Sendha Namak For This Navratri Fasting! Know How It Affects Your Health

Navratri is a festival of joy, enthusiasm, and devotion. During this festival, people across India dive into devotion and spirituality. During fasting, people avoid eating table salt and choose sendha namak instead. When salt water evaporates from a lake, it leaves behind sodium chloride crystals, known as sendha namak. Fasting people choose sendha namak during Navratri. 

Halite, Saindhava lavana, rock salt, Lahori namak, Himalayan pink salt, and kala namak are some names of sendha namak. Ayurveda suggests sendha namak for cooking, medicine, and health, especially respiratory illnesses. But, is it? Let’s find out. 

What is Sendha Namak? 

Sendha namak is also known as Himalayan salt, rock salt, or pink salt. Miners extract it from the Himalayan mountains and other mineral pools. People often consider sendha namak a healthier alternative to table salt. 

Sendha namak appears in the colorful crystals of sodium chloride, which are pinkish because of trace minerals. The salt contains 84 trace elements, such as potassium, zinc, calcium, iron, copper, and magnesium. 

Sendha namak is primarily used during Navratri fasting. It can also be used to treat sore throats and oral ailments. You can easily grab some at the market and prepare them at home. 

People believe that sendha namak contains detoxification properties and possesses health benefits, while some contradict it. It makes it important to understand the effects of sendha namak on your health. 

Also, read https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/food-and-nutrition/table-salt-vs-himalayan-pink-salt-which-salt-is-good-for-your-health/ 

Prepare Sendha Namak At Home In These 5 Easy Steps. 

1. In a saucepan, boil water until it's rolling. 
2. Add and stir salt until it dissolves. 
3. If you want, add a few drops of food coloring. 
4. Pour the water into a clean container. 
5. Let the salt crystals grow. 

Benefits of Sendha Namak During Navratri Fasting 

Doctors recommend that one should eat at least 1.5 grams of sendha namak per meal; however, one should eat it in moderation. 

Experts say that sendha namak can help maintain pH levels and restore the body’s electrolytes. It can also eliminate harmful minerals and boost blood circulation.

People choose to consume sendha namak during Navratri because it is unprocessed, unlike table salt. But why is sendha namak used in a fast? Sendha namak can enhance metabolism, boost immunity, improve digestion, and control blood pressure. 

Aids in digestion

Experts say that Himalayan Pink salt can help with digestion. It contains nutrients and electrolytes that prevent stomach infections and help with better absorption. 

Ayurveda suggests that sendha namak has alkaline properties that can aid digestion. Doctors say sendha namak can improve heartburn, bloating, constipation, and other digestive issues. 

Boost Immunity 

Sendha namak contains minerals such as zinc, magnesium, potassium, and iodine, which boost the immune system. These minerals build a shield around the body to fight illness, germs, and harmful bacteria.

Control Blood Pressure Levels 

Unlike table salt, sendha namak doesn't spike blood pressure levels. It is a healthier alternative to table salt. Consuming sendha namak during Navratri is beneficial. Also, an individual with high BP or hypertension may opt for rock salt (sendha namak) because of its low sodium content. 

Enhance Metabolism 

Sendha namak contains antioxidant properties, electrolytes, and minerals, which help improve overall performance. People who wish to lose weight should shift to sendha namak instead of table salt. 

Good For Hair and Skin 

Sendha namak provides health and hair & skin benefits. It can give exfoliation to your skin and health.

For skin, include sendha namak in your face scrub or pack, which can open clogged pores and leave your skin glowing. 

For hair, include sendha namak in your hair mask, which can help remove dead skin from your hair and scalp. 

Also, read https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/heart/the-impact-of-sugar-salt-and-unhealthy-fats-on-heart-health/ 

Side-effects of Sendha Namak During Navratri Fasting 

Experts claim that sendha namak is pure. It can help control blood circulation and remove toxins or impurities from the body. Nutrients in sendha namak can curb hunger. Besides all these benefits, excessive amounts of sendha namak may have certain side effects. 

Iodine Deficiency 

Because of its low quantity, sendha namak may lead to iodine deficiency. Iodine is a crucial mineral for thyroid function. Replacing sendha namak solely with rock salt may also lead to iodine deficiency. Children and pregnant women should consume it in moderation. 

Electrolyte Imbalance 

Sodium is a crucial mineral for balancing electrolytes, which provide energy to the body for daily functioning. You are already fasting during Navratri, which makes electrolyte balance of the utmost importance. Sendha namak has a low sodium content, which does help in maintaining blood pressure, but it may lead to electrolyte imbalance. 

Limited Mineral Content 

Table salt has minerals, while rock salt (sendha namak) has trace minerals. Trace minerals such as magnesium, zinc, and iron can’t fulfill daily requirements. If you are choosing sendha namak during Navratri, make sure you follow a balanced diet. 

High Chloride Levels 

Excessive consumption of sendha namak may lead to high chloride levels or hyperchloremia. It may also cause fatigue and muscle weakness. The right amount of sendha namak is 1.5 grams per meal. Avoid consuming more than this, even during Navratri. Moderate consumption may control chloride and blood pressure levels. 

Uses of Sendha Namak 

Some people consider sendha namak pure, while others believe it contains detoxifying properties. Navratri is a festival where devotees choose a healthy or satvik diet, avoiding onion and garlic. Sendha namak is a crucial ingredient to add to food. Here are 10 sendha namak recipes one can use. 

1. Sabudana Khichadi
2. Makhana Kheer
3. Vratwale Chawal ka Dhokla 
4. Vratwale Paneer Rolls 
5. Vratwale Aloo Rasedaar 
6. Kuttu ki Poori 
7. Vratwale Khatte Meethe Aloo 
8. Vratwali Kaddu Ki Sabzi 
9. Kuttu ka Cheela 
10. Kuttu ka Dosa 

Key Takeaways 

Sendha namak provides immense benefits for health, skin, and hair. Trace elements in rock salt help build immunity, weight loss, proper digestion, and maintain blood pressure levels. Experts believe adding sendha namak to the face or hair mask can help the skin glow and remove dead skin from the scalp. However, excessive consumption may result in negative effects on the body. 

If you fast during the nine days of Navratri, make sure you do so in moderation. The right amount may strengthen your immune system and protect you against severe diseases.