We may have many staples in our diet. Rice, dal, ghee, oils, flours, whole and powdered spices and the list is endless. But, have you ever wondered, if there were one ingredient that would give all these components that extra taste, providing wholesome intense flavour to the dish, then what that would be?
Salt, obviously. Salt or namak is perhaps the only ingredient our body always needs it in the right amounts. While excess salt can up your blood pressure in a jiffy, the lesser sodium content will cause instant electrolyte imbalance. Love it or hate it, we all need salt in our dishes for that extra zing in life and that’s a fact, we all need to accept with a pinch of it. But, do you know that all salts are not actually extracted from the seawater? Also Read: 5 Spectacular Benefits Of Adding Sea Salt To Your Diet
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Often termed as sodium chloride by the scientists, salt is a chemical compound that is not only confined to seawater but also found in the halite or rock salt mines of India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh and in certain Himalayan ranges. It is also amply available in few lakes with high salt concentration like Sambhar Salt Lake, near Ajmer Rajasthan and in the salt lakes of Mustang district of Nepal.
Quite a revelation, isn’t it? If that has surprised you, let us tell you one more secret. Unlike the free-flowing sparkly white salt, there is another variety available, this time in pitch black colour. Yeah! Really.
And as you read on, you will discover on why you need to embrace this black salt or Kala namak, Saindhav Meeth in Marathi, Intuppu in Tamil, Nalla Uppu in Telugu, Karutha Uppu in Malayalam as they call it in many languages of India and make a space for it in your kitchen cabinet.
Worldwide, black salt is also popular with other names like Kala noon, Himalayan rock salt, sulemani namak, pada loon, Indian volcanic rock salt, Saindhava Lavanam. According to the food experts, it is in fact a condiment, with large concentrations of sodium chloride and other several components, responsible for its colour and smell. Owing to the presence of Greigite, a type of mineral, this salt exudes dark brown to deep purple in colour while in the form of translucent crystals but turns to purple or pink when ground into powder. It is not black in colour, in its original form.
The composition of this Kala namak is quite unique. Besides the presence of sodium chloride in larger amounts, this salt also possesses impurities of sodium sulphate, sodium bisulphate, sodium bisulphite, sodium sulphide, iron sulphide and hydrogen sulphide in traceable amounts.
While sodium chloride provides the salt with its salty taste, iron sulphide is responsible for its dark purple colour. The other sulphur compounds give it that distinctive smell, but the presence of hydrogen sulphide is what provides it with that odour of curdled milk or rotten eggs.
Well, don’t turn up your nose yet. There is so much to know what gives this bright pink or purple salt that black colour and why it is done? Also Read: Pink Salt To Keep You In The Pink Of Health
How Is Kala Namak Made?
Kala Namak is actually manufactured by heating it up at extremely high temperatures in the kilns and then is mixed with the seed of Harad or Black Myrobalan tree to imbibe certain therapeutic properties to it.
Though Kala namak is quite famous in India, it is usually classified into three varieties worldwide- Black Lava Salt, Black Ritual Salt and Himalayan Rock Salt.
Black Lava Salt:
Also known as Hawaiian rock salt, this one possesses earthly flavour and is originated in Hawaii. It is known for adding a smoky flavour to the dishes and is often sprinkled on the dishes at the end of cooking.
Black Ritual Salt:
Black ritual salt is not edible as it is made from mixing ashes, charcoal, sea salt and some artificial black colour. Also known as witches salt, it is generally sprinkled around the house or kept it under the bed to ward off evil spirits and negativity.
Black Himalayan Salt:
It is the most used salt variety for its deep, savoury taste. It not only provides medicinal properties but also gives earthly flavour to the dish.
Kala Namak in Ayurveda:
Black salt is not a fad or just any other food item that made a grand entry on to the Indian food scene, recently. It has always remained as an integral part of the Indian cuisine and in the aromatic dishes of Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal. The mention of Kala Namak is traced back to 300 BC and is highly acclaimed for its innumerable therapeutic properties. The great Ayurvedic practitioner and saint Maharishi Charak wrote extensively about the black salt in his scriptures like Charaka Samhita explaining its medicinal properties including its role of a laxative, how it aids in weight loss, promotes dental health and even calms down the patients suffering from hysteria.
