Nutrition Questions and Answers
Vital Health Zone is proud to announce Lesa Rusher, who is our resident naturopathic expert and who is available to answer questions about nutrition and health.
Lesa Rusher is a qualified naturopath with a thriving business in Canberra, Australia and has a wealth of experience treating clients on a variety of health issues. Lesa Rusher's full credentials can be found in our experts area.
Lesa Rusher will answer your nutrition-related questions.
Q: I have been told that Himalayan salt is really good for you.
What is the difference between Himalayan salt and unrefined sea salt?
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A: Himalayan salt is mined from ancient inland ocean beds in the Himalayan Mountains at altitudes of over 10,000 feet and is rich in naturally occurring complex of sodium chloride, major minerals such as calcium and magnesium and has a complete complement of all the essential trace minerals (such as iodine and selenium).
Himalayan pink salt is a fossil marine salt and is rich in many minerals including calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, iodine and iron which gives the salt its beautiful speckled pink color.
There are many types of unrefined sea salt. The best ones are the ones labelled "unrefined" otherwise you are just getting plain, refined table salt with little in it other than iodine and quite a bit of chlorine (which is used in the refining process).
Unrefined salt is also rich in all the vital trace minerals (such as iodine and selenium), thereby promoting optimum biological function and cellular maintenance.
Unrefined sea salt is usually quite grey in colour and is derived directly from a living ocean or sea. It is harvested through channeling ocean water into large clay trays and allowing the sun and wind to evaporate it naturally. Manufacturers of sea salt generally do not refine sea salt much, so it still contains traces of other minerals, including iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, manganese, zinc and iodine.
There are different schools of thought about which salt is better (Himalayan or unrefined salt), but in general, they have similar composition and are both good for you. Some advocate Himalayan over other types of unrefined sea salt because of the pristine environmental condition of the Himalayan mountains gives rise to untainted salt crystals (as could be the case from the salt from the ocean, either unrefined or refined). Ultimately, it is your choice which you prefer.
Please note that the information provided is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Consult with your medical physician regarding appropriateness of using supplements in your healing process.
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