Pink salt became increasingly popular and trendy since 2009 as people believed that it is healthier than traditional white salt. Despite health claims that pink salt will help regulate blood sugar and one's sleep cycle, researchers from Nutrition Research Australia (NRAUS) discovered that the trendy salt is not as healthy as people perceive it to be.
Mark Bitterman, the owner of The Meadow which specializes in salts and other products, said that "Right around the time that pink salt made its debut on the American scene, French gray sea salt and fleur de sel were making their debut, which are fancy salts. And people seemed to believe they couldn't be healthy."
Eventually, people became attracted to the aesthetically pleasing Himalayan pink salt and had a farm-to-table idea behind it, said Megan O'Keefe of SaltWorks, a salt importer company in the U.S. The story of Himalayan pink salt mined from ancient seabeds in the mountains was romanticized, she said.
Pink salts have even made it into the beauty industry such as scrubs and bath salts. There was also a time that Himalayan Salt Lamps were a fad with claims that it could boost the mood, help with sleeping problems, improve allergies, and clear the air.
Contents of Pink Salts
However, researchers discovered the actual contents of pink salts. The team from Nutrition Research Australia tested 31 various pink salts found in Australian markets. Contrary to popular belief, not all pink salts come from the Himalaya Mountains.
Results showed that the content of the pink salts was inconsistent and unpredictable. Some salts contained no iron or contain up to 15 milligrams per 100 grams of salt. Calcium levels ranged from 50 mg to 500mg per 100 grams.
High levels of essential nutrients were also correlated to levels of heavy metals such as aluminum and lead. Some pink salts had up to 19mg/100g aluminum and 0.29mg/100g of lead. Both metals can result in adverse health effects if excessively consumed or from long-term consumption.
Debunking Pink Salt Health Claims
All the locally sourced pink salts shared the Australian researchers, contained low levels of essential nutrients and heavy metals. The top nutrients found in the salts after sodium were calcium, magnesium, and potassium. However, regular consumption of salt within the daily recommended sodium limit does not supply the body with significant levels of essential nutrients.
On the other hand, the top non-nutritive minerals discovered in the salts were aluminum, silicon, and sulfur. Dr. Flavia Fayet-Moore from NRAUS said that their research debunks the pink salt's reputation of being a healthier alternative to other salts when in fact, the nutrient levels are too low for it to be a consistent source of essential nutrients.
Pink salt may be more aesthetically pleasing, said Fayet-Moore, but there are healthier ways to enhance the flavor and color of food. Spices and herbs such are paprika, turmeric, saffron, and pink peppercorns are better alternatives.
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