Black salt, also known as Kala Namak or Himalayan black salt, is a salt from India. It is collected from salt mines in the Himalayas, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Because of its all-encompassing medicinal benefits, black salt was first employed in Ayurvedic medicine. It is rich in insoluble minerals and is not easily absorbed by the body.
Black salt is now widely used in cooking and is a common ingredient in Indian recipes. It is volcanic in origin and is composed of sulfur compounds, which contribute to its odor and taste. Iron and potassium chloride are also included.
Health Benefits
Black salt has antioxidant properties and a surprisingly low sodium content. It also contains iron, calcium, magnesium, and other minerals important to the body’s health. Other benefits of black salt include
Reduces heartburn and abdominal bloating
Black salt stimulates the secretion of bile in the liver and helps control heartburn and abdominal bloating. It decreases acidity and reduces reflux. A pinch of salt reduces gas production and relieves bloating and flatulence.
Digest.
For digestive problems, black salt may be helpful in aiding bile secretion by the liver and enhancing the body’s absorption of fat-soluble vitamins in the small intestine.
Heart Health.
Black salt contains a harmful food residue called amma, which is poorly digested in the stomach and reduces its properties. This ingredient has the ability to lower cholesterol levels.
It also acts as a natural anticoagulant and regulates blood pressure. Doctors recommend consuming up to 6 grams per day, as higher intake may increase blood pressure. Those with high blood pressure should not consume more than 3.75 g per day.
Reduction of Diabetic Complications
Black salt has the ability to slightly lower blood sugar levels. Small amounts of black salt can also help reduce high blood pressure.
Relieves muscle pain
Black salt is high in potassium, which is essential for normal muscle function and can relieve muscle cramps.
Health Risks
Black salt has many health benefits, but like many other ingredients, it can have harmful effects when consumed in large quantities. Black salt contains fluorine and other chemicals that can affect body functions.
Kidney stones
Regular consumption of black salt can cause kidney stones to form in the body, which can be painful and impair urinary function.
Thyroid dysfunction
Black salt is not iodized and iodine plays an important role in the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. Do not use iodized salt in place of black salt. Any other source of iodine should be obtained from the diet.
Oral problems
It contains fluoride, which, if taken in excess, can cause dental fluorosis. Children’s intake should be limited so as not to affect developing teeth.
Amounts and Dosages
Black salt contains less sodium than regular table salt, but should be consumed in moderation. Black salt does not contain iodine like table salt, so a source of iodine must be found in the diet.
It can be used in addition to other iodized salts to flavor some recipes. If black salt is consumed to aid digestion or to flush toxins from the body in the morning, it should be used in small, balanced amounts to maintain healthy levels in the body.
