The mustard health benefits are various. Other than being a fantastic cooking medium, mustard is packed with medical advantages that make it the most preferable among all the palatable oils.
What is Mustard Made of?
The entire, ground, bruised, or cracked mustard seeds are blended with vinegar, water, wine, lemon juice, or different fluids, salt and spices to prepare the mustard sauce or mustard condiment of pale to dark yellow shade. The essence of mustard condiment ranges from sweet to hot.
Mustard Nutrition Facts
The nutritional profile of mustard constitutes monounsaturated fatty acids like erucic acid and oleic acid, polyunsaturated fatty acids like omega 3 alpha-linolenic acid, omega 6 linoleic acid and saturated fatty acids. The pungent flavor and odor of mustard is because of allyl isothiocyanate.
The mineral composition of mustard consists of calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, potassium, selenium and manganese. It is also rich in vitamins(1) such as A, C, E, K, choline, pantothenic acid, folate, B6, niacin, thiamine, and riboflavin.
[Read: Mustard To Ease Muscle Cramps ]
Mustard Oil Uses
Mustard(2)belongs to the Brassicaceae family. The plant consists of tiny black seeds that are exceptionally useful for physiological wellbeing. Mustard oil alludes to two distinct kinds of oils. One of them is the edible oil that is obtained from the mustard seeds and refined.
The second kind is the mustard essential oil that is acquired from crushing the mustard seeds, blending the ground seeds with water and then refining it thoroughly. Mustard oil is exceedingly fundamental for healthy physiological working.
It monitors the cholesterol levels, helps in the prevention and cure of tumor, fortifies bones and teeth and boosts body immunity etc.
Top 15 Surprising Mustard Health Benefits
1. Anti-Cancer Properties
Mustard is rich in phytochemical components such as glucosinolates that are known for their anti-carcinogenic action. The disintegration of glucosinolates to isothiocyanates is catalyzed by the myrosinase enzyme.
These isothiocyanates act against cancer cells. Alpha-Linolenic acid is remarkably effective in the prevention and cure of intestinal cancer. The antioxidants contained in the mustard act against prostate, colon and breast cancer.
[Read: Benefits of Hemp Oil for Cancer]
2. Cardiac System
The oil extracted from mustard seeds is rich in omega 3 fatty acids like palmitoleic acid and oleic acid. The excellent variety of unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals makes it highly beneficial for cardiac health.
The healthy omega 3 fatty acids reduce the level of bad cholesterol and protect the heart from atherosclerosis. The mustard also contains potassium that behaves as a vasodilator by relaxing the blood vessels and reducing cardiac strain.
[Read: Benefits of Black Seed Oil]
3. Strong Teeth and Bones
The minerals contained in mustard that include magnesium, calcium, manganese, and phosphorus make the consumption of oil remarkably nutritious and beneficial for the development of healthy teeth and bones.
It aids in the enhancement of mineral density of bones and development of the strength of teeth. The calcium helps in protecting the enamel of teeth from erosion and keep diseases like osteoporosis at bay.
4. Respiratory Troubles
The strong and pungent odor given off by the heating of mustard seeds is highly beneficial for the treatment of nasal congestion and respiratory disorders like a sore throat, phlegm congestion in the chest and more.
Mustard oil benefits for massage include relieving asthma, common cold, bronchitis, etc. with the expulsion of unhealthy mucus through gently massaging the chest with warmed mustard oil.
5. Digestion
Mustard seed oil is highly beneficial for digestion. It improves salivation in the mouth which aids in the change of ingested food into a bolus. It influences the rate of digestion and enhances the body metabolic rate. Mustard seed oil prevents acid reflux, flatulence, and swelling. Mustard seeds oil also aids in the regulation of bowel movement.
6. Hair
Mustard oil for hair is extremely effective with its rich variety of vitamins and minerals that make the oil extracted from the mustard seeds incredibly beneficial for long, thick and strong tresses.
Regular massage of the oil and scalp with mustard oil nourishes the scalp and aids in the natural treatment of scalp infection, scalp psoriasis and inflammation of the scalp.
The omega 3 fatty acid content of the oil works in combination with the anti-inflammatory properties of antioxidative polyphenols to enrich the scalp and accelerate the recovery from the scalp disease alopecia that is characterized by permanent balding through irreparable damage to the scalp and roots.
7. Gas/Flatulence
Mustard is a known remedy that has been used for ages for gas. The widespread popularity of this remedy could be pinpointed to the fact that this tends to work on the majority of the patients, who use it.
These characteristics could be attributed to the anti-spasmodic agents in mustard. These prevent the intestinal organs from going into spasms. Mustard is also a carminative, that is it aids in the expelling digestive gas from the body.
Yellow Mustard Remedy
For this remedy, you would need to use the yellow mustard variety.
Ingredients: Yellow Mustard
Procedure:
- You could directly chew one tablespoon of the mustard, this should be done in the morning on an empty stomach.
- Additionally, including mustard sauce in a meal, a day could help prevent and curb acidity and gas pain in patients who are prone to it.
[Read: Benefits of Argan Oil for Hair ]
8. Skin Exfoliation
Mustard seeds make for an excellent exfoliant for the skin.
- Grind half a cup of mustard seeds into a fine powder by using a food processor
- Blend the powdered seeds with mashed avocado or yogurt
- Make a course and even paste
- Moisten your face and neck and then start massaging them with gentle pressure
- Leave the face pack to dry for about 15 minutes
- Rinse your face with cool water
Your blackheads will disappear and all the dead cells will be scrubbed off leaving behind glowing and healthy facial skin.
