Is Sprinkling Black Salt on Fruits Healthy? Experts Weigh In

Kathmandu. During the summer, the consumption of fresh fruits like watermelon, mango, apple, or papaya increases significantly.

Many people sprinkle black salt on these fruits. It is believed that this not only enhances the flavor but also improves digestion. But have you ever wondered how beneficial or harmful this habit can be for your health? According to a study published in the Current Research in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, sprinkling black salt on fruits can increase the body's ability to absorb nutrients from the fruit and improve the way it protects the fruit from oxygen exposure.

However, excessive consumption can lead to many health problems. Therefore, it is important to understand its benefits, drawbacks, and the correct dosage before using it.

What is Black Salt?

Black salt is a mineral-rich rock salt. It is processed with herbs and charcoal. Its distinct characteristics are its slightly sour taste and sulfur-like smell. These two properties make it an excellent digestive aid. It is often sprinkled on buttermilk, lemonade, and fruits.

Benefits of Adding Black Salt to Fruits

Sprinkling black salt on fruits before eating significantly increases their health benefits. According to research published in the Current Research in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, black salt contains less sodium than regular salt, making it a healthier alternative and preventing high blood pressure. Benefits of sprinkling black salt on fruits:  

1. Improves Digestion

Black salt increases bile production in the body, which facilitates easier digestion. Therefore, its use in fruit chaat is considered beneficial.

2. Relief from Gas and Bloating

Gas or bloating often occurs after eating a heavy meal. Black salt helps reduce this problem.

3. Maintains Electrolyte Balance

In the summer, the body loses salt and water through sweat. Adding black salt to drinks like lemonade and jaljeera helps maintain electrolyte balance.

4. Impact on Teeth

Due to the high fluoride content in black salt, it can have long-term effects on teeth. It may increase the risk of dental fluorosis.

We eat plenty of fruits in the summer to keep the body hydrated. Sprinkling black salt on fruits prevents them from spoiling quickly and enhances their taste.

However, due to social media trends, people are consuming it in excessive amounts, which can be harmful to health.  

Recently, many influencers on social media have been promoting black salt as a detox miracle.

But the truth is that this salt is only beneficial when consumed in limited quantities. Consuming excessive amounts of black salt based on social media trends can be harmful to your health. Sprinkling black salt on fruits can improve both taste and digestion, but it must be consumed in balanced amounts.