Salt is an essential part of our daily diet, but too much can be harmful. Common salt options include white table salt, black salt, and pink Himalayan salt, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Chennai-based senior clinical dietitian N Selvamani says, in typical Indian diets, whether north or south Indian, salt consumption often exceeds the recommended daily intake, with an average consumption of 10 to 15 grams of salt per day, far more than the 5 to 6 grams recommended for adults.
While black salt and pink salt are often promoted for their mineral content and unique flavours, they do not necessarily provide significant health benefits over regular white salt when consumed in small amounts, she adds. Regardless of the type, it is the quantity of salt that matters most for health. Excessive salt intake is linked to hypertension and other health issues, so it is essential to keep salt consumption within the recommended limits, Selvamani recommends.
