Why is regular salt prohibited during fasts? With the onset of the month of Sawan, a series of fasts and festivals begin. During this period, fasts such as Sawan Somvar, Sawan Shivratri, and Teej are observed. In Indian culture, fasting isn’t just about abstaining from food; it’s also considered a spiritual process of purifying the mind, body, and soul.
This is why the rules regarding eating and drinking during fasts are completely different from those on normal days. You may have often seen fasting people use rock salt instead of regular salt, as regular salt is prohibited during fasts. Do you know why rock salt is allowed during fasts? There are both religious and scientific reasons behind this.
Why rock salt during fasts?
Religiously speaking, the primary purpose of fasting is not just to remain hungry, but to purify both the body and mind. For this reason, it is recommended to eat foods that are natural, pure, and minimally processed during fasting. Rock salt is consumed during fasting due to these qualities.
While eating ordinary salt is prohibited during fasting, it is said that ordinary salt is produced in factories through numerous chemical processes. Iodine and other elements are added to it, making it a processed food.
On the other hand, rock salt is naturally extracted from rocks. It is not subjected to any extensive chemical processing, so it is considered more pure. This is why it is considered suitable for fasting in religious traditions.
What is the scientific reason?
Even from a scientific perspective, rock salt is considered beneficial in many ways. During fasting, people do not eat normal food, which can lead to electrolyte deficiency in the body. Rock salt helps maintain electrolyte balance in the body and can help reduce fatigue or weakness.
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Health experts believe that rock salt contains significantly less sodium and more minerals like potassium and magnesium than regular salt. This is why it is considered beneficial for the digestive system. Many people mix rock salt with fruits, yogurt, sago, buckwheat, or water chestnut flour during fasting to ensure the body receives essential minerals.
Moreover, rock salt is considered cooling in nature. It is believed to help keep the body hydrated and aid digestion. It is also considered useful in reducing fatigue and weakness caused by prolonged periods of fasting. However, any salt should be consumed in moderation.
Health experts also say that pregnant women, elderly people or those who have difficulty staying hungry for a long time are advised to have a balanced fruit diet and take rock salt as per requirement during the fast.