain types of cancer, though this has not been fully researched. There have also been claims that it can help reverse the signs of aging. On the other hand, these claims remain highly controversial, and no definitive evidence linking the crystals to any benefits has ever been discovered.
One of the most fascinating benefits of Himalayan pink salt comes from how the elements combine to make sodium. Because the minerals and salt react to each other, there is an ion exchange process, which is why the salt can have all sorts of beneficial health effects. When two different sodium ions come together, they become a new compound called sodium bicarbonate. This new compound is actually a base for other trace minerals to be deposited into.
Biotin, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc are just some of the trace amounts of minerals that can be found in Himalayan salt. Each of these minerals is great for supporting a healthy diet. In addition, trace amounts of these minerals can be used to correct vitamin deficiencies. There is a lot of evidence that supports the idea that deficiency of certain trace amounts of these minerals can contribute to disease. It also sheds light on the fact that there may be an optimal level of some of these minerals for your particular health needs, which allows you to use natural therapies and supplements in treating various health conditions.
Salt rocks are formed when layers of rock underground reach the surface of the earth. During this process, the minerals within the rock can absorb heat and release it as steam. If you have ever taken a hot, dry shower, then you have experienced part of the heat released by these minerals. Many companies utilize this heat source to produce salt. Himalayan salt contains trace amounts of calcium, magnesium, and selenium, all of which are necessary for good bone health, along with helping to correct vitamin deficiencies, as well as strengthening the immune system.
Salt rocks are also useful for people who suffer from various circulatory ailments. High blood pressure can be a problem for many people, and salt can help lower it. As blood pressure rises, the salt can act to flush it out, which reduces the amount of stress in the body and increases energy levels. A lot of research has been done on this topic and there does not seem to be a clear consensus about the health effects of pink salt. For now, it seems to be a placebo effect, but some scientists have used it to support theories about the effect of blood sugar levels on our health.