Himalayan Salt Vs Celtic Salt: Which Is Better
Salt is like the spice of life, adding flavor and complexity to everyday meals. But not all salts are created equal.
When it comes to Himalayan Salt vs Celtic Salt, there’s a lot of confusion about which type is better for you and your health.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at each salt’s origin, health benefits, potential side effects, sodium content and more so you can make an informed decision about which one is best for you.
Through examining the facts objectively, we hope to help you decide if Himalayan or Celtic salt will be the perfect addition to your kitchen – and your life!
Himalayan Salt vs celtic salt: Comparison Table
Comparing Himalayan and Celtic salt can be a tricky task, but we’ve put together a handy comparison table to make it easier.
| Himalayan Salt | Celtic Salt | |
|---|---|---|
| Origin and Sourcing | Mined from the Khewra Salt Mine in the Punjab region of Pakistan. | Harvested from coastal regions, such as France, Ireland, or Brittany. |
| Color | Pink to reddish-brown due to iron oxide and other trace minerals present. | Light gray to off-white color. |
| Composition | Contains a variety of minerals including sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, iodine, etc. | Contains essential minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, iodine, etc. |
| Trace Minerals | Contains trace minerals like selenium, chromium, molybdenum, silica, etc. | Contains trace minerals like selenium, chromium, molybdenum, silica, etc. |
| Flavor and Taste | Mild, subtle, and less salty taste with a slight mineral undertone. | Mild, slightly salty flavor. |
| Texture | Typically coarser with larger crystal sizes. | Fine to coarse texture, depending on the variety. |
| Culinary Uses | Widely used as a finishing salt, in cooking, and as a decorative element. | Popular as a seasoning and finishing salt for various dishes. |
| Nutritional Benefits | Provides essential minerals necessary for bodily functions. | Provides essential minerals necessary for bodily functions. |
| Health Claims | Some proponents claim it can aid in electrolyte balance, promote respiratory health, and support overall well-being. | Some proponents claim it can enhance digestion and contribute to electrolyte balance. |
| Environmental Impact | Concerns over long-distance transportation and carbon footprint due to mining and exporting. | Concerns over sustainability practices and transportation. |
| Availability | Widely available in various forms (crystals, fine grind, blocks) in most markets and online. | Available in specialty stores, health food stores, and online. |
| Cost | Himalayan Salt is cheaper than Celtic salt but slightly more expensive than regular table salt. | Celtic salt is usually more expensive than Himalayan salt and significantly more expensive than regular table salt. |
| Cultural Significance | Associated with traditional medicine and wellness practices, particularly in the Himalayan region. | Associated with Celtic heritage and culinary traditions in coastal regions. |
Why Salt Is Good For You
Eating salt can be beneficial for your health, but it’s important to know the differences between Himalayan and Celtic varieties.
Salt is essential for life; it helps regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve transmissions in the body. Not only that, but it also adds flavor to food.
Both Himalayan and Celtic salts contain trace minerals like iodine which help with proper thyroid function.
Here are some reasons why salt is good for our bodies:
- Electrolyte balance: Sodium is one of the key electrolytes in our bodies. Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge and play a crucial role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions. Sodium helps regulate the amount of water inside and outside our cells, which is vital for maintaining blood pressure and overall hydration.
- Nerve function: Sodium ions are involved in transmitting electrical signals along nerve cells. These signals are essential for communication between nerve cells and are responsible for various bodily functions, including muscle contractions, reflexes, and communication between different body systems.
- Muscle function: Sodium is vital for proper muscle function, including muscle contractions. When nerve signals reach muscle cells, sodium helps trigger the release of calcium ions, which, in turn, initiates muscle contractions.
- Blood pressure regulation: Sodium plays a role in regulating blood pressure. The balance between sodium and potassium levels is critical for maintaining healthy blood pressure. High sodium intake can lead to water retention and increased blood volume, which can elevate blood pressure and strain the cardiovascular system.
