Salt, otherwise known as sodium chloride, is a compound that provides very useful benefits to the body. For instance, salt is known to keep our dishes tasty. Aside from being the oldest food seasoning, there is still a long list of skin, health and beauty benefits of salt. Here are some of them.

Skin and Hair Benefits of Salt

• Counter irritant and healing properties

Sea salt added in bath water can help relieve skin itchiness caused by conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Salt can improve circulation, hydrate the tissues, open up pores and promote wound healing.

• Anti-acne

Sea salt can sometimes be found in soap, skin cleansers, facial masks and toners. Sea salt contains many other minerals as well such calcium, which can help clean pores. Magnesium can help remove toxins and dirt in the skin. Potassium regulates water balance needed for cell metabolism. It also has sulfur which helps synthesize oxygen for better nutrient absorption.

• Skin Toner and Exfoliant

Salt helps remove excess oil in the skin, thus, making it a good addition to toners. It is also often used as body scrub because of its effectiveness in removing dead skin cells.

• Anti-dandruff

Not many people are aware of this, but sea salt can help remove dandruff flakes in the scalp. Just apply crushed sea salt directly on the scalp and let it stay for a few minutes before rinsing.

Health Benefits of Salt

• Toothpaste Alternative

Salt can be used as an alternative to regular toothpaste. Just mix one part of salt to two parts of baking soda and brush on teeth. The mixture acts as teeth whitener because of its mild abrasive property as well as its fluoride content. Equal parts of salt and baking soda can also be added to water to be used as mouthwash. It can help prevent bad breath and cure gingivitis because it effectively kills bacteria in the mouth.

• Aids in Digestion

Salt stimulates the salivary gland to secrete more saliva, thus, coating the food that we eat with salivary enzymes needed for proper digestion. Salt facilitates movement in the digestive tract and helps absorb nutrients in the small intestine.

• Regulates Muscle Contractions

Sodium and potassium play important parts in muscle contraction. If sodium is not properly regulated, it can cause muscle cramping. Sea salt, in particular, also contains calcium, a mineral also needed in proper muscle contraction and heart function.

The recommended daily intake of salt for adults is between 2,400 and 3,000 mg/day. Although sodium deficiency seldom happen, it is still possible with excessive sweating. Once sodium levels fall drastically, blood pressure level can also drop quickly, leading to shock. Meanwhile, excessive intake of salt, can lead to high water retention as well as hypertension. Always keep your intake of salt at the recommended daily amount. Always read food labels when purchasing food items.

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