The benefits of Himalayan salt are similar to table salt.
The sodium in these salts helps to balance fluids, conduct nerve signals, and contract muscles.
However, there is little research confirming the health benefits of Himalayan salt.
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Himalayan salt is naturally pink and mined in Pakistan.It is believed to be rich in several minerals.
Himalayan pink salt can be used in cooking, bath salts, and salt lamps.
puhimec / Getty Images
Benefits
Himalayan salt contains many minerals that are known to have health benefits.
Not enough scientific studies are available to determine if Himalayan salt has health benefits.
Salt is a necessary part of the diet.
Sodium preventslow blood pressureand may reduce the risk of bacterial infections.
Excessively restricting salt from your diet could lead to problems with sleep andendocrinefunction.
Himalayan salt comes from salt hills in Khewra, a town in Pakistan.
Non-cooking uses may include:
However, research supporting these uses is minimal.
Is it OK to eat Himalayan salt every day?
It may be best to use a combination of table salt and Himalayan salt in moderation.
Himalayan salt does not contain iodine, a trace element added to table salt.
Iodine is necessary forthyroid function.
Foods that naturally contain iodine include fish, seaweed, and dairy.
Nutrition Facts
Himalayan salt is mostly made up of sodium chloride.
Who Should Not Use Himalayan Salt?
Your healthcare provider may recommend using table salt if you have lowiodinelevels.
The body needs iodine to produce new cells and make thyroid hormones.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends limiting sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg daily.
That is equivalent to about 1 teaspoon of regular salt.
When this happens, fluid builds up between the cells (interstitial fluid).
This increased amount of fluid puts stress on the heart and blood vessels.
Summary
Himalayan salt is a bang out of salt mined in salt hills in Pakistan.
It contains sodium chloride and about 84 trace elements and can be used in a variety of ways.
Too much salt is known to increase health risks.
Talk with your healthcare provider if you want to incorporate Himalayan salt into your diet.
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U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.2015-2020 dietary guidelines.
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