Discover 8 Main Health Benefits of Sendha Namak

April 26, 2024

Sendha namak, also known as rock salt, is a type of natural salt that is gaining popularity as a healthy alternative to regular table salt. Unlike regular salt, which is heavily processed and stripped of minerals, sendha namak is unrefined and contains trace amounts of essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron.

With its natural pinkish hue, subtle sweet taste and healing properties, sendha namak is an invaluable addition to any kitchen. Read on to learn more about what makes this Himalayan crystal salt so beneficial for your health.

What is Sendha Namak?

Sendha namak is a type of natural salt that is mined from the Himalayas in Pakistan. It comes in crystal/rock form and has a light pinkish colour due to the presence of iron and other minerals.

Unlike regular table salt, which is completely white in colour, sendha namak retains a pinkish hue because it does not go through intensive processing and bleaching. This is what makes it a more natural, unrefined type of salt.

Sendha namak gets its name from the Hindi word ‘sendhan’, which means raw and unadulterated. It is also referred to as ‘Himalayan salt’ or ‘Himalayan crystal salt’. This salt is hand-mined from the Khewra Salt Mines in Pakistan, which date back to 500 B.C.

The crystals of this salt range in colour from transparent to opaque pink. When ground down, it takes the form of a coarse powder, which is used as table salt. You can also get fine sendha namak powder, which dissolves readily in foods.

Why You Should Replace Normal Salt with Sendha Namak

When you’ll look at the difference between sendha namak and normal salt, you’ll get to see some excellent reasons why sendha namak makes for a better, healthier alternative to regular table salt:

It is a natural, unprocessed salt that retains beneficial minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron. Common table salt is heavily processed, bleached and stripped of all its minerals.
It has a lower sodium content compared to table salt. Excess sodium can cause high blood pressure and water retention.
It has a milder taste and is less salty than regular salt. This means you can use less of it to achieve the intended taste.
It aids in balancing pH levels, improving digestion and promoting overall well-being. Table salt disturbs our body’s natural pH balance.
It contains 84 trace minerals that are essential for the body (3). Common table salt contains only sodium and chloride with anti-caking agents.
It has therapeutic and healing properties that can help treat sore throats, relax the body, and reduce muscle cramps.
It contains lower amounts of iodine, so it’s a safer choice for those with iodine sensitivity.

Clearly, when it comes to choosing between common table salt and sendha namak, the pink Himalayan salt is the winner! Let’s look at the nutritional profile of this beneficial salt.

Nutritional Facts of Sendha Namak

Sendha namak contains the many natural minerals that regular table salt lacks. Here is the sendha namak nutrition value per 100 grams:

Sodium: 382 mg
Calcium: 14 mg
Magnesium: 18 mg
Potassium: 11 mg
Iron: 7 mg
Iodine: less than 5 mcg

In comparison, regular table salt contains about 500 mg of sodium per 100 grams, with no other minerals.

The 84 trace minerals and elements found in sendha namak include calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, iodine, zinc, iron and manganese. It helps balance sodium levels and provides supplemental minerals that are vital to good health.

Sendha namak also contains lower amounts of iodine compared to regular iodised salt (1). This makes it safer for those with iodine sensitivities.

Overall, you get a nourishing and mineral-rich salt packed with health-boosting properties by switching to sendha namak.

Health Benefits of Sendha Namak

With its unique nutritional profile and healing properties, sendha namak provides some incredible benefits for your health and well-being. The sendha namak is good for health as it:

Helps in Digestion

Sendha namak promotes better digestion and appetite as it contains minerals that stimulate digestive juices. It helps balance stomach acid levels and allows efficient absorption of food. Regular intake can provide relief from acidity and bloating.

Treats Sore Throat

Due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, sendha namak acts as a natural remedy for sore throats. Gargling with a mixture of warm water and this salt helps reduce throat pain and inflammation. It brings relief from coughs and colds, too.

Promotes Metabolism

The trace minerals in sendha namak play a key role in keeping your metabolism running efficiently. It aids enzymatic activity and helps absorb nutrients from food better. This promotes faster fat breakdown and muscle growth.

Clears Skin

With its antimicrobial effects and skin-purifying properties, sendha namak can help treat skin ailments like acne, psoriasis, and eczema. Its minerals also support collagen production, resulting in smooth, youthful skin.

Relieves Stress

Sendha namak contains magnesium, which relaxes muscles and nerves. Soaking in a warm bath with this Himalayan salt helps calm the mind and body. It relieves mental and physical fatigue, anxiety, depression and irritability.

Regulates Blood Pressure

Most of the people ask if sendha namak good for high bp? Well, the minerals in sendha namak help maintain electrolyte balance and ensure good circulation. This helps regulate blood pressure levels and reduces strain on the arteries and heart. It can lower high BP and prevent hypertension.

Aids in Weight Loss

By improving digestion and promoting metabolism, sendha namak helps in accelerating weight loss. It also helps curb cravings by stabilising sugar levels and hormones. This makes it ideal for managing obesity and diabetes.

Reduces Muscle Cramps

Soaking in a bath containing sendha namak can effectively relieve muscle soreness, spasms and cramps (2). This helps you recover faster after strenuous workouts. Its minerals help optimise muscular function.

Conclusion

Sendha salt benefits includes boosting digestion, metabolism, skin health, circulation and overall wellness. With its nutritious pink crystals, subtle sweet taste and healing powers, this Himalayan salt makes for the best seasoning for your food.

Replacing regular table salt with this unprocessed, mineral-rich namak can help regulate sodium levels and blood pressure and add many essential nutrients. Use it for cooking, bathing or gargling for a natural boost to your physical and mental health.

FAQs

Is sendha namak a good source of iodine?

No, sendha namak contains only trace amounts of iodine. It has less than 5mcg of iodine per 100 grams, which makes it very low in iodine content compared to regular iodised salt. This makes it safer to use for those with iodine sensitivity.

Is sendha namak good for losing weight?

Yes, sendha namak can help you lose weight by improving digestion and metabolism, controlling blood sugar levels, and reducing fluid retention. Its minerals help burn fat and build muscle. It also curbs cravings.

Can I use sendha namak daily?

Yes, sendha namak can be included in your daily diet without any concerns. Its lower sodium levels make it safer to use regularly. Ensure moderation as you would with regular salt. Too much sodium daily can cause problems.

What are the side effects of sendha namak?

When used in moderation, sendha namak does not have any worrisome side effects. Those with severely low blood pressure or sodium levels should exercise caution. Some people experience mild nausea or diarrhoea initially. Drinking more water helps counter this.