What Is White Himalayan Salt and Is It The Best?

There has been a lot of talk about the health benefits of Himalayan salt lately, including rumors of a white Himalayan salt that may be even better than the traditional pink Himalayan salt. If you’re curious to learn more about this topic and how white Himalayan salt compares to other types of salt, let’s dive in!

White Himalayan salt is a rare and unique type of rock salt that is similar to pink Himalayan salt. However, it is considered the rarest of the Himalayan salt, and there is currently very little information or research available about it online.

While white Himalayan salt is rare and does come with some added benefits, it would be hard to say if it is the best. It ultimately comes down to your taste and what you are looking for in salt.

Given the limited data available on white Himalayan salt, it’s worth comparing it to pink salt to determine if it lives up to the hype. Additionally, there are other rare varieties of Himalayan salt to explore, such as black Himalayan salt, and Grey Himalayan salt.

One of the theories behind the origin of white Himalayan salt is that it has been processed and stripped of its pink color, thereby removing impurities from the salt. Another theory suggests that different parts of the mine where the salt is sourced may have varying colors of Himalayan salt, including white and black.  

Despite these theories, there is a lack of reliable sources to back up either of these claims. Additionally, while some sources claim that white Himalayan salt contains the same 84 minerals as pink Himalayan salt but without impurities, this claim is not supported by any scientific evidence.

Why is Unprocessed Salt Better?

It is common for processed foods to lose some of their nutrient content and unlikely that white processed Himalayan salt would retain all of its nutrients. Similar to brown rice, after it has been processed to become white it is less nutrient dense. Therefore, it is most likely that white Himalayan salt may also be less nutrient-dense than its unprocessed counterparts.

It is possible that white Himalayan salt can occur naturally in nature at the source, similar to black rice and red rice which all occur naturally in nature but has different nutrient content. 

However, this suggests that there is a low chance that white Himalayan salt has the same 84 mineral content as pink Himalayan salt but there is the possibility that the lack of impurity from the white Himalayan salt is the reason why it is white and does not affect its mineral content. However, they’re still not enough info on it so do take this information with a grain of salt. 

Let’s keep reading and explore more about different types of salt and their various uses.

What is White Himalayan Salt Used For?

If white Himalayan salt is similar to pink salt, then it can likely be used in the same ways for cooking, skincare, and salt lamps.

Does White Himalayan Salt Lamps Work?

While salt lamps have become a popular trend for their appeal and supposed air-purifying properties, it is important to note that scientific evidence to support these claims is lacking. While some studies have suggested that the heat from the lamp may release negative ions, which could have some health benefits, the evidence is not conclusive and any amount it does release would be too minimal to be of any use. Therefore, it is best to view salt lamps as simply a decorative addition to light up a space, rather than relying on them for any significant health benefits.   

What is Black Himalayan Salt?

Black Himalayan salt is a type of salt that is similar to pink Himalayan salt and is believed to offer various benefits, including an antioxidant effect. Although some research has suggested that black Himalayan salt has some benefits over regular salt, this type of salt is still relatively rare and there are limited scientific studies available on this salt.

Is Himalayan Black Salt Natural?

The origins of black Himalayan salt are not entirely clear and there is limited information available. Some sources suggest that it is mined from the Himalayan mountains, similar to pink Himalayan salt.  

Other sources claim that the salt is first mined from the Himalayan, then put into a furnace for 24 hours, and then sealed in a ceramic jar with charcoal, which gives it its black color, indicating that it is a processed salt rather than naturally occurring. At present, there is little information available about the origins of black Himalayan salt.

Nutritional Information for Black Himalayan Salt:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Energy	0 kcal
Protein	0 g
Total Lipid (Fat)	0 g
Carbohydrate, by Difference	0 g
Fiber, Total Dietary	0 g
Total Sugars	0 g
Calcium, Ca	0 mg
Iron, Fe	0 mg
Potassium, K	0 mg
Sodium, Na	38182 mg
Vitamin D (D2 + D3), IU	0 IU
Fatty Acids, Total Saturated	0 g
Fatty Acids, Total Trans	0 g
Cholesterol	0 mg

Is Himalayan Black Salt Good for You?

Black Himalayan salt has been found to have a lower sodium content and higher potassium and magnesium content compared to sea salt or table salt, according to studies. While this suggests that it may be a better option than regular salt, caution is still advised as excessive consumption can still be harmful from its sodium content. Therefore, it is important to consume black Himalayan salt in moderation, and can be a good alternative to regular salt.  

What is Pink Himalayan Salt?

Pink Himalayan salt is a type of rock salt that has gained popularity in recent years due to its unique pink color and health benefits. It is primarily mined in the Punjab region of Pakistan, near the foothills of the Himalayan mountains.

Pink Himalayan salt is believed to contain trace minerals and elements that are beneficial for human health. Some people also claim that it can help regulate blood pressure. However, these health claims are not supported by scientific evidence, and the amount of minerals in pink Himalayan salt is only about 2% and too low to have a significant impact on health.

Is Pink Himalayan Salt High in Lead?

