These Days’ Myth: “Pink Salt Will Heal Your Soul”
(But Will It Really?)
In the age of Instagram wellness and TikTok trends, we’re told to ditch the white salt—you know, the boring one your mom used in every sabzi—and sprinkle only that pretty pink crystal from the Himalayas.
It looks fancy. It feels premium. And influencers claim it detoxes your body, balances your pH, boosts your mood, and may even align your chakras (bonus!).
But here’s the real question nobody’s asking:
Is pink Himalayan salt actually better than regular iodized salt? Or is it just the new coconut oil—overhyped and under-explained?
Let’s salt the truth, layer by layer.
The Origin Story: White vs. Pink
Iodized Salt
This is your everyday salt. Refined, white, and fortified with iodine—a mineral your body doesn’t produce, but desperately needs. Why? Because iodine supports your thyroid, which controls your metabolism. And no, that’s not just about weight—it’s about energy, hormone balance, and brain development.
In the 1920s, iodine deficiency was so common it caused widespread goiter (yes, neck swelling), especially in children. The solution? Add iodine to salt. Simple. Effective. Life-saving.
Pink Himalayan Salt
Ah, the diva of salts. Mined from ancient sea beds in the Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan, pink salt isn’t just a pretty face. It contains 84 trace minerals, from magnesium to potassium. But—and it’s a big but—those minerals are in tiny trace amounts, not enough to make a significant health difference.
The Myths vs. The Real Deal
🧘 Myth 1: “Pink salt detoxes your body”
✨ Sounds nice. But your liver and kidneys already do that job. Salt—pink or otherwise—doesn’t detox anything.
💪 Myth 2: “It has more minerals, so it’s healthier”
Technically true, but practically useless. You’d need to eat tablespoons of pink salt to get enough minerals to matter—and that’s a one-way ticket to high blood pressure.
🧠 Myth 3: “It boosts mood and mental clarity”
There’s no clinical proof of this. A good playlist and a nap will probably do more.
Salt Showdown: Which One Should YOU Use?
Feature | Iodized Salt | Pink Himalayan Salt |
---|---|---|
Iodine Content | ✔ High (fortified) | ❌ Very low |
Mineral Content | ❌ Minimal | ✔ Contains trace minerals |
Taste | ✔ Neutral | ✔ Slightly earthy/smoky |
Price | ✔ Affordable | ❌ Expensive |
Processing | ❌ Refined | ✔ Less processed |
Health Risks | ❌ Iodine overdose (rare) | ❌ Iodine deficiency risk |
So, Which Salt Should Be on Your Table?
✅ If you’re a regular person just trying to stay healthy: Stick to iodized salt. Your thyroid will thank you.
✅ If you love earthy flavors, pretty packaging, or the vibe: Enjoy pink salt—just don’t rely on it for nutrients.
❌ If you’ve cut out iodized salt completely: Watch out. Iodine deficiency can creep in quietly and mess up your energy, focus, and hormone balance.
Final Sprinkle: Balance Over Buzz
Salt, like most things in life, isn’t about extremes.
Pink isn’t evil. White isn’t boring. Balance is sexy. Use both if you want—but know the why behind each pinch.
Because in the end, wellness isn’t found in a salt jar. It’s in knowledge.
And you, my friend, are now salt-wise.