Discover Black Salt: The Secret Ingredient That Tastes Like Eggs!

Discover Black Salt: The Secret Ingredient That Tastes Like Eggs!

Hello, wonderful readers!

If you're like me, you're always on the lookout for new, natural ways to boost your health and wellness.  Well, I recently stumbled across something interesting that I hadn’t heard of before — black salt.  It all started when I found a recipe on the Medical Medium’s website for a dish that looked like scrambled eggs, but without any eggs!  The secret ingredient was black salt.

I had never heard of black salt, so I did some research to learn more about it.  I discovered that most people I asked had never heard of it either, so I thought I would share my findings, so you know about it, too!  😊

What Is Black Salt?

Black salt is sometimes used in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicine, in addition to Indian cooking.  Black salt is considered a ‘cooling’ food according to Ayurveda medicine.  Another fact you might not know - black salt usually has less sodium than table salt with iodine (which is also more processed).

One type of black salt is known as Kala Namak, and is used in Indian cuisine.  It is a type of rock salt that is primarily found in the Himalayas.  It is rich in minerals, and has a unique sulfur-like smell and taste, which makes it especially popular in vegan cooking to replicate the flavor of eggs. 

Note there are different ways of producing black salt, and different types of black salt.  I bought a different type of black salt to the one mentioned above - mine doesn’t smell.  I had a quick taste – and it tastes just like salted scrambled eggs!  😊  I love scrambled eggs, so I will definitely be incorporating black salt into my diet. (I just added it to the bowl of freshly-cooked home-made soup before eating it – Yummy!)   😋   

There are three main different types of black salt, each with its own characteristics, uses, and benefits.  Limited amounts of western medical scientific research has been completed, so there could be additional benefits (as per traditional Ayurvedic Indian medicine) that have not yet been verified by western science.

Types of Black Salt and Their Benefits

There are several types of black salt, each with its unique qualities, as mentioned below. 

1. Kala Namak (Himalayan Black Salt)

This is the most well-known variety of black salt, and it’s commonly used in Indian cooking. Kala Namak has a distinct sulfuric smell, often described as similar to boiled eggs, making it perfect for enhancing vegan dishes.

Benefits

• Improves Digestion – It’s known for stimulating the production of digestive enzymes, which may help relieve bloating and indigestion.
• Rich in Minerals - Kala Namak contains trace minerals like iron, magnesium, and calcium, which contribute to overall health.
• Skin Benefits - It can be used externally in baths to soothe and potentially detoxify the skin.

Contraindications

• High Sodium Content - People with high blood pressure or kidney issues should use Kala Namak sparingly, as it still contains a significant amount of sodium.
• Sulfur Sensitivity - If you are sensitive to sulfur, you may want to avoid Kala Namak, as it has a strong sulfuric component.

2. Black Lava Salt

Black Lava Salt, often harvested from volcanic areas like Hawaii, gets its black color from activated charcoal.  This gives it a bold, earthy flavor, and a crunchy texture that’s perfect for finishing dishes.

Benefits

• Detoxifying Properties - The activated charcoal in black lava salt is believed to have detoxifying effects, helping to remove toxins from the body.
• Supports Digestive Health - Like Kala Namak, Black Lava Salt can aid in digestion.
• Adds Unique Flavor - It’s great as a finishing salt on dishes like roasted vegetables, salads, and even desserts.

Contraindications

• Charcoal Absorption - While activated charcoal is helpful in detoxification, over-consumption can reduce the effectiveness of certain medications, as it may interfere with absorption.
• Sodium Content - Like all salts, it should be used in moderation, especially for those managing blood pressure or kidney problems.

3. Cyprus Black Flake Salt

This salt is a gourmet option, often used in fine dining.  It’s produced using Mediterranean sea salt, and infused with activated charcoal, creating delicate, crunchy flakes that provide a burst of flavor.  (This is the black salt that I bought (photos above and below) – it was the only one I found in the various shops I looked in.)

Benefits

• Mineral-Rich - Like other black salts, Cyprus Black Flake Salt is packed with essential minerals that contribute to overall wellness.
• Visually Appealing - Its striking appearance makes it a beautiful finishing salt for gourmet dishes, giving them a dramatic and elegant touch.
• Digestive Aid - It can help balance digestion when used in moderation.

