Key Takeaways

Although low in iodine, rock salt is a chemical and toxin-free pure salt.
It maintains electrolyte balance, supports digestive health, regulates sodium levels, cools the body, and boosts metabolism.
It also strengthens immunity, treats sore throats, regulates the sleep cycle, helps purify the air and rejuvenates the skin.

You must have noticed that individuals who fast occasionally use rock salt instead of normal salt. Have you ever wondered why?

What you need to know:

What is rock salt?
Benefits of rock salt
Disadvantage of rock salt

What is rock salt?

When an individual observes a fast, they have a list of restricted foods, which includes meat, onion, garlic, and table salt. Rock salt, popularly known as Himalayan crystal salt or sendha namak or kala namak, is an element of the sattvik diet as it is considered the purest salt, free of all chemicals or toxins. This pinkish-colored salt is considered a vegetarian salt because it is not made using seawater and is used for cooking for religious purposes, primarily during fasts.

Benefits of rock salt

The benefits of rock salt are plenty:

Maintains electrolyte balance and pH levels

Sendha namak restores the body’s electrolytes and maintains pH levels when individuals are on a strict, restrictive diet. Therefore, they can help relieve muscle cramps and pain.

Supports digestive health

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Rock salt facilitates the easy digestion of food and hastens the process of food absorption. It is used as a home remedy to treat various digestive ailments, including bloating, heartburn, constipation, and vomiting.

Regulates sodium levels

Although too much sodium can harm your health, too little sodium can also be detrimental, as it can cause seizures, poor sleep, or convulsions. Consuming small amounts of rock salt can minimize the risk of low sodium levels and thereby raise blood pressure. For the same reason, it is advisable for individuals suffering from hypertension to include rock salt in their daily meals.

Acts as a coolant for the body

Rock salt internally cools the body and helps in water retention.

Boosts metabolism

The vitamin K in sendha namak can boost the body’s metabolism. Rock salt reactivates insulin to reduce sugar cravings and helps maintain weight. You can ditch table salt and pick or use a pinch of rock salt in your meals. You can even try sprinkling it over fruits.

Strengthening immunity with trace minerals

It contains various trace minerals, including manganese, copper, iron, zinc, potassium, iodine, and magnesium from salt range mountains. These minerals aid rock salt in strengthening the body’s defenses against pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, it improves the body’s immune system and curbs illnesses.

Treats sore throats

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Gargling with salt water can treat sore throats. The decongestant properties of rock salt can relieve you from a blocked nose and cough. It can also clear nasal passages and the throat cavity. It is also a renowned remedy for treating tonsillitis and asthma.

Regulates sleep cycles

The brain controls the sleep-wake cycle by changing the levels of salts in the brain. The supportive cells in the brain regulate the salt levels. Rock salt, because of its mineral content, regulates the level of melatonin, which can regulate your sleep cycle. It is also a bath salt that relaxes your muscles and improves sleep.

Helps purify the air

Himalayan pink salt is a natural air purifier. The salt crystal products pull water vapor out of the air, thus reducing airborne irritants, pathogens, toxins and allergens. You can use a salt lamp and put it anywhere in your home where you spend the most time.

Rejuvenates the skin

Rock salt can help eliminate clogged pores and rejuvenate and cleanse your skin. Its minerals can help reduce inflammation, promoting clear skin. It can also improve skin hydration and texture. Its antiseptic properties can help treat skin issues like acne and eczema. It can strengthen skin tissue, making skin look younger and firmer.

Disadvantage of rock salt

Despite these advantages, rock salt also has one potential disadvantage.

Low in iodine

Relying entirely on rock salt can lead to iodine deficiency syndrome, and excessive consumption can result in high blood pressure, muscle weakness, and fatigue.

Despite this disadvantage, rock salt’s versatility makes it beneficial for health, beauty, culinary, and environmental uses. However, it should be consumed in moderation to avoid potential negative health impacts.

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