Salt has been used both for its medicinal and aesthetic properties since the earliest times. Ancient civilizations from around the world used sea salt for various purposes including treating ear infections, healing wounds, and purifying the blood. Although salt can be bought in most supermarkets, it is still a strong natural ingredient that cannot be synthesized. Therefore, there are certain characteristics that salt provides that cannot be found in any synthetic products.
Himalayan salt is naturally sourced from the foothills of the majestic Himalayan range in northern Pakistan. The salt, which usually has a light pinkish hue due to trace elements, is mainly used as a cooking salt but is also now used for food presentation and decorative accessories, spa treatments and as a mineral supplement. The salt's naturally occurring composition makes it highly stable and effective, even under high pressure. It has a wide range of applications and uses that have made it one of the most popular artificial preservatives in the world.
Salt crystals have always formed at high temperatures and under high pressure. However, laboratory tests showed that salt crystal structure is more complex than previously thought. There are two types of salt are crystal salt and conductive salt. Crystal salt consists of magnesium chloride and calcium chloride, the former releasing negative ions while the latter releases positive ions. Based on this study, this mineral is believed to be more efficient and less toxic compared to conductive salt.
Himalayan salt crystal is found in four different deposits in Pakistan. These deposits are categorized into lateral, upper, middle and lower grey shales. All these types have crystals that vary in their size, shape, colour, crystal structure, sodium and magnesium content. The salt found in these deposits are classified into four main salt types with the main differences being their sodium and magnesium content. This classification is also based on the location of mining of this mineral.
Research studies have revealed that salt minerals from the Himalayan crystal salt differ depending on where the salt was mined. Generally, the higher the salt content, the larger are the crystals found and the higher are the number of elements found. Therefore, it can be said that this type of salt possesses a higher refractory index than any other salt minerals.
Microorganisms thrive best in saline water, and they therefore form salt glands. These salt glands appear at the base of the river Ganges and release spores that float to the surface as food for plankton. This plankton feed on these microbes and as a result, these microbes release hydrogen peroxide, which kills bacteria. As a result, these microbes flourish and multiply, resulting in a salty water environment. With this natural process, it is believed that Himalayan salt was created by living organisms millions of years ago.
Himalayan crystal salt can be used as an effective alternative to table salt. It has been used as a vital ingredient in treating a variety of health disorders such as arthritis, asthma, constipation, heart disease, etc. These crystal salt shakers have been known to improve the blood circulation as well as alleviate pains and aches. A healthy balance of trace elements is essential for maintaining a healthy body.
Himalayan crystal salt has become one of the world's most popular and effective natural ingredients in the world. Today, this sea salt is used as an important ingredient in a wide range of cuisines, including Chinese cooking, Indian cooking, Middle Eastern cooking, Japanese cooking, Italian cooking and French cooking. The salt is used as a flavouring agent in desserts. The salt has been known to have trace elements that are helpful in maintaining a healthy balance of trace elements and minerals. For instance, calcium is one of the trace elements that can be depleted due to rapid production of milk in cow's milk products.