Contraindications

• Sodium Levels - This salt should be used sparingly if you’re watching your sodium intake.

How to Use Black Salt in Cooking

Black salt’s unique flavor makes it a versatile ingredient in the kitchen.  It can be used in a variety of dishes, from traditional Indian recipes, to modern vegan meals.  There are a few recipes below if you wish to incorporate black salt into your life.

1. Vegan Scrambled Eggs

Since black salt has that eggy taste, it’s the perfect salt for vegan scrambled eggs made with tofu.

Ingredients

• 1 block of firm tofu (crumbled)
• 1 tsp turmeric (for color)
• ½ tsp black salt
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a pan.
2. Add the crumbled tofu and cook for 2-3 minutes.
3. Sprinkle turmeric and black salt over the tofu, stirring to combine.
4. Cook until heated through, and season with pepper and nutritional yeast, if desired.

2. Black Lava Salt on Avocado Toast

Make your avocado toast a little ‘fancy’ with a sprinkle of black salt for a delicious crunch, and a touch of earthiness.

Ingredients

• 1 ripe avocado
• 1 slice of whole grain bread
• 1 tsp Black Lava Salt (or other black salt)
• Olive oil, chili flakes, or lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

1. Toast the bread to your liking.
2. Mash the avocado and spread it on the toast.
3. Drizzle with olive oil or lemon juice, and sprinkle with Black Lava Salt and chili flakes.

3. Detoxifying Bath with Kala Namak/Black Salt

Not only is black salt great for eating, but it can also be used in the bath!

Ingredients

• 1 cup of Kala Namak
• Warm bathwater

Instructions

1. Dissolve the Kala Namak in your bathwater.
2. Soak for 20-30 minutes to help relieve muscle tension.  (Additional benefits for skin may exist, such as detoxification, however these have not yet been verified by western scientific research.)

Exploring Options to Live Your Best Life

For me, discovering black salt was just one more way to explore how natural ingredients can improve health and wellbeing – in this case, improving the taste of some foods, as well as the benefits of black salt.  I also enjoy exploring and trying new things!  It’s all about experimenting, and working out what works best for you.  I believe that the more we explore, the more we grow, and discover things that add to our life.

Our Busy Life Health Boost bundle has a lot of other ideas to assist with health and wellness.  If you feel you would benefit from a bit of a reset or boost, please explore this further here.

One of the most exciting parts of the journey to living your Best Life is exploring new and different things that can help you feel better, and live well.  Whether it’s adding a new type of salt to your diet, trying yoga, or learning about holistic healing, every small change can make a big difference.  

Other Blog Posts

You might also be interested in reading some of our other blogs, which have more hints and tips to improve our health and wellness.

 - From Fatigue to Vitality - How Maca Can Supercharge Your Day

- From Couch to Active - How Often Should You Really Work Out?

- Discover the Secrets to a Healthier You

Upcoming Course!

We are currently working on a new course about Forgiveness!  After all, part of being human means having emotions - and sometimes we can get caught up in them, and get a bit tangled and/or heated - and hold on to the anger, hurt, etc.  So this new course will help you untangle them, get some perspective on forgiveness, and show you various ways to assist with this.  Sometimes forgiveness can be hard.  And sometimes you're not sure what to do next, as it's something new, or difficult.  We know, we've been there too.  As a result, the course will cover exactly what forgiveness is (and is not), as well as a number of different ways to approach it, including various tools that you can use.  You, of course, are in charge of your own journey - so you choose whether you wish to forgive (or not) - as well as which tools you'd like to try.  You can experiment until you find what works best for you - you might even use different tools for different situations - your choice!  We'll keep you updated!  ⏳😊

Love and peace,

Paula, Your Best Life Academy

Further reading/ References

https://pharmeasy.in/blog/ayurveda-uses-benefits-side-effects-precautions-of-black-salt/

https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-black-salt

https://draxe.com/nutrition/black-salt/

https://www.gavinpublishers.com/article/view/the-untold-health-benefits-of-herbal-black-salt--kala-namak-a-scientific-overview

https://www.1mg.com/ayurveda/black-salt-45?wpsrc=Google+Organic+Search

Disclaimer:

The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication.  Your Best Life Academy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.