A study has found that Himalayan salt is not as healthy compared to its popularity.
The Food in Australia Survey (NRAUS) found it has low levels of essential nutrients and also contains a number of harmful heavy metals.
After conducting tests on 31 samples of Himalayan salt brands sold in Australian supermarkets, the results provided inconsistent and unpredictable data.
Different levels of nutrients such as iron and calcium were recorded, while samples that had higher concentrations of essential nutrients also showed higher levels of heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium and aluminium.
One particular brand contained dangerously high levels of lead, which exceeded the safe level set by Food Standards Australia and New Zealand by 25 percent. It was said to contain 130 times more lead than white table salt, writes KP.
However, Australian-sourced Himalayan salt brands tested showed lower levels of essential nutrients and heavy metals. The three main elements found in Himalayan salt are magnesium, calcium and potassium. One teaspoon of Himalayan salt contributes only 1-5 percent of an individual's recommended daily needs, and 100% of the maximum sodium limit, which is 5 grams of salt.
