Salt is an essential ingredient in cooking and seasoning, as well in many other practical applications around the house so it stands to reason that it’s important to choose the right type of salt for your needs. Here we compare Himalayan vs Sea Salt.
Two of the most popular types of salt from a culinary perspective are Pink Himalayan salt and Sea salt, each with its very own unique characteristics and benefits. Himalayan salt is mined from ancient sea beds in the Himalayan Mountains and is known for its unique pink color and is believed to be one of the forms of salt that is least affected by modern pollutants available. Sea salt, on the other hand, is obtained by evaporating seawater and is known for its unique flavor. Both are favored for their mineral content, but the exact minerals vary between the two.
In this article, I wanted to explore the similarities and differences between Himalayan vs Sea salt, and help you decide which one is better for your needs.
Which Is Better, Himalayan vs Sea Salt?
For culinary and health purposes, Himalayan salt and Sea salt have become two of the most beloved types of salt used today. Both are abundant in minerals to help maintain healthy blood pressure levels while providing valuable electrolytes for our bodies.
Himalayan salt is extracted from deposits form by ancient seabeds, which are assumed to be less contaminated and more mineral-rich than modern-day seas. What’s more, Himalayan salt tends to go through fewer processing methods so it keeps a higher proportion of its natural minerals intact.
In terms of taste, Himalayan salt is often described as having a complex and subtle flavor and some people detect a slightly floral taste. Sea salt also can have a complex flavor, but depending on where the salt was harvested and the harvesting methods use, the flavor can differ based on those variations. This is because the two types of salt contain differing amounts and types of minerals, which can give it a slightly different taste depending on the specific mineral content. For more about the exact minerals in Himalayan salt, you can visit this article: Minerals In Himalayan Salt: Let’s See What’s In There.
In terms of nutritional value, Himalayan salt contains slightly more minerals than sea salt. Himalayan salt has 84 minerals and trace elements, while sea salt typically has around 60-70 depending on where it is harvested.
So which is better? Neither really – they are just different and you’ll need to decide for yourself. Read on to find out more about each choice!
Why Do We Need Salt In Our Diet?
Salt usually refers to Sodium chloride (NaCl) and is an essential nutrient that we need to function. Sodium is a mineral that plays a critical role in maintaining the balance of fluids in our bodies. Chloride helps to balance the acidity of our blood, aids in the digestion of food and helps to maintain the proper balance of fluids in our bodies.
Sodium and chloride work together to perform these important functions. When we consume salt, our bodies absorb sodium and chloride ions, which then help to balance the fluids in our cells and maintain proper nerve and muscle function.
However, too much sodium in our diet can lead to high blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. As such, the American Heart Association recommends that adults should consume no more than 2,300 milligrams (mg) or even better 1,500 mg per day of sodium. They have a nice, short, to-the-point about the topic in their article How much sodium should I eat per day?
To ensure a healthy intake level it’s important to pay attention to how much salt is present in processed foods as they often have very high levels of sodium – instead focus on whole unprocessed food items for maximum benefit.
What Is Himalayan Salt Best For?
Due to Himalayan salt’s unique flavor, it can be used for a variety of culinary purposes. Himalayan salt is often used as an ingredient in dishes such as soups, stews, and sauces where its mineral content can add complexity and enhance the flavors.
We all love lists … here’s a list of some of the best ways to use Himalayan salt:
- Cooking – Himalayan salt is often used in cooking because of its unique flavor and mineral content. It is believed to have a more complex flavor than traditional table salt and is often used to enhance the taste of dishes.
- Seasoning – Himalayan salt is also a popular seasoning option because of its unique flavor and mineral content. It is often used as a Finishing salt, sprinkled on dishes before serving to add a burst of flavor. We talk about the use of Finishing salt in detail in this article: Worth It’s Salt: 20 Different Types of Salt.
- Food Preservation – Not only does Himalayan salt add flavor to your dishes, but it is believed that due to its high mineral content, the salt helps preserve food for extended periods. From curing meats and pickling vegetables, this pink-hued wonder has been utilized in food preservation since ancient times. We have a couple articles regarding the use of Himalayan salt in food preservations, you might want to start with this one: Can Himalayan Salt Be Used for Pickling, Curing, and Fermenting.