Research conducted in Australia suggests that Pink Himalayan Salt may contain levels of lead that exceed the safety limits set by Food Standards Australia New Zealand. Additionally, the salt was found to contain other potentially harmful metals like Aluminum, Mercury, Cadmium, Cobalt, and Nickel, and the small percentage of trace minerals present in the salt may be negated by the presence of these toxic elements. These findings suggest that the purported health benefits of pink salt as advertised may not be entirely reliable. 

Which is Better White or Pink Himalayan Salt?

If we assume that both pink and white Himalayan salt are essentially the same, with white Himalayan salt being purified of impurities as claimed by some sources on the internet, then white Himalayan salt would be a cleaner version of the two without the toxic impurities present in pink salt. This would mean that the two types of salt have similar properties, but white Himalayan salt would be considered cleaner salt due to the purification process.  

Additionally, it is worth noting that food that has been processed is likely to lose some of its nutrient content, and even if white Himalayan salt is considered cleaner, it may have less mineral value compared to pink Himalayan salt. Ultimately, the choice between pink and white Himalayan salt will depend on personal needs and preferences.

Is White Himalayan Salt Iodized?

Most Himalayan salt regardless of color is considered non-iodized unless a manufacturer has added iodine to it. The term “iodized” specifically refers to a salt that has had iodine added to it during processing. If a manufacturer adds iodine to Himalayan salt, it may be labeled as “iodized Himalayan salt.”

However, if iodine has not been added to Himalayan salt, it is considered non-iodized. This is true for all types of salt, including table salt, sea salt, or Himalayan black salt. Although Himalayan salt may contain small trace amounts of natural iodine, it is generally not enough to meet daily iodine requirements and can cause iodine deficiency.

Suppose a salt naturally contains iodine without any additional iodine being added. In that case, it may be referred to as “naturally iodized” or “iodine-rich,” but it would not normally be labeled as “iodized salt.” It is important to check the label or contact the manufacturer before buying to make sure your salt is iodized if you’re looking to add iodine to your diet.  

What Are the Symptoms of Too Much Iodine?

As with any dietary element, it is important to know your limit and consume iodine in moderation. Too little iodine can be detrimental to one’s health, but too much can also harm. Overdosing in iodine can result in symptoms ranging from nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea to delirium. Adults should consume the recommended daily intake of around 150 micrograms. Staying within this limit is considered a safe dose for adults.

However, consuming more than 1.1 milligrams of iodine per day in adults can become dangerous and result in toxicity. Therefore, it is essential to be cautious about consuming excessive amounts of iodine. It is always recommended to consult a doctor or a nutritionist before starting a new diet to ensure that one’s dietary needs are being met and that they are consuming the appropriate amount of iodine. 

Can Himalayan Salt be Grey?

There is a rumor surrounding the existence of grey Himalayan salt. While some sources claim that this salt exists and is mined from the Bahadur Khel salt mine in Pakistan, it can be a marketing gimmick or confusion of Celtic Sea salt which is also grey but comes from a different source.

It is possible that naturally occurring things can come in multiple colors, and differences in mineral composition can affect the color of salt. However, there is no definitive reliable evidence to prove the existence of naturally occurring grey Himalayan salt.  

What Color is Celtic Sea Salt?

Celtic Sea Salt is a type of grey unrefined sea salt that is harvested using traditional methods from the coastal region of Brittany, France. This salt is known for its unique mineral composition and rich, salty flavor, which is why it is often used as a finishing salt, sprinkled on top of dishes.

Celtic Sea Salt is known for its grey color, which is a result of the clay lining of the salt ponds where it is traditionally harvested. This salt is also known by the name Sel Gris, which translates to “grey salt” in French.  Due to its distinctive grey color, people sometimes confuse it with grey Himalayan salt.  However, it is important to note that these are two different types of salt with different origins and mineral content.  

The color of the salt can vary depending on the specific source and harvesting methods. While Celtic Sea Salt is generally lighter in color than grey Himalayan salt, the exact shade can depend on factors such as the weather and mineral content of where it is harvested. 

Is Celtic Sea Salt Worth It?

Celtic sea salt is not rare as it is harvested from seawater off the coast of Brittany in France. The salt beds are naturally replenished by the tides, so the supply is abundant.

However, because Celtic Sea salt is unrefined and hand-harvested using traditional methods, it may be more costly compared to normal refined table salt. It also helps alkalize the body, strengthen the immune system, and improve brain function, among other potential benefits. Whether is it worth it to buy Celtic Sea Salt that is up to the buyer’s personal choice. 

Does Himalayan salt expire or go bad?

Any iodized salt, whether it is Himalayan or normal iodized salt, can degrade over time with exposure to moisture and other elements. However, this process is slow and can take up to five years, which is the shelf life of iodized salt. Non-iodized salt, on the other hand, does not contain iodine and therefore does not have the same shelf-life concerns.

It is generally recommended to use iodized salt, as iodine is an important nutrient necessary for proper thyroid function. However, if you have a large quantity of salt you do not anticipate using within five years, it may be better to purchase non-iodized salt to avoid any issues.  

Conclusion

This article provides information on various types of salt, including the rare white Himalayan salt, and its origin and health benefits. Although there are limited resources on some of the salts, this article aims to provide readers with a better understanding of the different types of salt available. With the information provided in this article, one can gather a basic understanding of some of the rare salts even with limited sources.

By AL Tran