This is an archive article published on July 16, 2025

Tejasswi Prakash says she doesn’t use white salt at home; why experts caution against only having pink salt in the diet

Pink salt, commonly called Himalayan salt, is a type of rock salt mined from ancient sea beds, especially in the Khewra region of Pakistan.

Tejasswi Prakash on not using white salt at home (Photo: Tejasswi Prakash/Instagram)

3 min readNew DelhiJul 22, 2025 11:03 AM IST First published on: Jul 16, 2025 at 06:30 PM IST

Tejasswi Prakash recently whipped up a special Maharashtrian meal, during which she admitted only using pink salt. While preparing fresh gluten-free rice bhakri, she said, “I am putting some pink salt because we use only pink salt at home. We don’t use normal salt at home.”

Taking a cue from her admission to Curly Tales, we consulted an expert to understand why consuming only pink salt in the diet is not advisable.

Pink salt vs white salt

Pink salt, commonly called Himalayan salt, is a type of rock salt mined from ancient sea beds, especially in the Khewra region of Pakistan. Its characteristic pink colour comes from trace minerals like iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. These minerals also give it a mild, earthy flavour that appeals to many health-conscious consumers.

Pink salt’s popularity stems from claims that it is less processed, has more minerals, and is free from additives. “Commercial white salts contain additives like anti-caking agents, etc., which can be harmful in the long run. Since pink salt is mainly sold as a rock, the need for additives doesn’t arise,” said Khusboo Jain Tibrewala, nutritionist and diabetes and inflammation specialist – The Health Pantry.

While it does contain trace minerals, the quantities are minuscule and may not significantly impact health, added Tibrewala. “It is also not better for people with hypertension, as the sodium content is pretty much the same. People also believe that pink salt can help with detoxification and digestion. It is often confused with black salt, which contains hydrogen sulfide. Pink salt does not have detoxification properties,” stressed Tibrewala.

One must be careful when switching to pink salt because it is non-iodised. “Indian soil and water are naturally low in iodine, putting us at risk of iodine deficiency and related diseases like goitre. This was precisely why we started iodising salt,” said Tibrewala.

Are you using only pink salt? (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Making a complete switch to pink salt is more harmful than good, she asserted.

“Long-term use will lead to iodine deficiency. This can increase your risk of hypothyroid, pregnancy-related issues, hair loss, dry skin, loss of energy, and goitre,” said Tibrewala.

Also Read | Know what happens when you chew a piece of ginger with some rock salt before a meal

The best thing to do is keep 3-4 different types of salts at home—iodised white salt for daily use, pink salt for its taste and texture, black salt for digestive preparations, and sendha namak for fasting or Ayurvedic needs. “Each has its place, but none should be consumed in excess or isolation,” said Tibrewala.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.