Are you tired of drinking plain old water? Looking for a way to add some flavor and health benefits to your hydration routine?
Look no further than kosher salt! This coarse-grained salt has been used for centuries in Jewish cuisine and is now gaining popularity for its versatility and potential health benefits.
But can you actually drink water with kosher salt in it? In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of adding kosher salt to your water, as well as some other surprising uses for this versatile seasoning.
So grab a glass of water (with or without salt) and let’s dive in!
Can You Drink Water With Kosher Salt In It?
The short answer is yes, you can drink water with kosher salt in it. In fact, adding a pinch of kosher salt to your water can provide some health benefits.
Kosher salt is a natural, unrefined salt that contains trace minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium. These minerals are essential for proper hydration and can help regulate your body’s fluid balance.
However, it’s important to note that too much salt can have negative effects on your health. The American Heart Association recommends limiting your daily sodium intake to no more than 2,300 milligrams per day, or even less if you have high blood pressure or other health conditions.
So, when adding kosher salt to your water, be sure to use it in moderation. A pinch or two is all you need to reap the benefits without going overboard on sodium.
What Is Kosher Salt?
Kosher salt is a type of salt that has larger, coarser grains than table salt. It is called kosher salt because of its use in the koshering process, which involves removing the blood from meat or poultry prior to preparation. Despite the name, not all brands of kosher salt are kosher certified or considered kosher.
Kosher salt is made solely from sodium chloride and doesn’t usually contain additives or iodine. Its larger flake size makes it easy to pick up and sprinkle over food, which is why it is sometimes favored over other types of salt for cooking. It also weighs less than table salt and therefore shouldn’t be substituted in a 1-to-1 ratio in recipes.
It’s important to note that not all kosher salt is created equal, as some brands may have different textures or mineral content. However, in general, kosher salt is a natural, unrefined salt that can provide some health benefits due to its trace mineral content.
The Health Benefits Of Kosher Salt
Kosher salt offers several potential health benefits due to its mineral content. Here are some of the ways it can benefit your health:
1. Promotes Digestion: The sodium chloride content in kosher salt helps balance the hydrochloric acid levels in the stomach, which can prevent digestive disorders like indigestion, heartburn, gas, and bloating. Hydrochloric acid also aids in protein digestion and the breakdown of food, promoting smoother digestion.
2. Oral Health: The antibiotic properties of kosher salt can help kill infectious organisms in the oral cavity, promoting oral health. Additionally, the potassium content in kosher salt can help prevent bleeding gums.
3. Lowers Blood Pressure: Kosher salt has a lower sodium content compared to other salts, making it a good alternative for those with high blood pressure. Lowering sodium intake can help prevent or reduce high blood pressure, which in turn reduces the risk of heart attack and other related health issues.
4. Other Potential Benefits: Kosher salt can also support thyroid function, fight allergies, stabilize blood sugar levels, and regulate body temperature.
It’s important to note that while kosher salt has potential health benefits, it should be consumed in moderation to avoid excessive sodium intake. As with any dietary change, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet.
Adding Kosher Salt To Water: Pros And Cons
While adding kosher salt to your water can have some benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. Here are some pros and cons to keep in mind:
How To Make Saltwater For Hydration
If you’re looking to make saltwater for hydration, it’s actually quite simple. All you need is a beaker, tap water, and kosher salt.
First, measure out 35 grams of kosher salt and add it to the beaker. Then, add tap water until the total mass is 1,000 grams. Stir the mixture until the salt is completely dissolved in the water.
It’s important to note that tap water often contains natural minerals found in seawater, such as magnesium and calcium, which can also aid in hydration.
When it comes to how much salt to add to your water for optimal hydration, experts recommend at least 1.5 grams of salt per quart of water consumed. For example, if you drink 2.3 liters of water per day, you should add at least 3.6 grams of kosher salt to that amount of water.
It’s worth mentioning that if you use a reverse osmosis water filter, you may need to add even more salt as the filter system removes most of the minerals from the water.
Other Surprising Uses For Kosher Salt
Aside from its use in cooking and adding to water for hydration, kosher salt has a variety of surprising uses. Here are a few:
1. Soothe bee stings: If you’ve been stung by a bee, mix a small amount of kosher salt with water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the sting to help reduce pain and swelling.
2. Defrost car windows: During the winter months, mix a small amount of kosher salt with water and apply it to your car windows. The salt will help melt the ice and snow, making it easier to remove.
3. Exfoliate dry skin: Mix a small amount of kosher salt with olive oil or coconut oil to create a natural exfoliant for your skin. Gently rub the mixture onto your skin in circular motions to remove dead skin cells and leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.
4. Cleanse your sinuses: Mix a small amount of kosher salt with warm water to create a saline solution. Use a neti pot or nasal spray bottle to flush out your sinuses and relieve congestion.
5. Keep flowers fresh: Add a pinch of kosher salt to the water in your flower vase to help keep your flowers fresh for longer.