Benefits of Black Salt:
Stimulates Digestion:
Kala namak works as an amazing remedy for those suffering from digestive issues. It stimulates the production of bile juices in the liver and in turn helps the body to absorb fat-soluble vitamins in the small intestine. The bile juices also aid in digestion and reduce flatulence. Also Read: Indigestion: Best Home Remedies To Treat Your Stomach Woes Naturally
Reduces Heartburn:
Ayurvedic practitioners recommend substituting black salt with regular free-flowing salt, to bring down heartburn. Kala namak restricts the acid levels and reduces reflux and other symptoms associated with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD).
Brings Down Bloating:
If you are suffering from bloating, all you need is a pinch of black salt to bring it down immediately. The unique chemical composition of black salt including high levels of sodium chloride along with iron, manganese, ferric oxide, sulphate helps in reducing the formation of gases thus bringing down bloating and flatulence.
Eases Muscle Cramps:
If you often wake up suddenly with a muscle cramp in the calf muscles, it is an indication of dehydration or extra strain on your leg muscles. Potassium, a mineral available abundantly in the black salt aids in the proper functioning of muscles and prevents sudden painful cramps.
Regulates Blood Pressure:
Black salt is often recommended as an alternative to white salt. It serves as a natural blood thinner and can regulate blood pressure. However, doctors caution against its high intake as it may interfere with your blood pressure. The general recommended quantity is 6 grams per day for a healthy person and 3.75 grams for patients suffering from high BP.
Improves Iron Content:
Owing to the presence of various natural minerals, regular consumption of black salt will show significant improvement in the levels of iron. Doctors recommend substituting regular salt with Kala namak to fight anaemia. However, if you are planning to add it to the diet of a child, check with your doctor first.
Treats Sinusitis:
Black salt is highly beneficial for those suffering from respiratory issues and sinusitis. Inhaling hot steam infused with black salt opens up clogged nostrils, provides relief from phlegm, soothes dry cough and throat. Gargle warm water with black salt to beat the inflammation of tonsils.
Decreases Complications Of Diabetes:
Though black salt may not significantly reduce the levels of blood glucose, it will aid in reducing the other related complications like elevated blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases. Substitute it with regular free-flowing salt for better taste and health.
Eases Joint Pains:
It is a common practice in Indian households to practice hot massage to ease joint pains. Take a clean cloth and put some warm black salt in it. Apply this black salt poultice and press it slightly on the affected areas for 5 minutes. Do it regularly for the inflammation in joints to reduce and to get instant relief from pains.
Strengthens Bones:
Do you know that salt is as important as calcium for stronger bones? This is because one-fourth of the total salt content in the human body gets stored in the bones. If you are above 40 with a family history of osteoporosis, it’s time to include black salt in your daily diet, as this disorder can deplete the levels of salt in the bones making it weaker. The therapeutic properties of black salt help in preventing osteoporosis.
Sound Sleep:
Consumption of Kala namak can reduce the incidence of insomnia. Sleeplessness or insomnia is a result of melatonin imbalance. Eating food sprinkled with black salt for dinner balances the levels of melatonin and aids in getting a good night’s sleep.
Black Salt And Lemon For Weight Loss:
We all know that drinking warm lemon water with honey helps in losing weight. Adding a 1/3rd of teaspoon salt to this water and give it a complete stir. Consume it on empty stomach daily in the morning for shedding those extra calories.
How Does It Help?
Kala Namak is loaded with a wide range of nutrients and minerals that serve as detoxifying agents. The anti-bacterial components present in this unique salt help in flushing out the toxins and cleanse the body from within. Flushing out toxins will make you lose weight eventually.
Is Black Salt Good For Kidney Patients?
Well, the first strong suggestion the kidney disease patients receive from the doctors is to decrease the salt intake. Kidneys are vital organs that filter out unwanted fluids in the body and filter the blood. Potassium and sodium play a key role in the proper functioning of kidneys and a high salt diet cause irreparable loss to these vital organs.
If you are diabetic or suffering from heart-related ailments, it’s time to reduce the intake of salt. The high amount of sodium not only alters the salt balance in the body but also excretes protein in the urine, often an indication of poor kidney function.