- Acid-base balance: Sodium helps maintain the body’s acid-base balance (pH level) by neutralizing excess acidity. This balance is crucial for various biochemical processes and overall cellular function.
- Nutrient absorption: Sodium is necessary for the absorption of various nutrients in the small intestine. It aids in the transport of glucose and some amino acids into the cells.
While salt is essential for our bodies, it’s important to note that excessive salt intake can have negative effects on health.
High sodium intake has been linked to increased risk of hypertension (high blood pressure), heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.
Therefore, it’s essential to consume salt in moderation and maintain a balanced diet to ensure overall health and well-being.
The recommended daily intake of sodium for adults is generally around 2,300 mg per day, but individual needs may vary depending on factors like age, activity level, and health conditions.
When choosing between Himalayan and Celtic salts, consider their individual flavors as well as their nutrient profiles. Himalayan salt may have less sodium per teaspoon compared to Celtic sea salt, but both are still high in sodium chloride – consuming either should be done in moderation if you’re trying to watch your sodium intake.
Additionally, studies suggest that adding natural unrefined salts such as these two could provide additional medical benefits beyond what table salt provides since they contain more micronutrients important for health maintenance like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Himalayan Salt vs celtic salt: How and where are they sourced from
Himalayan salt is mined from the Khewra Salt Mine, located in the Punjab region of Pakistan, near the Himalayan mountain range. The mine is one of the largest and oldest salt mines in the world.
Celtic salt, also known as Celtic sea salt or sel gris, is harvested from the coastal regions of France, particularly the Atlantic coastal areas of Brittany. It can also be found in some parts of Spain and Portugal.
Both have unique sources that create distinct flavor profiles:
- Himalayan salt has a mild mineral flavor with subtle notes of sweetness, making it a great all-purpose seasoning.
- Celtic salt has a stronger flavor with more intense salinity and slightly bitter undertones, making it an excellent choice for finishing dishes.
- Their different textures also add to their culinary appeal: Himalayan salt is course and crunchy while Celtic salt is flaky and moist, adding interesting texture to your food.
Both salts provide essential minerals like calcium, sulfur, magnesium, potassium, and iron that our bodies need to stay healthy. In addition to providing these key nutrients, they can also help balance electrolytes in the body as well as improve digestion due to their high mineral content.
So whether you’re looking for something to season your meals or maintain optimal body health, both Himalayan and Celtic salts offer great benefits when used properly in moderation!
Himalayan Salt vs celtic salt: Health Benefits
You may be wondering about the health benefits of Himalayan salt vs Celtic salt. Both have many potential benefits that can contribute to an overall healthier lifestyle.
Benefits of Himalayan Salt
Himalayan Salt is said to contain 84 minerals and trace elements essential for human health, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, and iron.
This salt may also help balance pH levels in the body, which helps promote overall well-being.
Additionally, it’s been known to reduce water retention and bloating by balancing electrolytes in the body.
Himalayan salt is thought to boost your metabolism, which can aid in weight loss efforts.
Inhaling its fine particles has even been said to help clear sinuses and improve respiratory conditions like asthma or bronchitis. [1] [2]
Lastly, some people believe that it can increase energy levels naturally due to its high mineral content.
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Benefits of Celtic Salt
Celtic salt offers numerous health benefits as well. It is composed of sodium and chloride, as well as other trace minerals and elements.
The most notable among these are magnesium, calcium, potassium, manganese, iron and zinc. These minerals offer a wide range of health benefits including aiding in digestion and helping to regulate blood sugar levels in the body.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Digestive Health | Celtic salt helps aid digestion by helping to break down food particles into smaller pieces for easier absorption in the small intestine. |
| Blood Sugar Regulation | Celtic salt can help regulate the amount of sugar absorbed into your bloodstream after eating carbohydrate-rich foods like breads or rice. |
| Mineral Intake | Celtic salt provides a source of essential minerals such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, manganese, iron and zinc which are critical for overall health. |
| Immune System Support | The trace elements found in Celtic salt help support the immune system by fighting off bacteria and viruses that can cause illness or infection. |
Himalayan Salt vs Celtic salt: Sodium Content
Comparing Himalayan salt and Celtic salt, it’s clear that the sodium content of each is vastly different – but which one has more?
