Is Black Salt Better Than Regular Salt? Benefits and Uses

Black Salt, ‘kala namak’, or the Indian black salt, holds a prominent position in the culinary world. It is a well-known ingredient in chaat, tandoori dishes, and raitas. The numerous health benefits linked to black salt have earned it a cherished spot in Ayurvedic medicine.

Contrary to its name, this distinctive rock salt, primarily sourced from the Himalayan mountains, isn't black. Unlike its more famous cousin, Himalayan pink salt, black salt stands out with its unique characteristics. Join us on an intriguing journey as we unveil many mysteries and hidden treasures associated with the Indian black salt.

What is Black Salt?

Black salt is rock salt that comes from the Himalayas and is typically found in Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, and Nepal. The name “black” salt is a misnomer, as the color of the salt ranges from pinkish-brown to purple or dark violet. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for a long time, owing to its many therapeutic qualities. Nowadays, black salt is actively used in cooking, from adding to raitas, salads, chaats, and tandoori starters.

Chemical Component of Kala Namak

Black Salt, or kala namak in English, shares its sodium chloride base with common salt. However, it distinguishes itself with a unique blend of chemical composition sourced from the Himalayan mountain's rocky terrain. Its high sulfate, iron sulfide, magnesium, and potassium content give it a distinct profile. However, the rich sulfur content sets Black Salt powder apart, infusing an umami flavour reminiscent of boiled eggs. This exceptional quality has made it a beloved ingredient in vegan cuisine, adding depth and complexity to plant-based dishes.

Importance of Black Salt in Ayurveda

Black salt in Hindi, with a history steeped in Ayurvedic traditions spanning over 2,000 years, commands reverence in alternative medicine. Practitioners of this ancient healing system have long championed black salt as a remedy for various ailments, from digestive disorders to eye conditions, dental problems, and stress-related illnesses. Interestingly, it's not just a belief confined to Eastern medicine; even Western research has corroborated some of these claims. Studies have revealed that black salt is a remarkable combination of high antioxidants and low sodium content, making it a significant asset for one's health and well-being.

Fun Fact: Black salt in Telugu is known as “nalla uppu”.

3 Types of Black Salt and Their Uses

Three distinct varieties of black salt exist, with the Himalayan type being the most widely recognised. The other two diverge significantly based on properties, origins, and applications. Here's a concise overview to dispel any uncertainty or confusion.

1. Himalayan Black Salt:

Himalayan black salt, also known as kala namak or Rock salt in Hindi, originates from the Himalayan region but stands apart from the more famous pink salt. Black salt has a distinct sulfurous aroma and flavour, making it a unique culinary ingredient. It is different from its rosy counterpart. Excluding its taste, black salt is given importance in Ayurvedic medicine for potential digestive and health benefits. Despite the name, its colour is not typically black but rather brownish-pinkish. This exotic salt adds a delightful twist to dishes, particularly in Indian cuisine.

2. Black Lava Salt: 

Black lava salt, an intriguing culinary delight, originates from volcanic regions worldwide. It gains a striking black colour from the mixture of activated charcoal or other natural additives during its harvesting process. This salt offers a dramatic visual contrast and a mild, earthy flavour that adds depth to dishes. Its unique texture and appearance make it a favourite among gourmet chefs for cooking and finishing touches. Beyond its culinary appeal, black lava salt may have detoxifying properties. Its aesthetic and gastronomic contributions are remarkable. This salt is known as finishing salt in Hawaii and Cyprus.

3. Black Ritual Salt:

Black ritual salt, a mystical substance, finds its place in various esoteric practices and ceremonies. Crafted through natural sea salt and activated charcoal or other sacred elements, it embodies a profound sense of purification and protection. This salt is utilised in rituals, spells, and spiritual cleansings to banish negative energy, ward off evil forces, and create sacred boundaries. Its dark hue symbolises the depth of intention and its transformative power. It holds in rituals across different mystical traditions, making it an essential tool for occult practitioners.

Tip: The black salt uses are diverse, and the best black salt is Himalayan Black Salt.

How is Black Salt Different from Regular Salt?

The differences between black and regular salt lie in their taste and manufacturing process. Let us investigate these differences:

Manufacturing:

Himalayan black salt is produced from the pink Himalayan rock salt. It is mixed with spices, herbs, and seeds and then heated to high temperatures. These days, Himalayan black salt is being produced synthetically as well, using a combination of sodium chloride, sodium sulfate, sodium bisulfate, and ferric sulfate. This combination is then mixed with charcoal and heated to produce the black salt. Sulfur, iron, and magnesium contribute tocolor, smell, and taste. Synthetically produced black salt is not harmful to your health.

Black lava salt is made from volcanic lava traditionally. These days, blending sea salt with activated charcoal is used to manufacture black lava salt.

Regular salt, on the other hand, is made using large rock salt deposits resulting from the evaporation of ancient oceans. The process of extracting and purifying salt is long, using several methods and machinery.

Taste:

Sulfur in the Himalaya Black salt adds an umami flavor to the salt. This unique aroma allows multiple uses of black salt in Asian and Indian cuisines. Black lava salt has a more earthy and smoky flavor.

It is safe to say, black salt has deeper flavor profiles than regular table salt, which generally tastes salty.

Health Benefits of Black Salt:

Black salt has many health benefits. It has low sodium levels and has antioxidant properties. It is composed of minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium, which are very beneficial to the human body. Here are some benefits of consuming black salt:

1. Digestion: Black salt helps the liver produce bile, which improves the fat-soluble vitamin absorption in the small intestine. This helps control heartburn and bloating. There is reduced reflux and acid levels.
   
2. Cardiovascular health: Black salt can reduce the toxins produced by improperly digested food. This also helps reduce cholesterol.
   
   It is a natural blood thinner and regulates blood pressure in low quantities. Control Diabetes: It aids in reducing blood glucose levels.
   
3. Muscle Spasms: The potassium in black salt helps ease muscle spasms.

It is important to remember that excess use of black salt can impact bodily functions as well. When consumed in quantities above the recommended doses, black salt can cause elevated blood pressure levels, kidney stones, thyroid dysfunction, and dental fluorosis. It is recommended to take no more than 6 grams of black salt per day to maintain blood pressure, and 3.75 grams is the maximum intake for people suffering from hypertension.

Conclusion

Black salt, known as kala namak in India, holds a unique and multifaceted significance. Comprised mainly of sodium chloride, it sets itself apart with its high sulfate, iron sulfide, magnesium, and potassium content, imparting a distinctive flavor. Its three primary types, including the renowned Himalayan variety, bring nuances and applications. Beyond its culinary use in enhancing flavors, black salt plays a pivotal role in Ayurvedic medicine to aid in digestive and stress-related issues.

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