Do you like watching cooking vlogs? If you do, you must have encountered chefs who use Himalayan pink salts instead of the white table salt we’re all used to. Is there a difference between the two? What are the benefits of Himalayan pink salts?
What is Himalayan Pink Salt?
The highly sought-after Himalayan salts often come from Punjab, an area in Pakistan near the foothills of the Himalayas.
Unlike the usual rock salt most Filipinos have at home, Himalayan salt crystals have an appealing rosy tinge. But does this indicate that these salts are better for our health?
How to Regulate Your Salt Intake for Better Health
According to analyses, Himalayan pink salts, like the standard table salts, are composed largely of sodium chloride. However, there are claims that pink salts contain 84 trace minerals and elements2, some of which you cannot find in usual rock salts.
Furthermore, compared to table salts, Himalayan pink salts have more calcium, potassium, and magnesium1. Experts say these trace minerals give them a pinkish color and slightly different taste3.
How do you use Himalayan pink salts?
You can use Himalayan pink salts the same way you use table salt in cooking and other types of meal preparation. You can rub it on meat, mix it in marinades and sauces, or use it as last-minute seasoning.
Do the trace elements make Himalayan salts “better”?
Himalayan pink salts may have more trace elements, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they are better or healthier.
According to experts, trace elements only come in small amounts. In the case of Himalayan salts, the quantities of the trace elements are not enough to make a dietary impact.
To put things into perspective, think of it this way:
- Regardless of where they come from, most salts contain pretty much the same amount of sodium chloride, which is about 98%.
- If pink Himalayan salts also contain 98% sodium chloride, trace elements only account for 2% of the salt’s composition.
Should you want to get more beneficial trace elements, you need to consume more of the salt.
This is counterproductive since increased salt consumption is highly associated with life-threatening conditions, such as hypertension, heart attack, and stroke.
Healthy Flavorings You Can Use Instead of Salt and Sugar
So, are there no benefits to using Himalayan pink salts?
There could be, but experts say we need more studies to prove them.
For instance, many brands of Himalayan pink salts come in larger granules. Scooping them up by the teaspoon may mean you’ll be using less sodium chloride while cooking.
Also, some people say pink salts are saltier; you might not need to use much to obtain the desired flavor.
Finally, reports claim that pink salts are “more natural” since they contain fewer additives. It might be true, but please remember that this factor mostly depends on the brand you choose.
Reminders when using pink salts in cooking
The first thing you need to keep in mind is this: pink salts are still salts. They might have more trace elements and fewer additives, but their main composition remains to be sodium chloride, a compound that can negatively affect one’s health when taken excessively.
Don’t forget to check the nutritional labels. Like mentioned, some brands have larger crystals, while others have smaller granules. To be certain of the sodium content, check its nutritional facts.
Of course, be mindful of your iodine intake. You see, most table salts are “iodized” to help prevent iodine deficiency. Choosing Himalayan pink salts could indicate you’ll be having less iodine in your diet.
Key Takeaways
Pink salts contain pretty much the same amount of sodium chloride as table salt. It may boast more trace elements, but experts say their quantities are too small to have a nutritional impact.
Whatever salt you choose for your foods, remember that excessive sodium intake can negatively affect your health.
Learn more about Healthy Eating here.
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