Himalayan Pink Crystal Salt

Himalayan Pink Crystal Salt is a delicious natural gourmet salt that is popular in Europe and new to the U.S. market. Said to be mined from the Himalayan mountain region of Pakistan, it is free from the additives and heavy metals found in processed table salt and is being studied for its health benefits. It is mined in huge chunks and is available as a gourmet cooking salt in various sized grains. It is also available in natural salt licks for farm animals and in non-food grade form, like crystal lamps and bath salts. Himalayan salt comes from an ancient sea bed dating back to the Jurassic era and is 250 million years old.^{1, 2}

Why is it pink? The pink color comes from iron oxide, a type of hematite mineral. In its natural form, the color can range from white to dark pink. In fact, there are over 70 natural minerals and trace elements in Himalayan Pink Crystal Salt, including iron, sodium, chloride, magnesium, iodine, potassium and natural sulfur.³

According to Saltworks, Inc. a world leader in the distribution of gourmet salt, "Salt is sodium chloride. Sodium is an essential nutrient, a mineral that the body cannot manufacture itself but which is required for life itself and good health. ...Chloride, too, is essential to good health. It preserves the acid-base balance in the body, aids potassium absorption, supplies the essence of digestive stomach acid, and enhances the ability of the blood to carry carbon dioxide from respiring tissues to the lungs." ⁴ Mark Zoske, co-founder of SaltWorks is calling for a halt in the use of table salt in the food industry, saying, "Refined salt is a chemical." ⁵

Health risks of table salt
Detractors of table salt say that it does not contain essential nutrients, because they have been removed. Valuable minerals and trace elements are stripped away during a lengthy purification and refining process and then are sold for increased profits.

"The remaining sodium chloride is then heat blasted, bleached white, pumped up with chemicals like aluminum and other anti-caking agents and packaged for consumers as a seasoning - a 'seasoning' that burdens the kidneys and adrenal glands, depletes calcium and interferes with the body's ability to absorb other essential nutrients. Low-sodium salt is even worse: Removing sodium from refined table salt forces refineries to add more chemicals just to simulate the taste of salt." ⁶

During the refining process, additives are put into table salt and the natural chemical structure becomes changed. Studies show that regular table salt, not simply sodium, causes calcium loss,⁷ weakening bones with time as well as other health problems.

The healthy alternative
Given the risks associated with processed table salt, natural unprocessed salts seem to be a viable solution. Wellness advocates are now recommending Himalayan Salt brine for a variety of health benefits. Brine, or Sole (pronounced 'So-Lay'), is made by dissolving the salt in good quality water like artesian or spring water until the water is highly saturated with the properties of the salt. There are several ways to take the brine, but one common way is to add 1 teaspoon of the brine solution to a glass of water and drink once each day, preferably on an empty stomach. ⁸

The health benefits of Himalayan Salt brine
1. Stimulates circulation
2. Regulates blood pressure
3. Removes toxins such as heavy metals
4. Regulates water content
5. Alkalizes and promotes a healthy pH balance in cells, particularly in brain cells
6. Promotes blood sugar health and helps to reduce signs of aging
7. Supports healthy respiration
8. Promotes sinus health (use it in a neti pot)
9. Prevents muscle cramps
10. Promotes bone strength
11. Regulates and promotes sleep
12. Supports the libido
13. Promotes vascular health
14. Replenishes electrolytes (great for after a workout)
15. Enhances noticeable hair and nail growth
16. Increases ability to concentrate
17. Promotes an increase sexual activity
18. Lowers menstrual pain
19. Helps regulate heartbeat
20. Increases energy for up to 24 hours so you feel less tired
21. Cleanses the intestines
22. Dissolves and eliminates sediments that contribute to the formation of kidney and gall bladder stones, as well as various forms of rheumatism
23. Re-mineralizes the whole body
24. Promotes deep relaxation and sense of well-being
25. Increases oxygenation of tissues and cells
26. Enhances and accelerates the healing of wounds and injuries
27. Balances the endocrine system
28. Helps resolve psoriasis, eczema and dry skin problems
29. Helps repair damage resulting from radiation treatments ⁹

Sources:
1, 4, 9 Saltworks.us
2, 3, 9 krystalwebmatrix.com
5,6 www.reuters.com
7 WebMD.com
8, 9 americanbluegreen.com
9 store.annabellina.com; Mercola.com