Besides kidney dysfunction, high salt intake can also result in kidney stones or renal stones. A painful condition, renal stones are caused due to hard accumulation of minerals and acid salts obstructing the flow of urine and leading to nausea.
Many traditional practitioners, however, recommend substituting regular salt with black salt, thanks to its therapeutic properties. You can add it in your regular diet, for healthier kidney function. However, it is also important to note that the regular permissible levels are 6 grams per day or even less.
Kala Namak For Skin and Hair:
The uses of black salt are numerous, and it is also extensively used in skincare.
Exfoliation:
Black salt is an amazing exfoliator and it can remove dead skin cells instantly. If you want to rejuvenate after a tiring day at work, add half-spoonful of black salt to your shower. It also heals cracked heels, swelling on the skin caused due to mosquito or ant bites. Do not add it more than half-a-spoon as it may lead to skin itching and irritation. Also Read: Want To Make Your Skin Look Vibrant And Healthy? Try These Awesome DIY Scrubs
Hair Healthy:
The goodness of black salt, when consumed with tomato juice or with any vegetable juice, strengthens hair follicles from the scalp. If you are suffering from dandruff or hair loss, consume it daily for an itchy-free scalp.
How To Eat Black Salt?
Black salt or Kala namak can be used like regular salt. Since it possesses a distinctive smell and taste add it in limited quantities.
In case, if you want to take it for the digestive issues, ground black salt into a fine powder, add lemon juice and ajwain for instant relief from heartburn, acidity and flatulence. Traditional doctors recommend taking this mixture before meals or at night before sleeping for positive results.
It is also recommended to chew on a pinch of black salt after meal for strengthening the gums and better digestion.
Kala Namak Recipes:
If you love Indian chat items, tangy, spicy salads and wondering what adds up to its flavour, remember that black salt is often a secret ingredient.
Spicy Fruit Chat:
Ingredients:
½ cup slightly pulp mangoes
½ cup orange, deseeded
½ cup green grapes, finely chopped
1 cup apples, thinly sliced
3 tsp toasted almonds
For seasoning:
¼ cup lemon juice
1 tsp brown sugar
½ tsp black salt or to taste
1 tsp paprika or cayenne pepper
Method:
In a bowl, put peeled mangoes, oranges, green grapes, apples and toasted almonds
In another bowl, add lemon juice, stir in brown sugar, black salt and paprika. Give it a stir
Stir in the seasoning into the fruit bowl. Let it rest for ten minutes, in the fridge
Serve as a snack or as an appetizer
Nutritional Benefits:
Mangoes are a rich source of vitamin C, copper and folate while oranges give you vitamin A in ample amounts. Green grapes, apples are rich in fibre, while the goodness of almonds lies in its iron content. Lemon juice not only imparts tangy taste but helps in boosting immunity. Black salt adds an extra zing to the dish besides offering major therapeutic properties. Also Read: Stay Cool And Refreshed With These Summer Recipes
Jal Jeera:
Jal Jeera literally means cumin water. This thin, tangy, flavoured water is made by using various spices like cumin, dry mango powder, saunf, ginger, black pepper, mint leaves and of course black salt. Jal jeera has become quite famous in recent years and is being often mentioned in the list of restaurant menus.
Ingredients:
¼ tsp cumin or jeera
½ tsp fennel powder
½ tsp black pepper powder
1 tsp dry mango or amchur powder
3 tsp of thick tamarind pulp
Black salt to taste
Fistful of fresh mint leaves
Method:
In a jar, grind fresh mint leaves into a paste, add tamarind pulp
Add cumin seeds, fennel, black pepper and amchur powders
Grind into a smooth paste. Transfer this paste into a bowl
Take 1 tsp of jal jeera mix in a glass, stir in cold water
Add black salt. Adjust amchur powder for the tangy taste
Serve garnished with fresh mint leaves
Nutritional Benefits:
Jeera and fennel are known for easing issues related to digestion, reduce flatulence and bloating. Black pepper too is good for dealing with gut issues and improves respiratory power of the lungs. Amchur or dry mango powder provides with the daily dose of vitamin C and an array of antioxidants and black salt in this famous Indian drink helps in balancing flavours besides a wide range of therapeutic properties.
