Pink Salt has garnered significant attention for its health benefits and beautiful color starting the late 2000’s. Even though, there are almost 12 types of salt available in the market. Each one of them has a distinct taste and is found in different regions around the world. Millennials and Instagram have contributed to its rising popularity amongst Americans. Though a big portion of the scientific community is still skeptical about many claims being made about Pink Salt, it has not deterred its popularity among adults. Himalayan Pink Salt is here to stay.

What is Pink Salt?

It is a gourmet salt loved by home cooks and wellness experts alike. Chemically, pink salt contains 95% to 98% of NaCl just like regular table salt. Unlike iodized and regular table salt, Pink Salt is rich in minerals. Studies indicate that when comparing a kilo of salt with Himalayan pink salt, they found that compared to iodized table salt, it has a greater concentration of minerals.

Studies indicate that unlike pink salt varieties found in other parts of the world, it richer in nutrients like copper and potassium. Moreover, they contain a lower amount of harmful minerals like cadmium, lead, and sulfur. Moreover, color variation indicates that there is a slight difference in the concentration of minerals. Himalayan Pink salt crystals are either white or come in different shades of pink.

Darker pink granules contain a higher level of calcium, potassium, aluminum, and lower levels of magnesium when compared to colorless granules of Himalayan salt.

Medium pink and light pink granules contain a higher level of potassium and barium when compared to colorless granules.

Colorless granules contain a smaller amount of potassium and higher levels of magnesium when compared to medium pink crystals.

Where does Himalayan Pink Salt come from?

The biggest deposits of pink salt come from the Salt Range in the Punjab region in Pakistan. Mining began in the 1870s when the country was part of the British Colonies. It has been estimated that there are 6.7 billion tons in the mines out of which 220 million tons of pink salt have been excavated.

Most Himalayan Pink Salt is mined from Kehwra, a city located at the foothills of the Salt Range which is at the north of Jhelum city. It is almost 160 km south of Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. The Kehwra Salt mines consist of 40 kilometers worth of tunnels and 17 levels. Half of the mine is used to support the structure while the other half is drilled. Most of the salt at the Kehhwra mines is obtained through pickaxes, drills, and gunpowder. Which produces different block sizes. This is why most of the décor manufactured using these blocks is made by hand. Whereas salt intended for consumption is ground using machinery.

They produce almost 400,000 tons of Himalayan Pink Salt every year. Studies indicate that the Himalayan salt from this region is rich in minerals and devoid of harmful impurities such as Vanadium which has been found in Peruvian Pink Salt.

The reason why Pink salt has been labeled as Himalayan instead of Pakistani is that most producers have a hard time navigating the bureaucratic system involved in the export of products and fail to meet the quality standards of the U.S and Europe.  However, in recent years there has been a rise in producers of salt that have decided to get their hands dirty and comply with international quality standards and export it to the rest of the world.

Origin of Himalayan Pink Salt

According to legends, pink salt was discovered by the horses that were part of Alexander the Great’s army in 320 BC. However, the Salt Range has formed almost 800 million years ago according to estimates by UNESCO. The Range was formed when a shallow sea evaporated followed by the thrust of the Indian Plate which gave rise to a plate that was approximately 300 km long. It is called the Salt Range because of the rock salt embossed in the Precambrian red marls within the salt formation.

The Salt Range is not only famous for its salt but its geological value. There are various layers of fossilized rocks in the Salt Range from various periods such as the Cambrian Period and Lower Triassic. All of these layers are well exposed as they contain no vegetation and so, geologists all over the world come to study the Cambrian biostratigraphy. Besides, the salt range is rich in small fossil mammals from 18 million years ago, 14 million years old Deinotherium (an ancestor of the modern elephant) fossils and remains of a prehistoric ape called Sivapithecus indicus which is 12.3 million years old.

The Salt Range also has significant historical significance. It is the site where Alexander the Great fought his last battle. The range is also home to fortresses and monasteries founded in the 9^th and 19^th centuries like Kafirkot and Malot. Finally, it is also home to Early Mughal Empire remains such as Bagh-e-Safa the first Mughal garden in Asia.

Importance of Salt in our diets

Before understanding why Himalayan Pink Salt is special, it is important to understand the significance of salt. It is a controversial ingredient because it has been demonized because of its link to high blood pressure. Yet, cutting salt out from our diets is not smart because it performs several essential functions in our bodies which include:

• Maintains a healthy amount of nutrient levels: It is essential in the absorption of amino acids, glucose, and water as well as breaking down foods to help release nutrients.
• Regulates extracellular fluid volume: sodium is a major component in our blood’s plasma which bathes our cells. A salt deficiency can lead to dehydration and low blood pressure.
• Prevents electrolyte imbalance: Sodium, Chloride along with magnesium potassium, and calcium regulate and aid nerve conduction and muscle function.
• Prevents Iodine deficiency: Regular salt can also be iodized to prevent Iodine Deficiency Disorders like hypothyroidism.

