Salt is an integral part of any cuisine. Rich in nutrients and minerals, it actually gives life to any savoury dish. While we all know that salt helps regulate the body’s water levels, ensuring proper hydration, it also helps in muscle contraction and prevent cramps and the credit goes to the sodium and potassium content found in it. There are many varieties of salt, but when it comes to popularity in terms of usage, people often consider either table salt also known as white salt or normal salt or they go for sendha namak, also known as rock salt. Let us explore the difference between the two and find out which one is better for human consumption.
Salt and Ayurveda
As per celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar, yogis are known to use at least 5 different types of lavana or salts in their routine to progress in the practice of asana. These pancha lavana are - Saindhava, samudra, suvarchala, vida and romaka. Use of these varied salts is known to keep the nerves strong, maintain electrolyte balance, reduce cramping and bloating, and help with digestion problems, including IBS.
Importance of salt
In an Instagram post, Rujuta once explained the importance of salt and wrote, "Over the last few years, due to misinformation around salt, most of us now not just use much less salt than what we traditionally used to in cooking but also have lost the diversity. And with that we have developed not just digestion problems but also assimilation and excretion. Which is why if you are constipated you crave something salty. Interestingly, the end taste of salt according to Ayurveda is supposed to be madhura or sweet and therefore low salt diets may give you sugar cravings."
Also Read: 11 reasons to have 1 glass of warm salt water on an empty stomach daily
Talking further about the iodised salt, she wrote, "Does this mean that you should give up on using iodised salt? No. Continue using it but do know that all salts contain minerals including iodine and that when you deprive yourself of the diversity, you deprive yourself of the full health benefit that comes from meals."
On that note, let's explore which salt is healthier for the human body.
Processing
Sendha namak: When it comes to sendha namak, as per experts it is minimally processed and is obtained in its natural form from salt rocks. It is said that due to lesser processing, it retains most of its natural minerals.
Table salt: It is said to be heavily processed to remove impurities, and has additives like anti-caking agents and may be fortified with iodine.
Mineral Content
Sendha namak: As per one of the posts by Rujuta, sendha namak is rich in minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron. It contains a variety of minerals that are beneficial for the body and its metabolism.
Table salt: As far as table salt is concerned, it mostly consists of sodium chloride, with added iodine (which is necessary for thyroid function). However, as per experts, many trace minerals are lost during processing which makes it less healthy.
Sodium Levels
Sendha namak: It contains slightly lower sodium content compared to table salt, which often makes it a better choice for those looking to reduce sodium intake in their daily diet.
Table salt: This is proven to be high in sodium chloride, which in excess can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues in the long run.
Also Read : This is why one must have raisins soaked in sendha namak water
Health Benefits
Sendha namak: As per experts, it is known for its digestive properties, and it is believed to help with digestion, regulate blood pressure, and improve metabolism. It’s often used during fasting periods due to its purity.
Table salt: It is rich in iodine, which is essential for preventing iodine deficiency and maintaining healthy thyroid function. However, excessive consumption can lead to hypertension and water retention, state experts.
Taste and Uses
Sendha namak: When it comes to taste, it has a subtle taste and is often used in Ayurvedic treatments, during fasting, or in specific culinary dishes. It’s considered more natural and purer and due to its subtleness, it is often added more in quantity.
Table salt: It is very strong in flavour and is commonly used in everyday cooking and processed foods as well.
Final words
If we look at the health parameters, sendha namak is often considered the healthier option due to its natural form, lower sodium content, and rich mineral profile. It is especially useful for people looking to avoid the additives in table salt. But, we also know the importance of iodine in the human body, and hence, use of table salt is also very important and that is the reason, some experts suggest using a blend of both to balance out the nutrients in the body. However, it is always suggested to consult a certified medical practitioner before making any dietary changes.
Thumb and Embed Images Courtesy: istock
Salt and Ayurveda
As per celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar, yogis are known to use at least 5 different types of lavana or salts in their routine to progress in the practice of asana. These pancha lavana are - Saindhava, samudra, suvarchala, vida and romaka. Use of these varied salts is known to keep the nerves strong, maintain electrolyte balance, reduce cramping and bloating, and help with digestion problems, including IBS.
Importance of salt
In an Instagram post, Rujuta once explained the importance of salt and wrote, "Over the last few years, due to misinformation around salt, most of us now not just use much less salt than what we traditionally used to in cooking but also have lost the diversity. And with that we have developed not just digestion problems but also assimilation and excretion. Which is why if you are constipated you crave something salty. Interestingly, the end taste of salt according to Ayurveda is supposed to be madhura or sweet and therefore low salt diets may give you sugar cravings."
Also Read: 11 reasons to have 1 glass of warm salt water on an empty stomach daily
Talking further about the iodised salt, she wrote, "Does this mean that you should give up on using iodised salt? No. Continue using it but do know that all salts contain minerals including iodine and that when you deprive yourself of the diversity, you deprive yourself of the full health benefit that comes from meals."
On that note, let's explore which salt is healthier for the human body.
Processing
Sendha namak: When it comes to sendha namak, as per experts it is minimally processed and is obtained in its natural form from salt rocks. It is said that due to lesser processing, it retains most of its natural minerals.
Table salt: It is said to be heavily processed to remove impurities, and has additives like anti-caking agents and may be fortified with iodine.
Mineral Content
Sendha namak: As per one of the posts by Rujuta, sendha namak is rich in minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron. It contains a variety of minerals that are beneficial for the body and its metabolism.
Table salt: As far as table salt is concerned, it mostly consists of sodium chloride, with added iodine (which is necessary for thyroid function). However, as per experts, many trace minerals are lost during processing which makes it less healthy.
Sodium Levels
Sendha namak: It contains slightly lower sodium content compared to table salt, which often makes it a better choice for those looking to reduce sodium intake in their daily diet.
Table salt: This is proven to be high in sodium chloride, which in excess can contribute to high blood pressure and other health issues in the long run.
Also Read : This is why one must have raisins soaked in sendha namak water
Health Benefits
Sendha namak: As per experts, it is known for its digestive properties, and it is believed to help with digestion, regulate blood pressure, and improve metabolism. It’s often used during fasting periods due to its purity.
Table salt: It is rich in iodine, which is essential for preventing iodine deficiency and maintaining healthy thyroid function. However, excessive consumption can lead to hypertension and water retention, state experts.
Taste and Uses
Sendha namak: When it comes to taste, it has a subtle taste and is often used in Ayurvedic treatments, during fasting, or in specific culinary dishes. It’s considered more natural and purer and due to its subtleness, it is often added more in quantity.
Table salt: It is very strong in flavour and is commonly used in everyday cooking and processed foods as well.
Final words
If we look at the health parameters, sendha namak is often considered the healthier option due to its natural form, lower sodium content, and rich mineral profile. It is especially useful for people looking to avoid the additives in table salt. But, we also know the importance of iodine in the human body, and hence, use of table salt is also very important and that is the reason, some experts suggest using a blend of both to balance out the nutrients in the body. However, it is always suggested to consult a certified medical practitioner before making any dietary changes.
Thumb and Embed Images Courtesy: istock
