Rock Salt is also known as Sendha namak. It holds a high value in Ayurveda, which is an alternative to medicines in India. Sea Salt and Rock Salt is made when salt water from lakes or a sea evaporates and leaves behind these colorful salts.
Essential nutrients in trace amounts
Both of the salts contains many essential and non-essential minerals, such as iron, zinc, cobalt, manganese, nickel and copper.1 These are present in very low amounts. Hence Rock and Sea Salt should not be depended upon as the primary source for these nutrients.
Muscle cramp could be avoided
Are muscle cramps experienced by you often or occasionally? Probably after an extensive sweaty work out, a long run or maybe a long workday? You need to be mindful that even when you are sitting doing nothing your body is working and perspiration takes place all the time, even when you are asleep. Salt and electrolyte depletion has been linked to muscle cramps, especially potassium is linked well to be a major cause for a muscle cramp after activity. More human research is needed, this could work for some and not at all for others as each person’s system is different in its way of working. 2
Ayurveda practices
Traditional ayurveda practices have been observed to replace the common table salt with Rock Salt. It is believed to treat quite a few stomach problems, including constipation, diarrhea, bacterial infections and even some allergies. 3 Strong evidence research is needed for humans, but these have been Ayurvedic practices for many years and could be given some credit.
Effect of sodium chloride
Sodium chloride is important in maintaining blood pressure and hydration levels in body. Consuming it in the right amount is key here, not too much nor too less would do you any good. 4 Sodium chloride facilitates absorption and transportation of nutrients in small intestines. It is not clear if it helps in bowel movements, but a few studies show a relation between the two. 5
May aid digestion and bowel movement
One can get sodium from other sources to facilitate proper digestion, although salt is a common part of major preparations. Consuming sea salt is not just a source for sodium. It adds a unique flavor and could be a key ingredient to uplift certain dishes.
We all know excess sodium is not healthy and can harm you in the long term. Too little of sodium can commonly lead to poor sleep, mental health issues, seizures and convulsions. In some serious cases one could experience coma and even death. Sea and Rock salt being least processed than regular table salt is a tad bit better in controlling daily sodium intake amounts. Maintaining consumption of sodium levels is a good idea and not being at any of the extremes.
Our take
Always remember to not have anything too little or too much, do check each nutrient’s RDA (recommended dietary value) per day to have a mental note of what range of consumption is advisable for your optimal health. Rock salt or Sea salt should be consumed with electrolyte or with water, as both need to be consumed in a combination of each other for better uptake by the body. Rock Salt and Sea Salt is present in our Rawblends Organ Cleanse, Energy Blast and Strength Restorer respectively. Do try them out if your health goals match or just want to have a healthy food option that may take care of a wide range of health benefits.
References:
1-2. ANALYSIS OF ROCK AND SEA SALT FOR VARIOUS ESSENTIAL S AND INORGANIC ELEMENTS.pdf (uop.edu.pk)
2-Electrolyte beverage consumption alters electrically induced cramping threshold – PubMed (nih.gov)
3-ijamy2_708.pdf (rfppl.co.in)
4-Fluid balance concepts in medicine: Principles and practice – PMC (nih.gov)