Salt enhances the taste of our food, makes it lively. Without salt, dishes will seem bland and tasteless. It also helps balance the taste, reducing excess bitterness or sweetness. In short, salt is an essential element of cooking. However, as much as we depend on it, salt is also high in sodium, which can cause health problems if consumed in excess. To address this concern, many people have switched from regular table salt to alternatives like Himalayan pink salt. But is Himalayan pink salt really a healthier option or just another health fad? Let’s uncover the truth so you can make informed decisions.
Also read: 5 unique ways salt can be used in everyday kitchen cleaning
So, should you choose Himalayan pink salt or table salt?
Fitness coach Ralston D’Souza recently took to Instagram to clarify this question. According to him, Himalayan pink salt is not as healthy as it is often claimed about. He explains, “Regular table salt contains about 97 to 99% sodium chloride, with the remaining 1 to 3% made up mostly of anti-caking agents that prevent caking. Himalayan pink salt, on the other hand, has about 95 to 98 % is sodium chloride, the remaining 2 to 5% consists of trace minerals such as iron, which gives it its characteristic pink color.”
Ralston further emphasizes that the daily recommended salt intake is about 1 teaspoon. The trace minerals in Himalayan pink salt (2 to 5%) are too low to have any significant effect on your health. From a health point of view, there is no major difference between the two types of salt. He recommends using regular table salt, as it contains iodine, which Himalayan pink salt lacks. For people with high blood pressure, he suggests choosing low-sodium salt.
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Other studies support that Himalayan pink salt is not superior.
Ralston’s insights are supported by several other studies. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the mineral composition of pink salt available in Australia showed traces of essential nutrients and minerals. However, the concentrations were so low that one would have to consume about 6 teaspoons of pink salt to get any meaningful nutritional benefits – far more than the recommended daily intake.
Also read: Why might a low-salt diet be risky for some people, according to a doctor?
According to the expert, Himalayan pink salt is no healthier than regular table salt. Both are almost similar in their nutritional effects. Ultimately, the type of salt you choose matters less than the amount you consume. It is important to be conscious of your salt intake to avoid excess salt intake and its negative health effects. As with many things in life, less is always more.
