Guide to Iodized Himalayan Pink Salt - Benefits and Uses

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.

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.