Black salt is a popular ingredient in Indian cuisine. It offers a unique flavor that enhances many dishes. There are also claims that it provides several health benefits.
What is black salt?
Though there are different types of black salt, Himalayan black salt is the most common.Himalayan black salt is pinkish-brown in color.
It’s a rock salt that comes from the salt mines of Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and other locations in the Himalayas.
The use of black salt was first documented in Ayurvedic medicine, a traditional and holistic approach to health that originated in India.
Ayurvedic healers claim that Himalayan black salt has therapeutic qualities. However, it’s debatable whether these claims are rooted in solid research.
Today, many black salts are made synthetically from a combination of sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium bi-sulfate, and ferric sulfate. The salt is then mixed with charcoal and heated before the final product is ready. The finished product contains impurities like sulfates, sulfides, iron, and magnesium, contributing to its color, smell, and taste.
These impurities are likely not harmful to your health. Sulfates are considered safe to eat and are used in certain food products to control harmful bacterial growth.
Possible health benefits
May be lower in sodium than table salt
Commercial table salt may have a higher sodium content than naturally derived black salt. Because of its purported lower sodium content, black salt may be a better option for people with high blood pressure or those looking to reduce their sodium intake.
May contain fewer additives
Black salt may contain fewer additives than regular table salt. This is because traditional black salt goes through minimal processing, without additives.
What’s more, anti-caking agents — which can be harmful to your health — are added to regular table salt to prevent the formation of lumps.
May improve digestion. It’s believed that black salt may help improve digestion, provide laxative effects, and relieve gas and bloating. However, research is needed to support these claims.
May enhance skin and hair. Due to its mineral content, black salt may improve skin and hair health. Yet once again, there is minimal research to support these claims.
Is black salt healthier?
The higher mineral content of black salt may not be that relevant, since your body can’t absorb them very well, and you generally eat such a small amount of salt in one sitting.
Plus, many black salts available for purchase are likely made synthetically, which tend to be low in mineral content anyway.
SUMMARY
There isn’t enough research to suggest that black salt is healthier than regular table salt. It’s best to consume salt in moderation and use it to enhance the flavor of food.
Black salt is a great natural alternative to regular table salt, especially if you want to try an Indian or Asian recipe that calls for it. With its unique flavor profile, it can enhance the flavor of many dishes. However, it isn’t likely that you’ll experience any miraculous healing benefits that you may read about online.
What is black salt?
Though there are different types of black salt, Himalayan black salt is the most common.Himalayan black salt is pinkish-brown in color.
It’s a rock salt that comes from the salt mines of Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and other locations in the Himalayas.
The use of black salt was first documented in Ayurvedic medicine, a traditional and holistic approach to health that originated in India.
Ayurvedic healers claim that Himalayan black salt has therapeutic qualities. However, it’s debatable whether these claims are rooted in solid research.
Today, many black salts are made synthetically from a combination of sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium bi-sulfate, and ferric sulfate. The salt is then mixed with charcoal and heated before the final product is ready. The finished product contains impurities like sulfates, sulfides, iron, and magnesium, contributing to its color, smell, and taste.
These impurities are likely not harmful to your health. Sulfates are considered safe to eat and are used in certain food products to control harmful bacterial growth.
Possible health benefits
May be lower in sodium than table salt
Commercial table salt may have a higher sodium content than naturally derived black salt. Because of its purported lower sodium content, black salt may be a better option for people with high blood pressure or those looking to reduce their sodium intake.
May contain fewer additives
Black salt may contain fewer additives than regular table salt. This is because traditional black salt goes through minimal processing, without additives.
What’s more, anti-caking agents — which can be harmful to your health — are added to regular table salt to prevent the formation of lumps.
May improve digestion. It’s believed that black salt may help improve digestion, provide laxative effects, and relieve gas and bloating. However, research is needed to support these claims.
May enhance skin and hair. Due to its mineral content, black salt may improve skin and hair health. Yet once again, there is minimal research to support these claims.
Is black salt healthier?
The higher mineral content of black salt may not be that relevant, since your body can’t absorb them very well, and you generally eat such a small amount of salt in one sitting.
Plus, many black salts available for purchase are likely made synthetically, which tend to be low in mineral content anyway.
SUMMARY
There isn’t enough research to suggest that black salt is healthier than regular table salt. It’s best to consume salt in moderation and use it to enhance the flavor of food.
Black salt is a great natural alternative to regular table salt, especially if you want to try an Indian or Asian recipe that calls for it. With its unique flavor profile, it can enhance the flavor of many dishes. However, it isn’t likely that you’ll experience any miraculous healing benefits that you may read about online.
