Black Salt: Nutrition, Advantages, Disadvantages and How to use

Do you remember the famous line by Chef Sanjeev Kapoor in his TV show – “namak swad anusar”? Have you noticed in any recipe card, food video, or show that there is just one ingredient beside which it is written as per taste?

We are talking about the same ingredient today – salt or namak, as we commonly call it. This is one simple and fantastic ingredient that can change the taste and texture of your dish.

Whether you add less or more, it will leave an unpleasant experience. That is why everyone says to add it as per your taste. But we are not talking about the common salt you find in homes.

We are talking about black salt or kala namak, also commonly available and primarily found in our kitchens. But are we using it the way we should? Maybe not.

This is because many people are unaware of the beautiful health benefits of this salt variant. Let’s explore this in our article today.

What is Kala Namak?

It is a kind of rock salt known as kala or black salt. This salt is obtained from the Himalayan salt mines in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Nepal.

Ayurveda first used this salt for its medicinal properties. It is loaded with insoluble minerals. Some of its variants are – black lava salt, Himalayan black salt, and black ceremonial salt.

The black ceremonial salt, however, is not for human consumption. Normal kala namak is used in Indian cooking and is becoming quite popular.

Its taste and fragrance come from the sulfur compounds comprising its composition and volcanic origins. Iron and potassium chloride are also constituents.

It tastes strong, savoury, and umami. Moreover, because of the sulfur component, it smells very similar to eggs. Therefore, it is used in vegan cooking to substitute egg-like flavour.

Health benefits of Kala Namak

Black salt has an important place in Ayurveda and is believed to have medicinal properties. Let’s look at some health benefits of this ingredient.

#1. Digestive Health

Kala namak is believed to have many antioxidant properties, which help in preventing bloating issues. It also helps in reducing gas, acid, and flatulence production.

Besides, this ingredient also relieves reflux and enhances vitamin absorption in our small intestines. Thus making it a great addition to the meal for digestive disorders.

It also aids in the easy digestion of food by making it tastier. Moreover, people with constipation also benefit significantly from using this salt as it has laxative properties.

As per Ayurveda, you should mix kala namak with ajwain and lemon juice for healthy digestion and a happy tummy ^[1].

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In merely 2 minutes, you can determine your digestive health by answering simple questions.

#2. Dental Health

Worried about your dental health and need a home remedy? Add black salt to your diet. By combating oral microorganisms, black salt powder helps to maintain dental health ^[2].

#3. Removing Stress

Kala namak has been used for ages to remove stress, anxiety and depression. Serotonin and melatonin levels in our bodies are thought to be maintained and regulated by black salt, which may promote relaxation and sleep ^[3].

#4. Hair Health

Hair fall is a common issue faced by both men and women. But do you know this kala namak can help you prevent hair fall and improve your health?

This salt is loaded with amazing nutrients that help strengthen and increase the growth of hair naturally. Besides, these minerals also address the split-end problem.

To reduce hair fall and dandruff issues, you can take kala namak with juice daily for good results ^[4].

#5. Blood Glucose Levels

This namak is also said to lower your blood glucose levels. The sulfur compound helps manage blood glucose levels ^[4].

#6. Blood Pressure

Black salt works as a natural thinner in minimum quantities and helps lower and control blood pressure levels. It is because of its low sodium content that it helps in stabilizing blood pressure levels ^[5].

#7. Black Salt for Skin and Nail Health

Kala namak contains high quantities of sulfur components. This sulfur is good for nail and skin development.

Potassium in this salt can help treat many skin diseases, such as eczema, rheumatism, scabies, and seborrheic dermatitis.

You can use this salt with coconut oil on your skin to cure eczema and rash. Because of its antioxidant properties, it can also help heal cracked heels, sprains, and swollen feet.

Moreover, it acts as a natural cleanser, helps open clogged pores and offers glowing skin ^[6].

#8. Black Salt for Joint Disorders

Joint disorders are becoming quite common with people of all ages. It doesn’t only affect the person alone, but also the entire family.

This salt can be really helpful in case of joint disorders, such as stiffness. It is very easy to use this salt and improve your joint health situation.

If you are using any medicinal oil prescribed by your doctor, apply it as you normally do on the affected area. Wait 10-15 minutes and take 1 cup of black salt in a cloth and warm it up in a pan.

Just warm to the extent that you can tolerate easily. Apply this cloth filled with kala namak on your affected joint area for 4-5 minutes ^[8].

#9. Immunity

Kala namak contains many essential minerals and nutrients, such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium. All these nutrients are considered significant for building immunity ^[10].