Kala Namak Cleanser:
Black salt is your wonder ingredient for clearing clogged pores, all thanks to its granular texture. Regular usage of kala namak aids in cleansing the skin from deep within by clearing away the dirt and unclog pores. If you have oily skin, make Kala namak a regular ingredient in your beauty regimen, for not only achieving that glowing skin but also for improving blood circulation. However, grind black salt into fine powder before using it on skin, for avoiding abrasions.
Ingredients:
1 tsp black soda
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp olive oil
Method:
In a bowl, mix black salt powder, baking soda and olive oil and give it a good stir
Scrub it on the skin in gentle and circular motions, on face, elbows and knees for deeper exfoliation
Wash it away with lukewarm water and pat dry
Do not apply it under eyes or on lips to avoid abrasions
How It Works?
Black salt goes deeper into the skin, exfoliates from within and cleanses the skin while baking soda with its anti-inflammatory properties reduces itching and swelling. Olive oil nourishes and hydrates the skin and keeps it supple.
Side-Effects of Kala Namak:
Though black salt is safe, like any other ingredient it needs to be used in the right amounts. Owing to the presence of fluoride and other chemicals, excess consumption of this salt may lead to stomach infections, thyroid dysfunction, dental cavities. If you are a blood pressure patient, talk to your doctor if black salt is recommended for you. Studies reveal that regular intake of Kala namak can eventually lead to the formation of kidney stones, a painful condition that obstructs the flow of urine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Is Kala Namak Different From Regular Salt?
Kala Namak has a distinctive sulfurous aroma due to its natural mineral content, particularly its high sulfur content. This quality sets kala namak apart from regular table salt, which lacks this characteristic odour.
What Does Kala Namak Taste Like?
Kala Namak has a unique flavour profile characterized by its slightly sulfurous and eggy taste. It adds a savoury, umami quality to dishes.
Can Kala Namak Be Used As A Substitute For Regular Salt?
Yes, Kala Namak can be used as a substitute for regular salt in many dishes, especially in vegan and vegetarian cooking, where it can mimic the taste of eggs.
What Are The Culinary Uses Of Kala Namak?
Kala Namak is frequently used in various South Asian dishes, including chaats, chutneys, raitas, and fruit salads. It is also commonly used in vegan dishes, such as tofu scrambles, to impart an eggy flavour.
Is Kala Namak Healthier Than Regular Salt?
Nutritionally, Kala Namak is similar to regular salt in sodium content. However, it may offer additional trace minerals due to its natural form, though the amounts are usually minimal and not significant for health benefits.
Is Kala Namak Suitable For People With Dietary Restrictions?
Kala Namak is typically suitable for individuals following vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets. However, checking the labelling for any potential cross-contamination or additives is essential if you have specific dietary concerns.
Conclusion:
Kala namak or black salt is a commercially manufactured edible component that is made from the Himalayan salt. The salt crystals found in the halite mines of the Himalayan region are burnt in high temperatures and later mixed with few Indian herbs to give it therapeutic properties. Kala namak is an amazing laxative and helps in combating various digestive issues. A hot massage with black salt serves as a muscle relaxant and reduces bone inflammation. It is used extensively in Indian chat items for its unique taste and flavour. However, excess consumption of this salt can cause elevated blood pressure and various cardiac issues.
References:
Research & Reviews in Biotechnology & Biosciences ISSN No: 2321-8681
Website: www.biotechjournal.in Review article Volume: 9, Issue: 2, Year: 2022 PP: 41-46
Ilamathi Jayaraman
Biotechnology, Department of Biotechnology, PRIST University, Thanjavur.
https://biotechjournal.in/images/paper_pdffiles/Hea-64636228cf302.pdf
Comparison of nutritional composition of white and black salt , Sana Gulzar Bhatti
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327721697_Comparison_of_nutritional_composition_of_white_and_black_salt
Disclaimer:
The content provided here is for informational purposes only. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition. Reliance does not endorse or recommend any specific tests, physicians, procedures, opinions, or other information mentioned on the blog.