Salt consumption is important. However, moderating our intake is key to reaping the benefits of salt. An excessive intake of salt, more than 6 grams of salt per day is associated with a slew of cardiovascular diseases. It is also the biggest culprit behind high blood pressure which is known as a silent killer.  The World Health Organization recommends less than 2 grams of sodium per day. This is especially true for individuals who are genetically susceptive to hypertension.

Why is Himalayan Pink Salt special?

Many physicians such as Dr. Oz believe that Himalayan Pink Salt has several benefits

Aiding in respiration: its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties aid in treating sinus infections. A saline solution of pink salt and water can be used as a washout to loosen mucus and clear the sinuses. However, it is important to notice that it is no replacement for medical treatment or medicine. It is meant to be used as support.

Relaxes the muscles: Making a DIY scrub using Pink Salt and essential oil of our choice can soothe your muscles and improve circulation. Similarly, it can be used in a bath soak to relieve the muscles.

A healthier alternative: While it is true that only 2% to 5% of Himalayan Salt contains minerals while the rest is table salt. It is healthier than processed salt because of its impurities. Moreover, unlike table salt, it is free of potentially dangerous ingredients such as yellow prussiate of soda. It is also not stripped of its natural minerals such as magnesium and calcium.

There are also claims that Himalayan Pink Salt provides health benefits such as :

• Aids digestion
• Balances the body’s PH
• Induces better sleep
• Promotes kidney and gallbladder health
• Reduces the signs of aging
• Strengthens bones
• Detoxifies the body of heavy metals
• Is easier for the body to process
• Regulates blood sugar levels

And many more. However, many of these claims have not been proven yet or researched extensively by the scientific community.

Himalayan Pink Salt Uses

It is a versatile ingredient that is used for a variety of purposes. From cooking to therapy to home décor the uses of Pink Salt are various.

Cooking

It is very popular among millennial home cooks because of its aesthetic color and the lack of additives. Table Salt is typically refined in purification plants removing its natural minerals while sea salt may sometimes be treated with chemicals. However, Himalayan Pink Salt is obtained by crushing the salt in mines

Décor

Everything from bricks shot glasses, zen cubes, and candle holders have taken the world by storm. Small decoration pieces made with Pink salt are very aesthetic and can brighten any home. They are easily available on Instagram stores and specialty stores.

Pink Salt Lamps

Slabs of Pink Salt release believed to release negative ions into the space in which it is present. These negative ions would then get rid of dust particles in the air. As result, they purify the air in your home and potentially alleviate allergy symptoms.

Salt Slabs

Many chefs cook food or serve food on Slabs of pink salt because it removes the need of adding salt, and adds a boost of flavor thanks to its mineral content. It retains heat for long periods making it ideal for baking or grilling. It does not require any cooking oil or butter.   However, it can also be used to serve cold dishes such as sushi, cheeses, etc.  It’s also a visually appealing serving platter bound to impress. Since salt is antimicrobial, a salt slab reduces the chances of food poisoning.

Halotherapy

Many spas offer these rooms made of salt or “salt caves” where customers can sit in and meditate. A device called a halogenerator which releases microscopic salt particles into the air. Once inhaled, they reduce inflammation and break up mucus in the body. Research indicates that when used with physiotherapy equipment it is it can 85.6% effective at alleviating the symptoms of various respiratory diseases such as sinusitis and asthma. It has also been shown to help with skin diseases such as rosacea and eczema.

DIY Spa Therapy

Many DIY enthusiasts think of as a beauty product Himalayan Pink Salt as a base for all sorts of spa products: scrubs, bath salts, soaps bars, candle diffusers, and much more. The reason why it’s popular is because of the presence of trace minerals, and of course its signature aesthetic color. However, there is a proportion of people who also use to treat certain skin conditions such as Eczema. The national eczema association does recommend adding a cup of salt to bathwater to relieve eczema flare-ups.

Himalayan Pink salt is found in the Salt Range in Pakistan which was formed almost 800 million years ago. It is a remnant of ancient times that still retains its purity. Pink salt is primarily mined in the Khewra Salt Mines in Pakistan. It has been mined since the 1870s and started picking up popularity in the late 2000s.  It is rich in minerals such as Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Manganese, and Iron which gives it its distinct pink color. The difference in the shades of pink of Himalayan Salt comes from a higher presence of certain minerals. In addition to all the benefits salt provides, Himalayan pink salt also helps alleviate the symptoms of respiratory illnesses, relaxes the muscles, and is a healthier alternative to processed table salt. For these reasons and its aesthetic appearance Pink salt remains a popular ingredient despite the skepticism of many.

Import the high-quality rock salt straight from the Himalayas to your table. We know importing is hard, that is why we do all the heavy lifting. With PinkKehwra you can cut out the middlemen and buy directly from us. We cater to individuals, families, and industrial customers because we have warehouses in multiple cities to help deliver your order at the best price as quickly as possible. Contact us at 202 2882622 or visit us at 1221 24th St NW #606 Washington, D.C 20037