As Pakistanis, we eat a variety of essentials, including rice, ghee, spices to sprinkle, and so on. Have you ever pondered whether a single item could provide a nutritious flavor to all of these? Salt, of course. Black salt, also known as Kala Namak, is a complete salt, in contrast to the table salt we frequently use in our homes. 

This article explains the health benefits of black salt and why you should use it in your life. 

What is black salt?

The most popular kind of black salt is Himalayan salt, though there are other varieties as well.

It is a rock salt that is extracted from salt mines in the Himalayan countries of Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. The first recorded use of black salt was in Ayurvedic treatment, an Indian traditional and holistic approach to health.

Himalayan salt is said to have medicinal properties by Ayurvedic healers. It is questionable, though, if these assertions are supported by reliable research. It’s interesting to note that Himalayan salt is pinkish-brown in hue, despite its name.

How Is Kala Namak Made?

Kala Namak is made by heating it at extremely high temperatures in kilns and then combining it with the seed of the Harad or Black Myrobalan tree to impart medicinal properties.

Despite being highly well-known in India, Kala Namak is typically divided into three types globally: Himalayan Rock Salt, Black Ritual Salt, and Black Lava Salt.

Black Lava Salt: Originally from Hawaii, this earthy-flavored salt is often referred to as Hawaiian rock salt. It is frequently sprinkled on food after it has finished cooking and is renowned for giving it a smokey flavor.

Black Ritual Salt: Made by combining sea salt, charcoal, ashes, and an artificial black coloring, black ritual salt is inedible. Also referred to as witches’ salt, it is typically put under the bed or scattered throughout the house to fend off negativity and evil spirits.  

Black Himalayan Salt: The most popular salt type is black Himalayan salt because of its rich, savory flavor. It adds an earthy flavor to the food in addition to its therapeutic benefits.

Nutritional Content of Black Salt

Natural Himalayan salt mainly consists of:

• Sodium: 37.83g
• Chloride: 60.3g
• Sulpher: 450mg
• Iron: 43.1mg
• Potassium: 87mg

What makes black salt unique are its sulfur components. Salt gets its distinct flavor and scent from sulfur, which also provides health benefits when used in moderation.

Health Benefits of Black Salt

Reduces Blood Sugar

For people with diabetes, black salt is a heaven.

As you are aware, your pancreas secretes the hormone insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels. Diabetes develops when there is insufficient production of this insulin or when the pancreas becomes infected. Low sodium levels are also associated with it. 

The sodium content of black salt is high. It helps to regulate blood sugar levels and facilitates the smooth release of insulin.

Treats Anemia

Iron content is high in black salt. Your body uses this iron to help make hemoglobin. In addition to other foods that increase iron, you should increase your intake of black salt if you have anemia. 

It will lessen the symptoms of anemia and treat iron deficiency.

Heart Health

Black salt includes ama, or toxic leftovers of badly digested food in the stomach, which has a reducing property. This element lowers cholesterol.

By functioning as a natural blood thinner, it also controls blood pressure. Because taking more than this can increase blood pressure, doctors advise against taking more than 6 grams daily. Do not take more than 3.75 grams daily if you have high blood pressure.

Regulates Blood Pressure

Increase your intake of black salt if you have high blood pressure.

When you have high blood pressure, doctors typically advise substituting kala namak for white salt. According to research, black salt lowers blood pressure and acts as a natural blood thinner. But caution is required. Too much salt consumption might affect blood pressure; therefore, you should avoid taking too much of it. 

Muscle Cramps

Dehydration can occasionally cause acute muscle cramps in your calf muscles or increased tension on your leg muscles when you get up from sleep.

Potassium, a mineral found in large quantities in black salt, helps muscles work properly and avoid excruciating cramps.

Digestion

Black salt is an effective treatment for digestive problems because it helps your liver produce bile and enhances the body’s absorption of fat-soluble vitamins in the small intestine.

Strengthens Bones

Did you know that for stronger bones, salt is just as essential as calcium? This is because bones hold one-fourth of the body’s overall salt content. 

It is time to incorporate black salt into your regular diet if you are over 40 and have a family history of osteoporosis.

Is black salt healthier?

Since you typically eat so little salt in one sitting and your body isn’t particularly good at absorbing minerals, the higher mineral content of black salt could not matter all that much.

Because the minerals in salt are insoluble—that is, they don’t dissolve in liquids—they are probably difficult to absorb. Soluble minerals are considerably easier to absorb.

Furthermore, a large number of commercially available salts are probably synthetic, which means they have a poor mineral content.

If you want to stay away from anti-caking compounds, black salt can be a better option because it has fewer additives than conventional table salt.

Regardless of the type, it is always preferable to consume salt in moderation. One teaspoon of salt, or 2,300 milligrams of sodium, is the daily maximum that is advised for human consumption.

The bottom line

Black salt is an excellent natural substitute for conventional table salt, particularly if you want to try a Pakistani or Asian cuisine that asks for it. It can improve the flavor of a variety of foods thanks to its distinct flavor character.

You won’t, however, probably benefit from any miraculous healing that you could read about online.

There have been no studies comparing the health effects of black salt to conventional table salt. In general, more study is required. For now, enjoy this salt’s distinct flavor and mouthwatering flavor.

For personalized care and deeper insights into managing diabetes, consider booking an appointment with our specialist. Your health deserves the best attention.

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