Salt is the essence of life. Our body
needs it, but not too much –or too little. Salt is made up of
two electrolytes – sodium and chloride that help in maintaining the fluid
balance in your body. It also helps regulate your blood pressure.
In the last few years, salt or sodium has gained a bad reputation primarily
because our appetite for junk or processed food has increased which has become
the primary cause of excess salt consumption.You can use is for regular
cooking or as a finishing salt. It offers a burst of saltiness for your palate.
Himalayan salt is also good for seasoning meat as it clings to the surface well
and spreads evenly. You can also blend the sweet and savoury and use a
pinch in desserts. American food writer and entrepreneur, Mark
Bitterman has been playing with finishing salts and Himalayan salt blocks for
few years now. In his book, Salt Block Cooking, he explains, "Himalayan
salt blocks have very little porosity and because they have virtually no
moisture, they can be safely heated or chilled to great extremes."
This makes it very versatile. You can crumble it over your food or even
cook over it. Bitterman uses salt blocks to saute, grill, chill, cure, bake,
and even as a platter to serve. When foods are cooked over these blocks
they acquire a delicate saltiness that sets them off perfectly.
Health benefits of
Himalayan Salt
The Himalayan crystal salt contains certain minerals like potassium,
calcium and magnesium that makes it so precious. It is
believed to contain as many as 84 trace minerals! Here are six amazing health
benefits of the Himalayan salt that definitely makes it superior than your
regular table salt.
- Sole water to flush out toxins
- Regulates blood sugar and hormonal balance
-
Improves digestion
-
Salt therapy for respiratory problems
- Bath soak
-
Himalayan salt lamps to purify the air