Family Magazine
We can go oil free, fat free but can we go salt free? Well honestly I can’t even think about it. I’m sure most of you would agree.Salt is an important ingredient of our diet which adds flavor to food. When used in access it’s also known to cause several health problems such as high BP, obesity, inflammation and many other health problems. Though moderation of usage is the key, type of salt is even more critical.If you want your body to function properly, you need a salt with all-natural elements. Let me tell you the answer for this ; our all natural and mineral packed good old rock salt.Yes, you heard me right!!
We monitor type of oil we use, mode of cooking, fruits, vegetables we eat and so many other things. However I am sure avoiding usage of salt won’t find many takers.Ayurveda and rock salt:According to Ayurveda, Rock Salt (known as Sendha Namak in Hindi) is by far the healthiest form of salt. It’s not so popular for everyday use and is generally used during fast. However, because of the popularity of yoga and Ayurveda products it is gaining prominence amongst the health conscious people.As per Ayurveda, regular salt increases Pitta (elements of fire and water in our body), but sendha namak, being cold in nature helps to balance Pitta. Because of its salty taste, it balances Vata (elements of space and air in our body) and helps to relieve chest congestion, as it also relieves Kapha (elements of water and earth in our body).
Hence it is one of the rare Ayurvedic substance that balances all the three Doshas (physical constitution of our body). Any imbalance of these three doshas becomes the cause for diseases.Further reading : How a small difference in my kitchen brought a big difference to my daughter’s health?It is also considered to be the purest form of salt and is absolutely uncontaminated with any toxins or pollutants as it is found in Himalayan region and it is also not chemically treated unlike common table salt.Amazing benefits of rock salt:Choose to replace your regular table salt with rock salt. You will be amazed to see and notice the difference in you and your family’s health. You need not worry about the taste as it’s just the same like your regular table salt, you may find it even better.I even use it for making pickles, snacks and my all time favorite pasta and noodles. Honestly, I haven’t bought regular salt post my marriage as my mother also uses sendha namak regularly, so I followed.I have tried to list a few benefits below but the list is nowhere near complete or comprehensive, but will definitely give you some idea as to why I choose to write about it and replace it with the regular table salt in my kitchen.1. High mineral content:Major constituent of rock salt are sodium & chloride. It also has phosphorous, calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, bromine, zirconium, ‘iodine’ and other much needed minerals.Consumption of this salt sends these minerals directly into our blood streams.2. Helps in weight loss:Yes, you read it right!Rock salt can also help you with weight loss. It helps the body to create digestive juices so that the foods you eat is digested faster. Good digestion is essential for weight loss.Further reading :My journey of weight loss post babyAiswarya Rai’s weight loss journey which could inspire youMy weight loss journey post C section3. Provides relief in asthma:Rock salt is very effective in reducing inflammation in the respiratory system. So the production of phlegm is less enabling you to breathe.Many people sprinkle rock salt on the tongue as it helps them in breathing. It almost has the same effect as of a nasal inhaler.4. Heart’s best friend:It helps in reducing high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure. It also helps in regulating an irregular heartbeat. Thus preventing atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes.5. Much needed relief for diabetes:As it can help to reduce the need for insulin hence maintaining proper sugar levels in the body. Thus the salt is an essential part of the diet if you are diabetic, or at the risk of it. But don’t forget that ‘moderation’ is the key.6. Provides great relief in muscle cramps:Potassium is essential for the functioning of muscles.Rock salt not only contains small amounts of potassium, but it also helps the body to absorb it better as compared to other foods. Thus it is very effective in preventing muscle pain and cramps.7. Helps say bye to depression:Rock salt also has shown to be effective in treating various types of depression. It helps to preserve serotonin and melatonin, which are the feel good hormones, thus helping you de stress, relax and sleep better.8. Perfect as air purifier:Salt crystal lamps are natural ion generators, emitting negative ions into the atmosphere.Negative ions are good for our health as it restore and neutralize air quality. Negative ions can be used to treat illness and improve health. That is why many spas make use of these lanterns .Well this is not it, for all the pretty moms this amazing salt can make you look prettier as it is also packed with a lot of skin benefits to mention a few :It can be used as a body scrub. As rubbing rock salt increases blood flow & imparts shine on the skin.You can also delete stress and body pain with this amazing salt along with detoxifying yourself both internally and externally. Just add a little salt in your bath tub and relax.It can also be used it as a teeth whitener. Use it with mustard oil for best results.It also clears a sore throat if used for gargling.Further reading:4 ubtans to pamper your skinNalangu maavu herbal bath powder for you11 tips for hair care post babyThough rock salt is a little expensive than regular salt, it is easily available in the local grocery shops.I am hopeful that after knowing few of these benefits of this amazing salt you would not mind this extra expense (just kidding) and will replace your regular salt with this mineral packed miracle from Himalaya. It’s never too late to start.Like and share this article in your Facebook and twitter. Remember sharing is sexy too If you want to stay updated on many more articles like these, please subscribe to the newsletters of Bumps n Baby.Image source