In general, Himalayan salt contains a higher amount of sodium per teaspoon than Celtic sea salt.
Himalayan salt contains about 98% sodium chloride, which means it has a high sodium content. [3]
On the other hand, the concentration of sodium in Celtic salt is about 33%, which is lower because of the brine water present in Celtic sea salt. [4]
A single teaspoon of Himalayan salt contains approximately 2300 milligrams (mg) of sodium, while the same amount of Celtic sea salt typically contains only about 1200 mg.
Therefore, Himalayan salt has a higher sodium content compared to Celtic salt.
While this difference may seem small, over time it can add up to significant amounts of extra sodium in your diet if you’re using Himalayan salt exclusively.
To put this into perspective, according to the American Heart Association (AHA), adults should consume no more than 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium per day.
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Himalayan Salt vs Celtic salt: Which one is best For Skin
Both Himalayan salt and Celtic salt can offer some benefits for the skin, but it’s essential to understand their properties and uses to determine which one might be best for your specific skin needs.
Himalayan Salt for Skin:
- Exfoliation: Himalayan salt can be used as a natural exfoliator to remove dead skin cells and promote smoother, softer skin. When used in body scrubs or bath salts, its gentle abrasive texture helps slough off dead skin, leaving the skin refreshed.
- Detoxification: Some people believe that Himalayan salt can aid in detoxifying the skin by drawing out impurities and toxins. When used in bathwater, it is thought to promote relaxation and help cleanse the skin.
- Skin hydration: Himalayan salt can help maintain the skin’s natural moisture balance when used in bathwater. The minerals present in the salt may assist in retaining moisture and preventing excessive dryness.
Celtic Salt for Skin:
- Soothing properties: Celtic salt, particularly unrefined sel gris, retains more moisture compared to other salts. When used in bathwater or in skincare products, it may have a soothing effect on the skin, especially for those with sensitive or dry skin.
- Mineral content: Celtic salt contains a wide range of minerals that could be beneficial for the skin. These minerals might nourish the skin and contribute to its overall health.
Both salts have benefits, but keep in mind that the effectiveness of these salts on the skin may vary from person to person.
Additionally, when using salt-based products on the skin, it’s essential to do a patch test first, especially if you have sensitive or allergic-prone skin, to ensure you don’t experience any adverse reactions.
In general, while salt can be beneficial for the skin in certain ways, it’s not a cure-all, and it’s important to maintain a balanced skincare routine that includes cleansing, moisturizing, and sun protection, along with any additional treatments or products tailored to your specific skin concerns.
If you’re considering using Himalayan salt or Celtic salt for skincare purposes, you might also explore ready-made products that incorporate these salts, such as bath salts, scrubs, or body washes.
Himalayan Salt vs celtic salt: Which one is best for Hydration
Moving on to the next question of which salt is best for hydration, let’s compare Himalayan salt and Celtic salt.
When it comes to hydration, both Himalayan salt and Celtic salt can contribute to maintaining the skin’s natural moisture balance, but their effects might vary based on individual preferences and skin types.
Himalayan Salt for Hydration:
Himalayan salt is often praised for its hydrating properties, particularly when used in bathwater. The minerals present in Himalayan salt, including sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, can help retain moisture in the skin.
When you soak in a Himalayan salt bath, these minerals may create a barrier on the skin’s surface, preventing excessive evaporation of water and promoting hydration.
Additionally, the warmth of the bath can improve circulation, enhancing the absorption of minerals into the skin.
