Question:

Is pink Himalayan salt healthier than table salt?

Answered by Rebecca Beaudoin, R-DN, LMNT, nutrition therapist:

Pink Himalayan salt has been touted as a healthier alternative to table salt. The truth is, pink Himalayan salt has as many as 84 trace amounts of minerals like calcium, potassium and magnesium. However, the actual amounts of these minerals are so tiny that you’d need to eat a lethal amount to see any benefits. Those minerals are what give the salt its pink color and a slightly different flavor. Because of its color, flavor and grainier texture, some people prefer using pink Himalayan salt for cooking or to sprinkle over a dish for a finishing taste and appearance. 

When compared head-to-head, both pink Himalayan salt and table salt are mostly sodium chloride and carry the same health risks if over consumed. In general, most Americans get plenty of sodium in their diet from packaged and processed foods and many people need to actually reduce their intake. 

Too much sodium in your diet makes your heart work harder and contributes to high blood pressure. Over time, excess sodium in the diet also causes narrowing of the blood vessels. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. 

The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300 mg of sodium per day, and even less to improve heart health. It is estimated that the average American consumes about 3,400 mg per day.