Black Salt Health Benefits, Medicinal Properties, Types and their Description, Various Beneficial Uses, Possible Side Effects and FAQ
What is Black Salt?
One of the most used ingredients in our kitchens is Salt. An excellent form of this salt is Black Salt. Black salt is a popular ingredient in Indian cuisine. It offers a unique taste that improves the taste of many dishes.
It is claimed that black salt provides several health benefits. Black salt, also known as Himalayan Black Salt, is found in India. It comes from salt mines in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and other parts of the Himalayan regions.
Health Benefits and Uses of Black Salt
Black salt was first used in Ayurvedic medicine for its overall, therapeutic properties. Black salt has antioxidant properties and surprisingly low sodium levels. It also contains important minerals like iron, calcium and magnesium, which is essential for a healthy body.
This article discusses the benefits and side effects of black salt health.
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Types of Black Salt
Three types of black salt are found – Black rituals salt, Black lava salt, Himalayan black salt.
- Black ritual salt
Black ritual salt (also known as ‘Hawaiian black Salt’) is a mixture of ash, sea salt, charcoal and sometimes black color. This salt is not allowed to be consumed. Some people put this salt under their bed or place it around their courtyard as they believe it can protect them from evil spirits.
- Black lava salt
Black lava salt comes from Hawaii and has an earthy flavor. It is used as finishing salt and sprayed in food at the end of cooking. Black lava salt adds a mild smoky taste to the dish.
- Himalayan black salt
Himalayan black salt (also known as ‘Indian black Salt’) has a delicious taste and is commonly used in cooking.
Health Benefits of Black Salt
- Stimulates Digestion
Black salt acts as a wonderful remedy for those suffering from digestive problems. It helps produce bile juice in the liver and thus the body absorbs fatty vitamins in the small intestine. Bile juice helps in digestion and reduces bloating.
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- Reduce Heartburn
Ayurvedic doctors recommend replacing black salt with regular free-flowing salts, which are helpful in relieving heartburn. It also limits the level of black acid and reduces reflux and other symptoms associated with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GRD).
- Prevents Bloating
If you are suffering from bloating, you only need a pinch of black salt to prevent it immediately. The unique chemical composition of black salt, including high amounts of sodium chloride with iron, manganese, ferric oxide, and sulfate, helps in reducing gas formation and thus reducing bloating.
- Eases Muscle Cramps
If you wake up suddenly in the middle of the night having muscle tension, it might be a sign of dehydration or excessive pressure in your muscles. Potassium (the abundant element in black salt) relieves painful cramps by helping in the proper functioning of the muscles
- Regulates Blood Pressure
Black salt is often suggested as the alternative to regular salt. It can work as a natural blood thinner, hence lowers blood pressure. However, its high consumption is restricted as it can intervene in your blood pressure levels.
The suggested amount of consumption for a healthy person is 6 grams per day and 3.75 grams per day for people suffering from high blood pressure.
- Heart Health
Black salt works as a blood thinner and can be helpful in lowering cholesterol. However, people with high blood pressure should not consume black salt more than 3.75 grams a day.
- Minimizes the Complications Of Diabetes
Although black salt may not significantly lower blood sugar levels, it will help reduce other related complications such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease etc. Replace it with regular free-flowing salt stoking for better taste and health.
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- Improves Iron Content
Due to the presence of various natural minerals, regular consumption of black salt significantly improves iron levels in the body. Doctors recommend replacing regular salt with black salt to fight Anemia. However, if you are planning to add it to the children’s diet, consult with your doctor first.
- Treats Sinusitis
Black salt is very beneficial for those suffering from respiratory problems and sinusitis. Inhaling hot vapor infused with black salt opens blocked nostrils, relieves cough, dry cough and soothes the neck. Gargle with hot water with black salt in it to control tonsil inflammation.
- Strengthens Bones
Did you know that salt is as important as calcium for bones. This is because one-fourth of the total salt in the human body is stored in the bones. If you have a family history of osteoporosis that is more than 40 years, include black salt in your daily diet, as this disorder can reduce bone salt levels which can make it weak. The therapeutic properties of black salt help in preventing osteoporosis.
- For Sleep Problem
Consuming black salt can reduce insomnia. Sleeplessness or insomnia is the result of imbalance in melatonin. Adding black salt in your dinner balances melatonin levels and helps you get a good night’s sleep.
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- For Weight Loss
We all know that drinking hot lemon water with honey helps in weight loss. Add 1/3 tsp black salt to this water. Take it on an empty stomach daily in the morning to lower those extra calories.
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- Works As A Cleanser
Adding a small amount of black salt to your cleanser or scrub can help give you a glowing skin. This is because the granular texture of salt can help close the pores and reduce the oiliness and dullness of your face. For best results, add a small amount of black salt to the cleanser or scrub every night before you go to bed and then wash your face with clean water. Do not apply it if you have dry skin.
- Reduces Hair fall and Dandruff
The narrative evidence shows that black salt can enhance the natural growth of your hair and reduce dandruff. The minerals present here are claimed to strengthen your hair and treat split ends, although there is limited research to prove it.
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How to use Black Salt?
Black salt can be used as much as normal salt. It has a special smell and different taste as compared to the regular one.
If you want to use it for digestive problems, grind black salt finely; add lemon juice and ajwain to get immediate relief from heartburn, acidity and bloating. Traditional doctors recommend taking this mixture before bed or at night for positive results.
It is also recommended to chew a pinch of black salt after meals to strengthen gums and digest better. It can be sprinkled in a variety of dishes, salads etc.
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Side Effects of Black Salt
While black salt is safe for our health, it should be used in the right quantity as any other ingredient, because excessive use of any product can lead to deterioration of health.
Due to the presence of fluoride and other chemicals, excessive consumption of this salt can lead to stomach infections, thyroid disorders, and dental cavity. If you are a blood pressure patient, talk to your doctor for the right amount of black salt for you.
Studies reveal that regular consumption of black salt can eventually lead to kidney stones.
NOTE: It should be used in the right quantity keeping in view the benefits and disadvantages of black salt as excessive use of any product can harm our health. The above mentioned information is provided only for general knowledge based on the information. It is advisable to consult a doctor before using the benefits of black salt in curing the disease.
Conclusion
The above article lets you know about the health benefits of Black salt and related things to it. Although, these data are derived from trusted sources these are provided only for knowledge purpose and not meant for replacing any professional of healthcare treatment. Please consult your doctor before using these remedies especially if you are suffering from any serious disease.
Also Read: Black Salt Benefits (Assamese)
FAQ
1/ Can I eat black salt daily?
Ans: You can eat black salt daily. There are many benefits of consuming it on an empty stomach in the morning, such as – it helps in removing toxins from the body.
2/ How does black salt help the body?
Ans: Black salt has antioxidant properties and low sodium levels. It also contains important minerals like iron, calcium and magnesium, which is essential for a healthy body. Black salt helps the liver for bile production, and helps in controlling heartburn and swelling.
3/ Is black salt harmful?
Ans: While black salt has many benefits, it can cause dangerous diseases in case of excessive use. It should not be taken more than the suggested amount.
4/ Is black salt bad for kidneys?
Ans: If you are a blood pressure patient, talk to the doctor for the appropriate amount of black salt consumption for you. Studies reveal that regular consumption of black salt can eventually lead to kidney stones, a painful condition that inhibits the flow of urine.
5/ Is black salt good for skin?
Ans: The granular texture of black salt makes it an excellent cleanser for oily skin. It cleans and opens your skin pores removing dirt. It can remove the excess oil from your skin and increase blood circulation providing a healthy glowing skin.