Celtic Salt for Hydration:
Celtic salt, specifically unrefined sel gris, is known for its moisture-retaining abilities. When used in skincare products or in bathwater, Celtic salt can help lock in moisture, making it potentially beneficial for individuals with dry or sensitive skin.
The natural moisture-retaining properties of sel gris may help prevent water loss from the skin’s surface, leading to improved hydration.
In summary, both Himalayan salt and Celtic salt can have hydrating effects on the skin due to their mineral content and moisture-retaining abilities.
The choice between the two may come down to personal preference, skin type, and availability of the salts.
Himalayan Salt vs celtic salt: Flavor And Texture Comparison
Himalayan salt and Celtic salt are both natural, unrefined salts that offer unique flavors and textures, which can enhance the taste and texture of various dishes.
Here’s a comparison of their flavor and texture:
| Himalayan Salt | Celtic Salt | |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Himalayan salt has a mild, subtle flavor with slightly sweet and earthy undertones. It is not as strong as some other salts, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more delicate taste. | Celtic salt, has a briny, mineral-rich flavor with a slightly coarse and crunchy texture. It is often described as having a more pronounced salty taste compared to Himalayan salt. |
| Texture | Himalayan salt is typically sold as coarse crystals, making it a popular choice for use in salt grinders or as finishing salt. The crystals can range in size, but they are generally larger than table salt. | Celtic salt has a moist, coarse texture due to its harvesting method. The salt is collected from seawater ponds or basins and retains some moisture, giving it a distinct crunchiness when used as a finishing salt. |
So, in terms of flavor, the choice between Himalayan salt and Celtic salt is subjective and depends on personal taste preferences and the specific dish you are preparing.
The mild and subtle flavor of Himalayan salt can complement a wide range of dishes, including vegetables, meats, and even desserts.
On the other hand, the briny and mineral-rich flavor of Celtic salt can add a more pronounced salty taste to dishes and is especially well-suited for savory dishes and seafood.
Regarding texture, both salts can provide an enjoyable eating experience.
Himalayan salt’s larger crystals can offer a satisfying crunch, while Celtic salt’s moist and crunchy texture can be a delightful addition to dishes as a finishing touch.
Himalayan Salt vs Celtic salt: Mineral Composition Comparison
Comparing the mineral composition of Himalayan and Celtic salts can be a tricky task, as both offer their own unique benefits.
Below is a comparison table of the minerals and trace minerals commonly found in Himalayan salt and Celtic salt:
| Mineral / Trace Element | Himalayan Salt | Celtic Salt |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium (Na) | High amounts | High amounts |
| Chloride (Cl) | High amounts | High amounts |
| Potassium (K) | Small amounts | Small amounts |
| Magnesium (Mg) | Small amounts | High amounts |
| Calcium (Ca) | Small amounts | High amounts |
| Iron (Fe) | Trace amounts | Low amounts |
| Zinc (Zn) | Trace amounts | Trace amounts |
| Copper (Cu) | Trace amounts | Trace amounts |
| Chromium (Cr) | Trace amounts | Trace amounts |
| Manganese (Mn) | Trace amounts | Trace amounts |
| Selenium (Se) | Trace amounts | Trace amounts |
| Sulfur (S) | Trace amounts | Small amounts |
Please note that the mineral composition of both Himalayan salt and Celtic salt can vary slightly depending on the specific source and mining or harvesting practices.
Also, while both salts contain a range of minerals and trace elements, their levels are generally relatively low compared to other sources of these essential nutrients.
Himalayan Salt vs celtic salt in terms of contamination
Now that we’ve discussed the methods of harvesting, let’s focus on the differences between Himalayan salt and Celtic salt when it comes to contamination.
