Can you imagine your food without salt? Salt is perhaps one of the most important flavoring ingredients without which food tastes bland. Most of us are just familiar with one type of salt and that is regular table salt. It is mostly used for seasoning food and it is easily available. But other than regular salt, there is a huge variety of salt is available in markets that have different characteristics. One such salt is Himalayan pink salt which has become famous during the last decade.
In this article, we will discuss Himalayan salt and how it differs from regular table salt. So, let’s start with a brief history of Himalayan salt.
Table of Contents
What Is Himalayan Salt?
Himalayan salt also known as pink salt is a type of sea salt formed centuries ago due to the evaporation of oceans. It is found in the form of huge mountains of salt in the Punjab region of Pakistan. It is hand mined from these mines using different traditional methods. It has compact crystals.
This rock salt is known for its mineral content, and pink color. Unlike, regular salt, Himalayan pink salt has various uses for cooking, skin, and wellness purposes. It is available in the form of different products. Ittefaq Salt is one of the leading suppliers of Himalayan pink salt. If you want to know more about this amazing salt then you can visit Ittefaq Salt-a supplier of Himalayan salt.
Difference between Himalayan Salt and Table Salt
Himalayan pink salt is different from regular table salt because of so many reasons. Some of the prominent differences are as follows:
- Source
Himalayan salt is naturally occurring rock salt obtained from ancient mines located in Pakistan. Miners mined this rock salt using traditional methods so that its raw shape and structure remain unchanged. Whereas, table salt is either obtained from seawater or salt mines.
- Purity
Himalayan salt is free from environmental pollution because it remained protected under the Rocky Mountains. Table salt is highly contaminated with pollutants. When it is obtained from seawater, it gets contaminated by water pollution.
- Processing
Himalayan pink salt is famous for its unprocessed and unrefined nature. It is available in its raw form without going through harsh processing. On the other hand, table salt is extremely processed. It goes through extensive washing and bleaching that strips away some of the essential minerals along with pollutants.
- Color
As mentioned above table salt goes through a bleaching process which gives it a pure white color. Whereas, Himalayan salt does not go through any such process which is why its distinctive pink color remains intact. Himalayan salt color may vary from pink to orange-red.
- Mineral Profile
Himalayan salt is said to contain more than 80 trace minerals essential for health. It is said to balance the body’s pH and provide hydration along with minerals. These minerals include zinc, iron, magnesium, and many more.
Table salt is 99% sodium and chloride and is an easy source of getting daily recommended sodium. But it should be used in moderation.
Benefits of table salt
Some of the main benefits of table salt are as follows:
- One of the main benefits of table salt is its sodium content. The sodium helps control blood pressure and aids in nerve and muscle function.
- It is also a widely used flavor enhancer and used in almost every food to make it tasty.
- It has anti-bacterial properties making it good for preserving foods.
Benefits of Himalayan salt
The pure additive-free nature and mineral-rich composition make Himalayan pink salt more beneficial than table salt. Some of its prominent benefits are as follows:
- It provides essential minerals and traces elements to the body.
- It provides sodium vital for many significant body functions.
- It is said to detoxify the body by eliminating toxins.
Uses of Table Salt
Table salt is used for different purposes other than seasoning meals, such as:
- It is used for preserving food.
- It is used in the preparation of processed food.
- It is used as a cleaning agent.
- It is also used in the chemical industry.
Uses of Himalayan Pink Salt
Himalayan pink salt is popular due to its use for edible, beauty, and wellness purposes. It is not just suitable for seasoning meals but also to draw a warm salt bath. Let’s see in which ways Himalayan salt can be used.
- Himalayan salt is used to season all types of foods.
- It can also be used to take detoxifying salt baths.
- Himalayan salt is available in the form of salt lamps that are great for home decor.
- Himalayan salt votives are amazing candle holders that glow to make the atmosphere serene.
- Himalayan salt uses are not just limited to humans, animals can also satiate their salt craving with Himalayan salt licks.
- Himalayan pink salt can also be used for making face and body scrubs that cleanse the skin and make it bright.
Bottom Line
Chemically same but different on the basis of source, benefits, uses, and mineral content. These two salts can be used alternatively for seasoning meals. Choose any of these two salts according to your preference.
Author Bio
Hi! There, I am Iram Afzal! A writer and blogger at Ittefaq Salt. My love for trying out new things is never-ending. I love to share my knowledge and experiences with others and help to bring a positive change in their lifestyle.