Himalayan salt products have flooded the natural health scene in recent years. But if you’re only using this salt as a nightstand lamp, you’re missing out on some amazing benefits.

Despite the “Himalayan” in its name, Himalayan salt is found primarily in Pakistan. It’s a kind of rock salt that is sought after for its lovely pink hue and is marketed as a healthier substitute for table salt.

While that may sound too good to be true, the salt actually gets its pinkish glow from trace minerals, which are no longer present in processed salts. These trace minerals include calcium, potassium, magnesium, bicarbonate, sulfate and many others, according to existing studies on Himalayan salt.

Benefits of using Himalayan salt

So what exactly can Himalayan salt do for your health? Below are some of the most touted benefits of this pink salt that’ll have you scrambling to chuck out your plain old table salt.

1. It flushes out toxins.

Himalayan salt helps trap toxins in your body and ferries them out. The best way to use this salt for detoxing is to drink a solution made with plain water and sole water.

To make sole water, fill a quarter of a jug with Himalayan salt. Pour enough water to fill the jug, then let it sit overnight. In the morning, stir one teaspoon of that water into a glass of plain water and drink that.

2. It helps regulate blood sugar.

Research suggests that a daily dose of Himalayan salt may help ensure the proper flow of fluids throughout the body. It also maintains a good balance of minerals and hormones, which can help prevent blood sugar spikes.

3. It improves digestion.

Himalayan salt stimulates your salivary glands to release amylase, an enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates. Himalayan salt also stimulates the release of an enzyme in the stomach that helps digest protein.

4. It relieves symptoms of respiratory conditions.

Salt therapy is a natural remedy used to treat symptoms of respiratory diseases. Himalayan salt’s antibacterial and antimicrobial properties may have an important part in this, as it can help clean your lungs and sinuses of harmful infection-causing microbes.

5. It keeps your skin soft and healthy.

Himalayan salt may rejuvenate your skin, too. Soaking your body in a Himalayan salt bath allows your skin to absorb the trace minerals in Himalayan salt, many of which have positive effects on the skin.

For example, chromium helps treat and prevent acne, zinc prevents scarring and sulfur keeps your skin smooth. You can even use the salt as a scrub while you’re in the bath to remove dead skin cells.

6. It helps purify the air.

The benefits of Himalayan salt lamps go far beyond a pretty aesthetic. They also double as air purifiers. How it works is it attracts and traps water molecules in the air, as well as any pollutants present in them.

Low-carb Italian salad with Himalayan salt recipe

Health benefits aside, Himalayan salt has a subtler flavor than regular salt. It complements and enhances your food rather than overpowering it, which is what you should look for in a seasoning.

This recipe for a low-carb salad uses Himalayan salt for a healthier twist. Serve it alone as a simple side or pair it with a few slices of whole-grain bread for a well-rounded brunch.

Ingredients for 4 servings:

• 3 cups baby leaf salad
• 1 cup tomatoes, on the vine
• 3/4 cup goat cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced red onion
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon Himalayan salt
• 1/3 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Handful of fresh basil leaves

Preparation:

1. Arrange a layer of your preferred baby leaf salad on a serving plate.
2. Arrange the onion slices on top of the salad.
3. Thickly slice your tomatoes and arrange them in a single layer over the onions.
4. Tear the cheese into pieces and scatter them over the tomato slices.
5. In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil with balsamic vinegar and Himalayan salt.
6. Drizzle the salad with the dressing. Finish with black pepper and some fresh basil leaves. Serve.

Himalayan salt is reportedly healthier than refined or processed salts. It contains dozens of trace minerals that support your overall health and has a subtler flavor than table salt. Make the most of Himalayan salt by adding it to your daily diet.

But remember: moderation of any salt variety is key. And make sure your Himalayan salt is authentic, as those that aren’t may contain toxic heavy metals like lead or may have been artificially colored.

Sources:

OrganicFacts.net

Food.NDTV.com

ElizabethsKitchenDiary.co.uk