Why Rock Salt (Sendha Namak) Replaces Common Salt During Navratri: Know Its Various Benefits

Navratri 2022: Most of us follow the Sattvik diet during Navratri, which requires us to avoid regular cereals and grains, onions and garlic. We even stop putting common salt in our foods and replace it with sendha namak; but have you ever wondered why? What's the difference between rock salt and common salt, and why is the former preferred during the pious festival of Navratri. Common salt is collected from the sea or lake water and is then refined to remove impurities and further iodised. On the other hand, rock salt is mined naturally from the mountains and is, therefore, considered purer as it doesn't have to go through any kind of processing or filtering.  

But that's not the only reason that sendha namak is pulled on the front row of our kitchen shelf during Navratri. Since it is advised to eat light foods that are easy on the stomach during this time, sendha namak is considered a better choice than common salt. This and many other benefits that sendha namak offers make it a fasting-special salt. 

Here Are 7 Benefits Of Sendha Namak You Should Know About: 

1. Helps In Digestion: 

Sendha namak absorbs nutrients faster and makes the foods eaten easily digestible. This makes sendha namak a part of the Sattvik diet that is religiously followed by the devotees. 

2. Regulates Blood Pressure 

Sendha namak is low in sodium and high in potassium content. People dealing with hypertension are advised to switch to sendha namak on an everyday basis for the same reason. 

3. Offers Its Cooling Effect 

The transition in the weather during Navratri can weigh us down. This salt helps retain water and cools the body from within. 

4. Improves Metabolism 

Dr. Manoj Ahuja claims that "Rock salt produces a set of chemical reactions that can stimulate the body's metabolism, and also improve its functioning." Looking for weight loss? Use sendha namak to season your meals.  

5. Boosts Immunity 

When rock salt is mined, it gathers various minerals from the salt range mountains, including iodine, zinc, magnesium, potassium and more. Dr. Anju Sood says, "Rock salt, with all its essential trace minerals, wards off harmful bacteria by improving the body's immune system."  

(Also Read: 6 Vrat-Friendly Recipes To Try This Festive Season) 

^{Rock salt is mined naturally, hence, considered purer.} 

6. Good For Diabetics 

Rock salt, when consumed, is said to reactivate insulin and reduce sugar cravings. That makes it a great addition to a healthy diabetes diet.  

7.  Energises From Within 

Don't' we all feel lethargic during season changes? Rock salt is perfect to consume during this time as it maintains the optimal level of electrolytes in the body and gives us the energy to wade through the consequences of the weather change. 

(Also Read: 5 Best Salt Options For Your Everyday Cooking)

So, if you are consuming sendha namak during Navratri, good for you; but if you have it regularly in your homemade food, it's even better.