Some non-culinary uses for Himalayan Salt include:
- Salt Lamps – Himalayan salt lamps are made with large pieces of Himalayan salt, and they have been reported to offer several health benefits. When heated, these special lamps release negative ions into the atmosphere which purportedly can help purify air quality, decrease stress levels and anxiety, as well as induce better sleep. If you are not already familiar with Himalayan Salt Lamps, we have several informative articles about them – you may want to start with this one: Shining A Light On The Pros And Cons Of Himalayan Salt Lamps
- Spa Treatments – Himalayan salt is a well-known treatment used in spa salons and baths for its various health advantages. It’s believed to help cleanse the body, improve skin problems, and relieve muscle pain. Not to mention that it gives your whole body an overall sense of rejuvenation.
Ultimately, Himalayan salt stands out for its distinctive flavor and high mineral content, appealing to chefs and foodies alike.
What Is Sea Salt Best For?
Considered to be a premium seasoning, sea salt is created by evaporating seawater and has become widely popular for its distinct flavor and mineral-rich properties. Not only does this type of salt enhance the taste of culinary dishes, but it also offers an array of benefits from skincare routines to health remedies.
- Cooking – Sea salt is a popular choice for cooking because of its unique flavor and mineral content. It is believed to have a more complex flavor than traditional table salt and is often used to enhance the taste of dishes.
- Seasoning – Sea salt is also a popular seasoning option because of its unique flavor and mineral content. It is often used as a Finishing salt, sprinkled on dishes before serving to add a burst of flavor. For more about Finishing salts, including my favorite one, see our article Maldon Salt: A Reason to Flake Out!
- Available in an Iodized Form – It is fairly easy to get Sea salt with the right amount of dietary Iodine added. In fact, you can see my container of Iodized Sea Salt in the featured photo for this article. This makes it a perfect replacement for table salt without needing to worry about whether you are getting enough Iodine.
- Food Preservation – Sea salt is also used in food preservation, such as curing meats and pickling vegetables. The salt’s high mineral content is believed to help preserve food for longer periods.
Some non-culinary uses for Sea Salt include:
- Cosmetics – Sea salt is used in various cosmetics and skincare products because of its believed ability to exfoliate and detoxify the skin. It can be used in body scrubs, bath salts, and face masks to improve skin texture and tone.
- Baths and Soaks – Sea salt is also used in bath and soak treatments, such as Epsom salt baths, to help detoxify the body, ease muscle pain and improve skin conditions.
Sea salt has a distinctive flavor and high mineral content which makes it perfect for flavoring dishes. It is also used in cosmetics creation, bath maintenance, food preservation processes, and other unique methods of use.
What are Sea Salt and Himalayan Salt Not Good For?
For those looking to add a bit of flavor and minerals to their dishes, either Sea salt or Himalayan salt may be an ideal option. However, there are some situations when another type of salt may be more suitable. These things apply to both types of salt.
- High Blood Pressure – Consuming too much salt can have dire consequences for those with hypertension. Both Sea salt and Himalayan salt contain the similar amounts of sodium as regular table salt by weight (but not necessarily by volume). Excessive consumption of sodium-rich foods leads to an elevated blood pressure level and increases one’s risk of suffering from cardiac issues or a stroke.
- Allergies or Sensitivities – Consuming either of the salts may cause an allergic or sensitive reaction to the minerals found within it. If you experience any negative side effects after consuming these salt, cease use immediately and consult a healthcare professional for further advice.
- Cost – Both Sea salt and Himalayan salt tend to be more costly than traditional table salt. People who can taste the difference though, think these salts are worth the expense due to their superior quality and origin.
- Cooking with High Heat – Grilling or frying with these salt is not recommended, as the minerals and flavor could be significantly diminished when exposed to high heat. When baking, any salt used in the batter tends to be a waste of flavorful salt, but and salt on top of things like pretzels, caramels and cookies can be a wonderful taste treat.
For those with high blood pressure, allergies or sensitivities to minerals, high heat cooking habits, or wanting to limit their sodium intake, these salts are best used in extreme moderation. Before making any alterations in your dietary regimen, it’s highly advised that you consult a medical professional.
On the subject of Iodine in Himalayan salt, for the most part, this type of salt is not considered to be a sufficient dietary source. For more about that, see Details On Iodine In Himalayan Salt: What You Need To Know.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to Himalayan vs Sea salt, both have unique and beneficial properties that can be used in a variety of ways.
Ultimately, the decision between Himalayan vs Sea salt depends on your individual needs and preferences. My preference is to have both on hand so that I choose at the last minute as inspiration strikes!
