Himalayan Salt Benefits

As the name suggests, Himalayan salts are obtained from several mines rich in crystal salt that are located on the foothills of the Himalayas. The salt range in Pakistan that contains mines of Mayo, Khewra, Warcha and Kalabagh, is one of the largest salt ranges of the world. Some of the mines date back to the Precambrian age. Himalayan salt has been forming for over 250 million years under high tectonic pressure and hence, has formed in an environment that is completely devoid of toxins or pollutants. It is mainly obtained from the salt mines, that are located in Khewra, Punjab, Pakistan. There are about 220 million tons of rock salt deposits in Khewra. Historical records show that people have been extracting salt from the underground deposits at Khewra since 320 BC. What adds to the purity of the salt is the novel way in which it is extracted. Himalayan salt is entirely extracted by hand. Blasting the sites using dynamite is prohibited in these mines and hence, the salt is in the same natural state that it was millions of years ago. Other than the purity, Himalayan salt benefits also accrue from the fact that it contains all the 84 natural minerals that are present in our body.

Since 10-12 years, several European, American and Australian companies have started selling Himalayan salt on a larger scale. Himalayan salt is known for color and flavor. Some of the salt crystals are red, pink or off-white while some are transparent. Rock salt is mined in various other countries too, for example, Australia, Bolivia, Chile, Hawaii, Peru, Poland, Utah, etc. Salt from these countries is also sold as Himalayan salt or pink salt. The iron oxide present in the salt imparts pink color to the salt.

Health Benefits of Himalayan Salt
A look at the following benefits of Himalayan salt will help us understand why it is valued so much:

• Himalayan salt slows down the process of aging. It helps us to lead a healthy life and remain active longer.
• It helps in digestion and facilitates better absorption of nutrients by the walls of the intestines.
• It improves functions of the respiratory system and cures sinus problems by promoting overall health of the sinus.
• Himalayan salt helps prevents cellulite, when compared to table salt.
• It helps create healthy libido.
• It helps maintain optimum water levels in the body which is very important for proper functioning of the various organs and processes.
• Calcium present in Himalayan salt strengthens bones. Other than this, Himalayan salt also helps in reducing the incidence of rheumatism, arthritis and gout.
• Each cell requires a specific pH level to be maintained for it to perform its functions. Himalayan salt helps maintain this optimum pH level, especially in the brain cells.
• Himalayan salt efficiently contributes to homeostasis in the body. It maintains the amounts of electrolytes and chemicals conducive for us to perform various biological functions.
• As compared to normal salt, it is reported that those who consume Himalayan salt are at a lower risk of developing kidney or gallbladder stones as compared to those who use common salt.
• Unlike table salt, Himalayan salt does not create excess load on our body. It is helpful for those with high blood pressure as in conjunction with water, Himalayan salt helps in regulating blood pressure.
• Other than these specific Himalayan salt benefits, the mineral repository also promotes healthy sleep patterns, reduces muscle cramps, creates a healthy libido, improves health of the vascular system and also maintains optimum blood sugar levels.

Himalayan Salt Lamp
The large number of minerals in Himalayan salt is not the only attribute that makes it so valuable. Health benefits of Himalayan salt also include the fact that they add negative ions to the environment which help neutralize the harmful effects of positive ions that are released by the gadgets of modern inventions, like television, refrigerators, computers and air conditioners. Inhaling these ions can have harmful effects on our health. Himalayan salt lamps make the use of the salt crystals that fill the air with positive ions when they are used. The effect of such lamps is quick as one feels relaxed and free of anxiety within minutes of using such lamps. These lamps can be used anywhere, be it in one's bedroom or in the office.

Other than the lamps, there are also salt candles that are commonly used during meditation, in massage rooms, natural health centers and also by certain psychiatrists due to the calming effect that they have on human beings. Such candles and lamps are also useful for those who suffer from allergies as they provide us with clean and healthy air to breathe. Those who have used it swear by the various Himalayan pink salt benefits in cooking and therapeutic uses.

Commonly sold table salt does not contain the essential trace minerals that make salt good for us. Highly processed salt is 97.5% sodium chloride and 2.5% additives like iodine and absorbents. This makes it an unnatural chemical substance that our body cannot dispose of in a natural way. This increases the chances of suffering from disorders like inflammation of tissues, water retention and high blood pressure over time. Although Himalayan salt is healthier than table salt, excessive consumption of Himalayan salt can also destroy your health. After all it is a salt. Our body requires very little salt for proper functioning of the cells and the bodily systems.

It is difficult to cite any scientific evidence of Himalayan salt benefits. More studies are required to prove the health benefits of Himalayan salt. I just want you to know that this salt is not a modern discovery. There is evidence to show that Himalayan bath salts were used in medicinal baths and spas since early as 300 B.C. Himalayan salt is known as the "king salt" as it was served to royalty whereas commoners used sea salt or rock salt. In ancient civilization, it was known as "white gold"; while today it is named as the "salt of life".