The Secrets of Sea Salt
Sea salt has been a part of the human civilization from its very conception. It has been used in different cultures and religions for its cleansing and purifying properties. Extensively used in Feng Shui and Vastu Shastra, sea salt is believed to bring prosperity and ward off evil. “The Salt March” is a significant historical event in India’s Independence movement when Bapu made salt from the sea at Dandi. Sea salt gained a different perspective then and the benefits of sea salt has only extrapolated. Commonly known as Khada Namak, sea salt has always been part of the Indian way to life.
How is the normal table salt different from sea salt?
Sea salt is naturally produced from the sea without any chemical treatments where as table salt, typically mined from underground salt deposits, is the refined version which undergoes numerous processing steps. As is common knowledge now, refined products ultimately lose out on nutrients. Sea salt offers crucial nutrients which benefits skin, hair and overall health. Composition of all types of salt is essentially chloride and sodium, Sea salt however contains an abundance of minerals, like potassium, phosphorus and calcium. Iron, iodine, manganese and zinc are the important trace elements found in sea salt too. Depending on the origin of the sea salt these minerals and trace elements may vary. One will be surprised to know the vast varieties of salt available in the market today to cater to food industry, health and beauty regimens. Black salt, Himalayan sea salt, smoked sea salt, kosher salt, Fleur de Sel, Hawaiian sea salt, French sea salt, Maldon sea salt are just to name a few.
Benefits of Sea salt
Sea salt is beneficial from the root of the hair to the tip of the toes and adds the special flavor to food promoting good health as it does so.
Health wise sea salt boosts the immune system, aides the cardiovascular system by keeping blood pressure in check unlike regular salt ( however limit daily intake to 1,500 milligrams per day) , helps in keeping sugar levels in control, maintains bone mineral health, prevents formation of phlegm in respiratory disorders like asthma and prevents muscle cramps , spasms and pain.
Sea salt is a key ingredient in many body scrubs, bath salts, bath soaks, foot scrubs found in beauty products. It is not without a reason. Irrespective of the skin type sea salts help detoxify skin by absorbing the dust, dirt and toxic waste accumulating on them and increasing blood circulation to the surface of the skin. It provides nourishment to the skin due to its high mineral content, keeping the skin firm and supple, adding a natural glow. It exfoliates, cleanses and tones naturally with regular use.
Hair too benefits from the regular use of sea salt as it helps absorb excess oil from the hair in case of oily scalp and removes dandruff in case of dry scalp. Its use in hair growth and styling products vouches for its goodness.
Please be aware of the source of the sea salt in order to avoid using contaminated products. Sea salts are packed with the goodness of nature.