The Benefits of Adding Iodine to Pink Himalayan Sea Salt | Health

The Benefits of Pink Himalayan Salt with Iodine

Pink Himalayan salt has become an increasingly popular type of salt in recent years. Known for its light pink color and mineral content, many people choose pink salt as a healthier alternative to regular table salt. But does adding iodine to pink salt provide any extra benefits?

What is Pink Himalayan Salt?

Himalayan salt is mined from ancient sea salt deposits in the Punjab region of Pakistan. It gets its signature rosy hue from trace minerals like iron, magnesium, calcium and potassium. Some of the key features of pink Himalayan salt include:

• It is an unrefined and minimally processed salt
• Contains over 80 naturally occurring trace minerals
• No additives or bleaching agents added
• Lower in sodium compared to table salt

These minerals give the salt its color and provide a range of health benefits that make it nutritionally superior to regular table salt.

The Importance of Iodine

Iodine is an essential micronutrient needed by the human body for hormone production, metabolic function, and proper fetal and infant development. The major health organization recommend an RDI of 150 mcg of iodine per day for most adults.

Table salt is the number one dietary source of iodine in many western countries. This is because it has added iodine in the form of iodide or iodate. But with more people switching to sea salt and Himalayan pink salt for health reasons, iodine deficiency has become a concern.

Why Choose Iodized Pink Salt?

Since most pink Himalayan salt does not naturally contain iodine, some brands add it as an extra health boost. Here are some of the reasons why you may want to choose an iodized pink salt:

• Prevents Iodine Deficiency - By using an iodized pink salt, you can prevent health issues caused by inadequate iodine levels while still avoiding highly refined table salt.
• Supports Thyroid Function - Getting enough iodine from your diet supports healthy thyroid hormone production and metabolism.
• Boosts Immunity - Some research shows iodine plays a role in boosting infection-fighting immune cells to keep your body healthy.
• Improves Mental Function - Proper iodine levels are linked to improved cognition, learning ability and focus.

In addition to these iodine-specific benefits, you also get the many trace minerals naturally found in pink salt that benefit bone health, blood sugar regulation, heart health and more.

How is Iodine Added to Pink Himalayan Salt?

There are a couple ways that pink salt producers add iodine:

1. Mix the salt with potassium iodide or potassium iodate
2. Bubble iodine gas through a salt solution

The iodine fully blends into the salt crystals through this process. Many brands aim to add levels comparable to iodized table salt, which ranges from 46-77 mcg iodine per gram of salt.

Taste and Texture Differences

The addition of iodine makes very little difference to the taste or texture of pink Himalayan salt. The minerals give the salt its signature pink color whether iodine is present or not.

When sprinkled over food or used in cooking, iodized pink salt provides a tender crispiness and rich complexity just like non-iodized salt. The subtle mineral flavors come through with a touch of sweetness. It brings out the natural flavors of ingredients beautifully.

How to Use Iodized Pink Salt

You can use fortified pink salt in all the same ways as regular Himalayan salt for cooking, baking and finishing dishes:

• Add to homemade bread, pizza, pasta and other doughs
• Rub on meat, fish and vegetables before grilling or roasting
• Sprinkle on top of salads, eggs or avocado toast
• Blend into dips, dressings, marinades and sauces

With iodized pink salt you have the benefit of getting extra iodine effortlessly through regular use in recipes. Due to the richer taste compared to regular salt, you may also find you use less salt overall.

Is Iodized Pink Salt Better Than Regular Salt?

The choice between regular table salt and a specialty salt like iodized pink salt comes down to your health priorities and taste preferences.

Here is a brief comparison of the two types of salt:

Iodized Table Salt

• Refined and heavily processed
• Contains anti-caking agents
• Higher levels of sodium per serving
• Fortified with just iodine
• Very fine consistency

Iodized Pink Himalayan Salt

• Minimally processed
• No additives
• Lower in sodium
• Fortified with iodine + 80 trace minerals
• Coarse grain size

While table salt certainly provides iodine, it lacks the other health boosting minerals found in pink salt. The coarser texture also means you usually use less compared to highly refined fine salt.

So while table salt has a place in most kitchens, switching at least some salt use to mineral-rich iodized pink salt can provide noticeable health advantages over time.

How Much Iodine in Pink Salt is Too Much?

While adequate iodine intake is crucial for health, it is possible to get too much. Consuming very high amounts can potentially lead to symptoms like skin irritations, digestive issues, and thyroid problems in sensitive people.

Most experts consider intakes up to 1,100 mcg (1.1 mg) iodine per day safe for most healthy adults. As a reference, 1 gram of iodized table salt typically provides around 76 mcg iodine.

To put this into perspective, you would have to consume over 60 grams of very highly iodized pink salt in a day to reach excessive intake levels. This would be nearly impossible through normal use.

By choosing reputable salt brands that conform to health guidelines, your pink Himalayan salt intake should naturally fall into safe and healthy ranges.

Who Should Moderate Iodine Intake?

While most people can safely meet the RDI for iodine through diet, some groups should take care not to overdo it:

• People with thyroid issues
• Those taking high-dose iodine supplements
• People who regularly eat high-iodine foods like seaweed and fish

For those vulnerable to iodine excess, pink salt iodized at typical levels is generally not a problem. But discussing salt choice with your healthcare provider can help determine what makes the most sense for your unique health status.

The Bottom Line

Pink Himalayan salt offers an impressive array of trace minerals and therapeutic properties that provide beauty, culinary and wellness benefits. By using an iodized variety, you also protect your health by preventing inadequate iodine intake.

Compared to regular refined table salt, iodized pink salt is the clear winner when it comes to both taste and nutrition. With its light mineral flavor and rich complexity, switching to an iodized pink salt is one simple upgrade that can start improving your health one meal at a time.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.