The most common contaminants in both salts are heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury and chromium which can be harmful to health if ingested in large amounts. The table below shows the levels of these contaminants found in each type of salt.
| Type of Salt | Lead (ppb) | Arsenic (ppb) | Cadmium (ppb) | Mercury (ppb) | Chromium (ppb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Himalayan | 0.2 | 1 | 2 | 0.3 | 0.1 |
| Celtic | 0 | 0 | 1 4 5 3 |
Generally speaking, when compared with Celtic Salt, Himalayan Salt has been found to contain higher levels of lead and cadmium.
However, these levels are still within safe limits set by regulatory bodies such as the US Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada for food products intended for human consumption.
So while there may be slight differences between them in terms of contamination levels, neither is considered more hazardous than the other and both should be safe for everyday use when used in moderation.
Himalayan Salt vs Celtic salt: Potential Side Effects
Both salts are rich in minerals and trace elements and generally safe for consumption, but they can have different effects on some people.
Himalayan salt is known to be slightly more bitter than other salts due to its high level of iron content. This could potentially cause stomach upset for those with sensitive digestive systems.
Celtic salt has a milder taste, but it also contains higher amounts of sodium compared to other salts, which can increase blood pressure if consumed in large quantities over time.
It’s important to note that both types of salt should be used sparingly since consuming too much can lead to health problems such as dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Additionally, consuming either type of salt without proper hydration may cause nausea and headaches.
In terms of safety, both Himalayan and Celtic sea salts have been tested and approved by various food safety organizations around the world for human consumption. Therefore, when used properly in moderation, both types of salts are safe for most individuals who aren’t allergic or sensitive to them.
Ultimately, it’s up to each individual person to decide which type works best for them based on their dietary needs and preferences.
Where To Buy Himalayan Salt and Celtic salt
If you’re looking to buy either Himalayan salt or Celtic salt, there are a few recommended brands that can provide the best quality of product.
Make sure to do your research on the brand before making any purchase to ensure you get the best quality product.
For Pink Salt:
For Celtic Salt:
Whether you’re looking for a subtle hint of pink or grey salt in your meals, these recommended brands offer superior taste and quality.
Impurities in Himalayan Salt
Himalayan salt is known to contain a range of trace minerals and impurities, which can alter its flavor and nutrient profile compared to other types of salt.
It is important to note that the amount and type of impurities in Himalayan salt vary depending on where it was mined.
In general, some of the potential impurities found in Himalayan salt include sulfur compounds, iron oxide, magnesium chloride, sodium sulfate, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, and lead.
Most of these components are considered to be harmless if consumed in small quantities.
While Himalayan salt does contain impurities that may not be found in other types of salts they are generally safe for human consumption when eaten in moderation.
Microplastic Contamination
Recent studies have found that Himalayan salt can be contaminated with microplastics. Here’s a quote from a recent study.
The Himalayan rock salts are commonly extracted through mining, where chances of atmospheric MP deposition are less; however, the observed rise in MP contamination in the mined salt is likely due to the addition of airborne MPs during the processing and packaging of salts.
Before you go crazy though, note that most researchers still agree that the levels of microplastics in the environment are not sufficient to impact human health. [5]
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
The bottom line is that both Himalayan salt and Celtic salt offer the same. If I had to “lean” my preference to a specific salt I would say that Celtic Salt is better than Himalayan Salt.
The reasons are mainly 3:
- It contains less sodium than Himalayan Salt.
- It contains pretty match the same amount of trace minerals as Himalayan salt.
- As a person who lives in a country that is member to European Union, Celtic salt takes far less time to travel and get to my supermarket shelf while Himalayan salt must travel from Pakistan to reach my plate.
Apart from that, I still use Himalayan salt when I don’t find Celtic salt in the supermarket.
Having said that, which salt is better in your opinion?
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It seems that the attributes of Celtic salt to Himalayan salt are backwards to many other resources. Beware of this article. Example: fact; Celtic salt is actually much more expensive than Himalayan salt. This article has it backwards. Check the other details, this is not right.
Hello M,
I am not sure where are you referring to. In the beginning of the article, in the table, it clearly says that Celtic salt is much more expensive than normal table salt.