The Pink Salt of Maras: a unique salt in the world

It is often thought that to promote optimal health, it is best to keep your salt intake to a minimum. But did you know that not eating enough salt can also be bad for your body? In this article, discover the benefits of natural salts that promote good health. This is the case of a unique river salt in the world... the pink salt of Maras.

Finding the balance between too much and too little salt

Salt is generally frowned upon. Many perceive it as an enemy of health, causing a cascade of cardiovascular diseases, including high blood pressure.

However, salt is often wrongly accused. It is rather the pure table salt, sodium chloride (NaCl), that is to be blamed for the association of health problems. This inexpensive salt, available in almost every store, provides us with a single mineral, sodium. And it is true that over-consumption of sodium can have destructive effects on cardiovascular health. As currently stated by the World Health Organization (WHO), a consumption of less than two grams of salt per day - one teaspoon - would be a preventive measure against cardiovascular disorders. ¹

However, salt itself is not the food to blame. It's the sodium that needs to be addressed.

That's what Andrew Mente, a professor of clinical epidemiology at McMaster University and a principal investigator at the Population Health Research Institute (PHRI), has done. As a principal investigator at PHRI, Andrew Mente has been studying the issue of sodium overconsumption by leading a cohort of 130,000 individuals located in 49 countries. The results of this investigation showed that:

• Sodium consumption above 6 grams per day is problematic for cardiovascular health;
• Sodium consumption below 3 grams per day is associated with increased cardiovascular disease and mortality;
• Low sodium intake causes hormonal imbalances;
• The average Canadian consumes between 3.5 grams and 5 grams of sodium per day, contrary to current recommendations of less than 2.3 grams per day;
• Current recommendations for sodium consumption are set too low;²

In light of these findings, the scientific community is readjusting its discourse on salt consumption.

How to choose a quality salt that promotes health?

Although excess sodium can be harmful to health and cause imbalances in trace elements, it is clear that the importance of salt in the diet is not negligible.

Ideally, the salt consumed should be unrefined and unprocessed, while offering a variety of minerals including potassium. This is the case for pink salt of Marasa unique salt in the world harvested by hand in the Peruvian Andes.

Unlike the more industrialized salts, the pink salt of Maras is a true example of a pure, natural salt containing a range of minerals including sodium, potassium, magnesium, iron, copper and zinc. With a sodium content as low as 22%, the salt profile of pink salt of Maras is balanced and nourishing.

The pink salt of Maras - a unique salt in the world

Proposed by the company Inka Naturethe salt of Maras is neither a sea salt, nor an earth salt but a river salt. Unique in the world, the salt of Maras - named after the town of Maras where it comes from - is the result of the flow of an underground salt river that gushes out at an altitude of over 3,500 meters in the Andes. This ancient sea feeds the steep salt flats of the region, which are reminiscent of rice fields. Only a few families from the local tribes have the privilege of working in these salt pans and have passed on the knowledge of harvesting from generation to generation.

For the locals, the place is a true sacred place, vestige of the Inca time and even pre-Inca. Besides, the legend tells that the river crosses an underground pink quartz mine before emerging. It is said that this salt is vibratory.

In addition to its precious historical stamp, the pink salt of Maras has many health benefits due to its low sodium and high potassium content. Unprocessed and harvested by hand, this salt is fairly traded and has no impact on the environment.

Like a traditional salt, the pink salt of Maras can be used everywhere. It can be added at the end of cooking or placed on the table for everyone to salt as they please. Its crystals dissolve quickly and the taste of the salt penetrates the food to add unparalleled culinary value.

Stored in a cool, dry place, the pink salt of Maras will have less tendency to clump and will maintain its freshness longer.

 For a simple recipe featuring Maras pink salttry this Marinated tomato salad with Maras pink salt.

Good health and salty
The team of La Boite à Grains

_______________________

Véronique Cousineau
Certified Naturopath and health and wellness writer

Sources :

1. Reducing salt intake. World Health Organization. June 2016.
2. Low Salt Diets Not Beneficial: Global Study Finds. McMaster University. May 2016.
3. Maras salt from Peru. Spice Island.
4. Pink salt from Maras. Inka Nature.