Want to try pink salt for weight loss? What you need to know, according to experts

Pink salt or Himalayan salt is making a comeback of sorts in the wellness world with its unique properties for digestion and weight loss finding favour among health enthusiasts. The Indian ancient practice of Ayurveda has long considered pink salt the most beneficial of all varieties, considering the high amount of trace minerals it has. A pinch of pink salt in your morning drink or a sprinkling of it on your salad, can help maintain electrolyte balance, support digestion and metabolism, and even strengthen bones.

Pink salt isn't just more beneficial than the highly processed table salt because of the abundance of minerals, it's also slightly more delicious with a sweet and less salty taste compared to the excessively salty and slightly bitter taste of the regular salt we add in our cooking. The pink hue as well as its distinct taste is due to the presence of trace minerals like iron oxide.

Pink salt is also recommended by many for weight loss, but is it worth a try. Let's understand.

How pink salt aids in weight loss

Cuts fat, improves metabolismWhile one may not immediately register what the humble Himalayan may be doing to our metabolism, the truth is that it helps in easing constipation, relieving water retention, and improving metabolic function. This triggers body's natural mechanism of fat burning. Many people add it in a glass of lukewarm water along with a dash of lemon to prepare the perfect weight loss drink. Dr Hansaji Yogendra, author and Ayurveda expert approves this recipe, and adds what the magic drink could do to the body. "Himalayan salt mixed with lemon juice and water helps pull toxins from cells, reducing cellular toxicity. This can lower your risk of various chronic diseases," says the expert in a YouTube video.

Improves blood sugar levels
Himalayan salt may support healthy blood sugar regulation by improving insulin sensitivity, thanks in part to its content of trace minerals such as magnesium, chromium, and vanadium. These minerals are known to assist in glucose metabolism and insulin function. For example, magnesium has been linked to improved insulin sensitivity in multiple studies, including one published in Diabetes Care, which found that higher magnesium intake was associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes. Chromium, another mineral present in Himalayan salt in trace amounts, is also essential for the normal activity of insulin, as supported by findings in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.

Reduces unhealthy cravings
Additionally, consuming the mineral-rich salt may help reduce cravings for sugary foods by maintaining better electrolyte and energy balance, thereby reducing sudden spikes and drops in blood glucose.

Better digestion
Himalayan pink salt can aid digestion by stimulating stomach acid production, helping the body break down food more efficiently. Better digestion boosts calorie burning and may reduce overall intake. Its trace minerals also support a healthy gut, which influences hunger hormones and how the body processes fat, contributing to improved metabolism and weight management.

Side effects of pink salt
Pink salt in limited quantities can do wonders to your health, but exceeding the recommended amounts can lead to high blood pressure and a strain on kidney. Over a period of time, it can lead to chronic kidney disease.

According to a study published in Missouri medicine, having excess salt can result in excessive flushing out of calcium through urine, which may lead to osteoporosis, a debilitating bone condition.

Adding too much pink salt to your food can lead to a condition called hypernatremia where the sodium levels in the blood get too high. When sodium level gets very high in the blood, the body tries to eliminate water. When too much water gets removed via urine it may lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

When it comes to weight loss, pink salt can be a useful ally, but in limited quantities. It is important to consult a wellness expert before adding it to your diet, especially if you have high blood pressure or heart disease.
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