Is Black Salt Good for Health?
Indian black salt or Kala namak is a type of volcanic rock salt commonly used in India, Pakistan and other Asian countries. The “black” salt is actually pinkish-grey in colour due to the presence of iron and other minerals. This variety of Indian salt has a very distinctive sulfurous taste and has a pungent smell. Adding this salt to a dish enhances its taste and flavour. This cousin of table salt is full of additional nutrients and minerals, thus making it an essential part of our kitchen shelf. This particular variety of salt has its origin in the Himalayan ranges, so it is also called Himalayan black salt. It is used in Ayurvedic medicines and therapies for centuries.
Chemical composition
This variety of salt mainly contains sodium chloride, sodium bisulfate, sodium bisulfite, sodium sulfate, sodium sulfide, iron sulfide, ferric oxide and hydrogen sulfide. This salt is 36.8% sodium content, which varies from brand to brand available.
Health benefits of black salt
Alternative to sea salt
The common iodized salt or sea salt, which we consume daily is harmful to our health. It has potassium iodate and aluminium silicate, which cause a lot of severe health issues. This salt, on the other hand, is less processed and iodized and is a good source of iron. Thus, this variety of salt is much healthier than seal salt.
Cures acidity and bloating
Many stomach related problems like gastritis, acidity and bloating are treated by Black salt. The chemical properties present in black salt help reduce excess acid in the stomach and its minerals helps to prevent the damage caused by acid reflux. It acts as a tremendous purgative that helps relieve you from bowel problems. It also cures instant heartburn, if you use it with fennel seeds, coriander seeds and cumin seeds.
Controls blood sugar level and cholesterol
This salt helps in thinning the blood, which assures proper blood circulation in your body. Hence, it maintains a regular blood flow reducing high cholesterol and blocking. This salt is also very effective in keeping the blood sugar level in the body.
Black Salt Helps in Weight loss
As we know, consuming regular sea salt can make you gain extra kilos. But researchers have found that this salt is super useful in aiding weight loss because it contains less sodium as compared to regular table salt. So, it doesn’t cause water retention and bloating. So, it makes a good alternative for sea salt if you’re on a low-sodium diet and aiming to lose weight.
Good for skin
Instead of using chemical soaps and spas, consider adding some black salt to your bathing water and you will see the glow on your skin and other skin related issues fading away. It acts as a cleanser for your skin that helps open clogged pores and provides a gleaming skin. If you are having any skin irritation and other skin ailments, it works as a significant healing element. This salt’s anti-inflammatory properties and rough texture heal cracked heel, swollen foot and sprain.
Good for hair
This salt has many essential minerals, it helps boost your hair’s natural growth, strengthen weak hair and cure split ends. Consuming this variety of salt can also cure dandruff, stop hair fall and thickens them. Add this salt with your tomato juice and drink daily.
Prevent depression
This salt can cure several types of depression by preserving the serotonin and melatonin hormones in your body. Both these hormones help in peaceful and unhindered sleep.
This salt is rich in minerals, and there are not many risks associated with the usage of this salt. But anything excessive will cause harm to your body. Using black salt more than required can cause hypertension due to its high sodium content.
Sources:
https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/benefits-of-black-salt-for-skin-hair-and-health/#gref
https://www.femina.in/life/food/5-amazing-health-benefits-of-black-salt-14287.html