#10. Black Salt for Cholesterol Levels

Black salt reduces properties because it contains an Ama or the harmful remnants of food that were not properly digested in the stomach. This element lowers cholesterol and may aid in atherosclerosis ^[7].

#11. Weight Management

Kala namak is said to be great for people who are looking for weight management tips and dietary preferences. This namak aids in dissolving fat by enhancing the solubility of digestive enzymes.

This fat dissolving may supports weight management or reducing weight ^[8].

#12. Detoxification

Do you know that Ayurveda considers black salt to be a cooling spice? ^[8] Drinking water with some kala namak on an empty stomach is believed to help remove toxins from the body.

Also read – Black Salt vs Rock Salt

Rock Salt Benefits

How to Use Black Salt?

Let’s look at how you can use it in your diet:

• Sprinkle over fruit chaat
• Add it to your bowl of dahi
• Eat fruits such as oranges and guavas with it for enhanced taste and flavour.
• Add them to your salads.
• Good additions for chaat include dahi vada and pani puri.
• Mix it in chutneys
• Mix it in nimbu pani
• Add it to buttermilk
• Mix it with fresh juice for an enhanced taste
• Include it in your curries
• Add them to dals
• Sprinkle on pakoras and bhelpuri
• Make chickpea omelettes.

1. Scrambled Tofu with Black Salt Recipe

Everyone must have tried scrambled eggs for breakfast, but try this scrambled tofu with black salt and give your breakfast a new twist.

Ingredients:

• Firm tofu – 200 grams
• Non-dairy milk – 50 ml
• Black salt – 1 tablespoon
• Onion powder – ½ teaspoon
• Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon
• Turmeric – ½ teaspoon
• Ground black pepper – 1 pinch
• Oil – 1 tablespoon

Method:

• Crumble the tofu by hand in a bowl.
• Add black salt, black pepper, turmeric, and garlic powder.
• Add non-dairy milk and give it a mix.
• Heat oil in a non-stick pan and add the tofu mixture.
• Fry until it is slightly browned.
• Cook until the desired consistency and serve hot with toast or parantha. To make it a fibrous meal, use Aashirvaad multigrain atta, loaded with the goodness of six whole grains and giving your fibre as good as beetroots.

2. Pineapple Masala Drink Recipe

Try this refreshing and different beverage recipe to beat the heat this summer. This recipe will give a unique twist to your normal drinks and make your family happy.

Ingredients:

• Pineapple – 2 ½ cups roughly chopped and chilled
• Powdered sugar – 1 ½ tablespoon
• Chaat masala – ½ teaspoon
• Black salt – ½ teaspoon
• Cumin seeds powder – ½ teaspoon
• Salt – to taste

Method:

• Add chopped pineapple and 2 cups of water in a mixer.
• Blend this mixture until smooth.
• Transfer it into a deep bowl.
• Add all the remaining ingredients and mix well.
• Pour in glasses and serve immediately.

3. Besan Masala Peanuts

This is an easy snack recipe using the nutritious kala namak. You can prepare, store, and enjoy it with your evening chai as a chatpata appetizer.

Ingredients:

• Besan – 5 tablespoon
• Chilli powder – ¾ teaspoon
• Black salt – ½ teaspoon
• Coriander-cumin seeds powder – ½ teaspoon
• Amchur – ¾ teaspoon
• Hing – ¼ teaspoon
• Haldi – ¼ teaspoon
• Baking soda – 2 pinches
• Raw peanuts – 1 cup
• Oil – 1 tablespoon

Method:

• Combine all the ingredients except oil and peanuts in a bowl and keep aside.
• Add raw peanuts to a bowl, add water and immediately strain it.
• Add these peanuts to the besan mixture with two tablespoons of water and mix well.
• Add oil to this mixture and mix well.
• Take a microwave-safe plate, place this mixture on it, and spread it properly.
• Microwave the mixture for 4 minutes on high heat and separate them lightly.
• Put it back in the microwave for another 1 minute on high heat.
• Once done, toss it gently.
• Put it back in the microwave for another 1 minute on high heat and toss gently two more times (in total, it should be three times on 1 minute of high heat).
• Serve this chatpata snack or store it in an air-tight container and use it when needed.

Side Effects of Kala Namak

Excess of everything is considered bad; the same goes for this namak. Therefore, one should ensure not to consume it in excess or else it can have the following health concerns:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• High blood pressure

Final Thoughts

Finally, it can be said that black salt is a multipurpose component that not only makes food taste better but may also have health advantages.

Apart from its unique flavour, black salt is said to have digestive and electrolyte-balancing qualities and add depth to food.

Add this age-old condiment to your culinary arsenal and reap its nourishing benefits directly.

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