There has been a lot of buzz around Himalayan salt in recent years, with claims that it has numerous health benefits and is superior to regular table salt. But is Himalayan salt really worth the hype? Let’s examine the evidence.

What is Himalayan salt?

Himalayan salt is a type of rock salt that is harvested from the Punjab region of Pakistan, near the foothills of the Himalayas.

It is believed to be millions of years old and is known for its pink color, which comes from the presence of trace minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium.

Health claims about Himalayan salt

Proponents of Himalayan salt argue that it has a number of health benefits that regular table salt does not have. Here are some of the most common claims:.

1. It contains more minerals than regular salt

While it is true that Himalayan salt contains trace minerals that are not present in table salt, the amounts are so small that they are unlikely to have any significant impact on your health.

In fact, you would have to consume a large amount of Himalayan salt to get any real nutritional benefit.

2. It is lower in sodium than regular salt

This claim is false. All types of salt, including Himalayan salt, contain roughly the same amount of sodium by weight. In fact, some brands of Himalayan salt have actually been found to contain higher levels of sodium than regular table salt.

3. It can help regulate the body’s pH level

There is no scientific evidence to support this claim. The body’s pH level is tightly regulated by a number of physiological mechanisms, and the type of salt you consume is unlikely to have any significant impact on it.

4. It can help improve respiratory health

Some proponents of Himalayan salt argue that it can help improve respiratory health by clearing mucus and reducing inflammation.

While there is some preliminary evidence to support this claim, more research is needed to determine whether Himalayan salt is actually effective for these purposes.

Should you switch to Himalayan salt?

Based on the available evidence, there is no compelling reason to switch from regular table salt to Himalayan salt.

While it may contain trace minerals that are not present in regular salt, the amounts are so small that they are unlikely to have any significant impact on your health. In addition, claims that Himalayan salt is lower in sodium or can help regulate the body’s pH level are unfounded.

The bottom line

Himalayan salt is an interesting and aesthetically pleasing product, but there is no scientific evidence to support the health claims that are often associated with it.

If you enjoy the taste and texture of Himalayan salt, feel free to use it in moderation, but don’t expect it to have any magical health benefits.