Sea Salt is the purest and unprocessed form of salt that is obtained naturally from the sea waters. Unlike table salt, they are not iodized and are produced by evaporating and filtering the salty water from oceans and lakes.

Clad by the vernacular names bay salt or solar salt, the sea salt has a naturally darker colour owing to the high mineral content due to the clay lining of the water body.

Sprinkling a small pinch of it not only enhances the flavour of the dish but also being unprocessed, it has all the essential nutrients and minerals intact that make it extremely beneficial and increases its nutritional value.

Depending upon the region from where the salt is produced like the Himalayas, North Sea, Atlantic Ocean, Celtic Sea or the Mediterranean Sea, the sea salt has a distinct colour, taste, harvesting method and characteristic. A few famous varieties of sea salt include Himalayan Sea Salt or Pink Salt, Celtic Sea Salt, Flaky Sea Salt, Hawaiian Sea Salt and Fleur de Sel Sea Salt.
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For hundreds of years, before modernization took over, people had been using sea salt, not only for cooking food but also for its numerous health benefits. The traditional health benefits of sea salt were first mentioned in the historical scriptures of Vinaya Pitaka, a Buddhist text from the 5th century BC.

All of us know, that salt fulfils our sodium intake which is extremely necessary for balancing the electrolyte content in our body, keeping the body hydrated and controlling nerve transmission and muscle function.

But little did we know that it has a host of health benefits owing to its rich mineral content.

Incredible Health Benefits Of Including Sea Salt Into Your Regular Diet

Provides Relief from Arthritis

The potent anti-inflammatory property possessed by the sea salts is a key element in reducing pain and inflammation for those suffering from arthritis. Several researches vouch that bathing with dead sea salts and including sea salt to your dietary intake has shown remarkable results in reducing pain and inflammation faced during both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.
Also Read: World Arthritis Day: Simple And Effective Tips To Manage Joint Pain

Boosts Immune System

The alkalizing property of sea salt help in keeping bacterial and viral infections at bay. Also, the presence of essential minerals like zinc, iron, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, potassium and iodine helps in boosting the body’s immunity. The appropriate quantity of nutrients and mineral depositions in sea salt make it extremely beneficial for allergy, fever, cold and flu.

Enhances Cardiac Functioning

Sea salt being an excellent source of sodium and potassium, is a key ingredient in maintaining normal heartbeat and enhancing cardiovascular health. Unlike regular table salts, sea salt does not increase blood pressure, although several researches vouch that a pinch of sea salt instead of table salt in regular diet showed a marked effect on reducing hypertension and thereby reducing the risks of heart disease.

Promotes Digestion

Sea salt plays a pivotal role in promoting digestion. It enhances the taste buds to secrete an enzyme called salivary amylase which helps in the primary breakdown of the carbohydrates. The lack of proper secretion of hydrochloric acid can lead to a number of stomach ailments including indigestion, bloating, stomach cramps, abdominal distension, heartburn etc. Sea salt holds high significance as it stimulates the stomach to produce hydrochloride acid which in turn helps in the breakdown of food, thus, reducing the improving digestion.

Rejuvenates Skin

Sea salt, when used topically, acts as a natural exfoliant. The high mineral content and anti-inflammatory properties of sea salt are extremely beneficial for acne, psoriasis, eczema and aging. Try scrubbing your body with a mixture of sea salt, honey and almond oil to exfoliate dead skin cells, improve blood circulation, enhance the moisture content and enrich the skin with essential nutrients.

Combats Respiratory Anomalies

The abundance of anti-inflammatory properties and soothing effects of sea salt offers an extremely valuable remedy for respiratory health. Being a potent expectorant, it helps clear mucous and phlegm deposits in the nasal passage, provides relief from sore throat, chest congestion and also soothes dry, irritated throat. It also provides a potent remedy for asthma, bronchitis, sinus, and pharyngitis.

Relieves Stress

Owing to the presence of adaptogenic, and sedative properties, sea salt actively helps in regulating two hormones in the body – serotonin and melatonin, both of which helps one relax and have a more peaceful sleep. It also holds high significance in providing mental stability by regulating the stress hormone, i.e. serotonin which in turn reduces various symptoms of anxiety including restlessness, uneasiness, cold hands, and feet, etc. and bestows a fresh and happy feeling.

Remedies Muscle Cramps

Muscle cramps are quite common after an excessive workout session owing to loss of electrolytes through sweat. A glass of water imbued with a teaspoon of sea salt when taken before heading out for workout acts as an electrolytic drink that balances electrolyte deficit while keeping you hydrated, thereby preventing muscle cramps and dehydration all at once.