When we sit down for a meal together, there is something that is always on the table in front of us. It doesn’t matter what we are eating or where we happen to be eating, it seems as if it is always present. I’m talking about the salt shaker, and if you are using the right type of salt, it can really make a difference in your health.
Many people have come to the understanding that iodized salt is not actually good for your health. They have turned to sea salt and all of the benefits that it provides. One of the types of salt that seems to provide more benefits than others is Himalayan Sea salt. Don’t be put off by the pink colour, it is a choice that can be good for you and your family.
The salt comes from the Himalayan mountain range that stretches across Asia and into India. When most people think about the Himalayans, they think about Mount Everest because it is the highest peak on the planet. There is something else that you should think about, however, salt.
Hundreds of millions of years ago, crystallized sea salt beds were covered by lava beds in the area of the Himalayan mountain range. It helped to keep the environment pristine and after being surrounded by ice and snow year after year, you have the salt beds that are still available to to this day. The lava actually protected the salt from much of the pollution, which is why Himalayan pink sea salt is the purest type of salt you can find on earth.
Why Pink?
Although it is called pink, there are actually a number of different hues, including red, pink and white. This is an indication as to the mineral content of the salt is mined from the salt beds.
Benefits of Himalayan Salt
Most of us agree that fruits and vegetables come prepackaged with all the nutrients that the body needs. The same is also true of Himalayan sea salt, because those minerals work through synergy (the interaction of multiple elements in a system to produce a desired effect).
Iodine
Natural sea salt has plenty of iodine, so it doesn’t need to be “iodized” artificially.
Less sodium
Although Himalayan salt is made from the same components as table salt, the crystal structure is larger than the refined product. That means that Himalayan salt actually has less sodium per serving, because the sea salt crystals take up less room in a teaspoon.
80+ Minerals and Elements
Himalayan salt forms naturally within the earth and it is made up of 85.62% sodium chloride and 14.38% other trace minerals including sulphate, magnesium, calcium, potassium, bicarbonate, bromide, borate, strontium, and fluoride (in descending order of quantity).
Himalayan salt provides the following benefits:
Create an electrolyte balance
Increases hydration
Regulate water content both inside and outside of cells
Balance pH (alkaline/acidity) and help to reduce acid reflux
Prevent muscle cramping
Aid in proper metabolism functioning
Strengthen bones
Lower blood pressure
Help the intestines absorb nutrients
Prevent goiters
Improve circulation
Dissolve and eliminate sediment to remove toxins
Some even claim it can help to increase the sex drive, detox the body and reduce the signs of aging.
Pink Salt vs. Sea Salt
Pencil comes from the mountains but it is technically a type of sea salt. Originally, it came from the ocean and it is supposedly the purest form of salt in the world.
Commercially refined salt is stripped of minerals, chemically cleaned, bleached and heated at high temperatures. It also is treated with anti-caking agents, which eventually can enter our body and be deposited in the tissues and organs.
The iodine that is added to regular table salt is synthetic so your body is unable to process it properly. According to US law, 2% of table salt can include additives
How to Use Pink Salt
Cooking and Curing
Use pre-ground salt or grinders like any other salt.
Salt Slabs
These are used as serving platters, the slabs will impart an enhanced salt taste and mineral content.
Chilled: decorate with fruits, sushi, vegetables or cheese.
Frozen: present cold desserts and even sorbets.
Heated: use the slabs to sear vegetables, shrimp, fish fillets or thinly sliced beef or even to fry an egg.
The dense salt blocks conduct heat beautifully with near perfect heat distribution.
Best of all, Himalayan salt is naturally anti-microbial, so clean up requires just a quick scrub or rinse.
Get your own Himalayan salt slab!
Decoration
Use the salts in containers, as décor crystals and sprinkled on food for presentation.
Bathing
Add some to your tub for a relaxing and detoxifying salt bath. It is rich in more than 80 skin replenishing minerals, so it is healing and therapeutic.
Many on-line sites sell beautiful home décor featuring the pink salt as crystal rocks.
Air Purification
You can buy air purification salt lamps online.
How to Make Low-Sodium Brine for Poultry and Pork
(Brine will work for up to 8 lbs. of protein.)
Ingredients
1-gallon water
3 ounces sea salt
3 ounces sugar (optional)
1 tablespoon Citrus zest (lemon, lime or orange – optional)
Instructions
Add the salt, sugar and other aromatics to a pot and bring the
water to a simmer until the salt and sugar have dissolved.
Remove the pot from the heat and chill before using the brine.
Let your protein brine for 6 hours.
Drain the protein, and let it rest and air dry in the fridge for 2
hours.
Roast, broil or grill as you would!
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