What is Himalayan Salt?
Himalayan salt is a pink-hued rock salt extracted from ancient sea salt deposits deep in the Himalayan mountains. It possesses unique nutritional properties from an untouched, pristine natural source.
Mineral-Rich Composition
Himalayan salt contains over 80 naturally occurring trace minerals and elements like magnesium, potassium, copper and iron essential for health. Its vibrant pink color stems from iron oxide mineralization.
Low Sodium Content
Compared to table salt, Himalayan salt has up to 60% less sodium per serving. The sodium level varies slightly between crystal and fine ground types.
Naturally Iodized
Himalayan salt has trace levels of natural iodine. This makes it a good alternative to conventional iodized salt to help prevent iodine deficiency.
Benefits of Himalayan Iodized Salt
The iodine content in Himalayan salt, whether naturally occurring or supplemented, offers unique health advantages over plain sea salt or standard table salt.
Boosts Thyroid Function
Your thyroid depends on iodine to produce hormones that regulate growth, development and metabolism. Adequate iodine prevents hypothyroidism, goiter and other hormonal imbalances.
Supports Immunity
Iodine enables white blood cells to destroy pathogens. Getting sufficient iodine, especially from clean sources like Himalayan salt, keeps your immune defenses strong.
Improves Cognition
During pregnancy and infancy, iodine aids brain and nervous system maturation. Iodized Himalayan salt ensures mothers and children get enough of this essential mineral for cognitive development.
How Himalayan Iodized Salt is Produced
Iodized Himalayan salt undergoes specialized processing to introduce just the right amount of iodine to the final crystal or ground salt products.
Solution Evaporation Method
In this traditional technique, natural Himalayan salt gets submerged into tanks of iodine solution, allowing the mineral to bind evenly across the irregular salt crystal surfaces as the solution slowly evaporates.
Dry Mixing Process
The modern way to make iodized Himalayan salt relies on advanced machinery to thoroughly mix microscopic iodine into dry salt until uniformly dispersed throughout batches.
Third-Party Batch Testing
Reputable brands use independent labs to verify the exact concentrations of iodine in finished products to guarantee amounts adequate for nutrition while preventing toxicity.
Choosing a Quality Iodized Himalayan Salt
With many iodized Himalayan salt options now available, focus on these aspects when comparing brands:
Harvest Origin
Ensure the salt comes from protected mines deep within pristine Himalayan salt beds, not surface-level or salt deposits subject to contamination.
Iodine Levels
The salt should contain 45-50 micrograms iodine per half teaspoon, equal to most standard iodized table salts.
Certifications
Reputable brands conform to FDA guidelines on supplement production and lab verify exact iodine concentrations for consistency and safety.
Using Iodized Himalayan in Cooking and Finishing
Iodized Himalayan salt brings a tasty dose of minerals. Substitute it for regular salt in any dish. Its versatile forms like flakes and coarse salt also make excellent finishing salts.
Store your iodized Himalayan salt away from heat, light and humidity to best preserve the iodine fortification levels. Over time, iodine can dissipate through oxidation when exposed to air.
FAQs
Is Himalayan salt naturally iodized?
Himalayan pink salt contains small, trace amounts of iodine. However, true “iodized salt” is processed to boost iodine to levels that meet human dietary recommended intakes.
Does iodized salt taste different?
Reputable brands add just enough iodine to maintain the signature taste and texture of the original Himalayan salt. Quality iodized salt tastes the same as non-iodized.
Can you get too much iodine from Himalayan salt?
It's extremely rare to get excessive iodine from properly iodized salt. Himalayan salt’s lower sodium content means you tend to use less compared to regular table salt.
Is iodized salt healthier?
Iodized salt, specifically high quality pink Himalayan salt with added iodine, offers more health benefits through better thyroid, immunity and metabolism support.
Does iodized salt expire?
If stored properly away from humidity, heat and light, iodized Himalayan salt lasts at least 12 months before the iodine begins degrading. Check packaging for any specific expiration guidance.
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.
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