9. Weight Loss
The high content of fiber and protein in mustard makes it highly beneficial for the weight loss regimen. The fiber content controls digestion, accelerates the rate of metabolism and regulates bowel movement.
This helps in the maintenance of body weight and aids in the shedding of excess flab with ease. Mustard oil for cooking medium too is effective for shedding the flab and staying fit and trim.
10. Mustard Oil Benefits for Massage
Mustard oil is vested with massaging benefits. The oil if warmed slightly makes for an excellent massaging medium. Mustard oil contains magnesium that is highly essential for muscle functioning.
Regular massage of muscles with mustard oil aids in the prevention of lactic acid build up in the muscles and effectively alleviates the pain and inflammation associated with muscle cramps. Its rich content of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids helps in the development and strengthening of muscles.
11. Muscle Cramps
Most of us have suffered from cramps, usually seen in the foot or leg and typically in the calf muscle. Severe cramps tend to cause a lot of pain and could be unbearable.
In these situations, mustard comes in handy, as it is known to fight against the cramps and help eliminate the pain and the source from which it is originating.
Whenever you are having a cramp, it is recommended that you use black mustard; a spoonful of it into your mouth and let it linger for a few seconds and then swallow it. This age-old remedy will not fail in treating your cramps, however, it is to be noted that using mustard on a regular basis doesn’t prevent cramps.
[Read: Health Benefits Of Tamanu Oil ]
12. Skin
The wide range of nutrients and vitamins present in mustard makes it incredibly beneficial for health. Its rich content of vitamins, minerals and omega 3 fatty acids nourishes the skin, improves its natural elasticity and prevents premature aging.
Regular massage of the skin with pure mustard seed oil prevents wrinkles and protects against skin cancer. It is also highly beneficial for the natural treatment of eczema and skin psoriasis.
13. Nervous System
A regular intake of mustard oil and seeds improves the cognitive ability of the body and helps to improve receptivity and memory. The nutritional composition of mustard is highly beneficial for the proper functioning of the Central Nervous System (CNS).
The vitamins contained in mustard helps to keep depression, anxiety, stress and Alzheimer’s disease at bay. The anti-inflammatory properties of mustard aids to cure neuroinflammation and enhance the spatial memory averting other brain defects caused due to traumatic injuries to the head.
14. Arthritis
The omega 3 and omega 6 unsaturated fats of mustard seed oil alleviate the pain and hardening of joints felt in rheumatoid joint pain. Massaging the rheumatic joints with warm mustard oil reduces the swelling and mitigates the pain effectively. The healthy fats and analgesic nature of mustard oil cure osteoarthritis and relieve the stiffness of joints.
15. Immunity
Mustard oil is loaded with antioxidants, antibacterial and antifungal properties that shield the body from sicknesses and fortify the body immune system. Its content of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids combines with the potent antioxidants to build stronger immunity and protect the body from a hundred different ailments.
16. Regulating Body Fluid Secretion
Mustard contains potassium that is a fundamental electrolyte in charge of smooth working of the kidneys, nervous system, brain, liver, heart and other organs. The electrolytes help in the conveyance of electrical messages throughout the body and enhance the power of nerve impulses.
The inadequacy of potassium brings about muscle fatigue, weakness, heart dysrhythmia, and migraines. Mustard battles this inadequacy and regulates healthy physiological working.
17. Skin Acne and Blemishes
Mustard and mustard oil is rich in minerals is greatly effective for the natural cure of acne and blemishes. Normal use of mustard oil for cooking and regular massage of the face with mustard seed oil face pack enriches the skin with antioxidants and vitamins and protects it from acne.
The oil cures inflammation of the skin and keeps it naturally hydrated. Topical application of the oil extracted from mustard seeds is a proven natural remedy for sunburns and skin cancer. The oil can also cure insect bites and bee stings.
[Read: Benefits of Grapeseed Oil to Acne ]
18. Renal Functioning
Mustard oil is known for it’s diuretic and detoxification properties. Normal use of mustard oil for cooking helps in healthy renal working. It keeps the kidneys from the inordinate discharge of toxins such as creatinine and uric acid.
Mustard oil helps in the passing out process of kidney stones. The oil is being packed with potassium helps in the maintenance of electrolyte balance in the body which promotes good renal working.
19. Dysmenorrheal
Mustard is packed with magnesium which helps in the maintenance of hormonal balance in the body. This helps in the elimination of dysmenorrhea which is characterized by stomach cramping during the menstrual monthly cycle. In addition, the analgesic nature of mustard helps in the mitigation of the menstrual cramp and induces a warm comfort in the body.
20. Constipation
Mustard oil makes for a remarkable cure for constipated feces. It comprises of omega 3 and omega 6 unsaturated fats which help in the formation of a smooth coat along the intestinal lining.
This slimy intestinal film helps in soothing the inflamed intestines and promotes healthy bowel movement. Mustard oil is fundamental for the health of the colon and helps in the softening of solidified, clogged up feces.
21. Flu
The calefacient and diaphoretic nature of mustard help in curing a fever by its through perspiration. This helps in the reduction of high body temperature associated with flu and common cold which cures the fever considerably.
22. Diabetes
Use of mustard oil for cooking controls the level of glucose in the blood. The oil improves the rate of digestion of the body, therefore changing over the overabundance sugar ingested into vitality. This brings down glucose level and shields the body from hyperglycemia or diabetes.
Mustard Seed Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons of black and yellow mustard seeds
- 2 teaspoons of cumin seeds
- ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 kg of small potatoes cut into cubes
- 1 teaspoon each of salt
- Pepper
- Coriander seeds
- Cayenne pepper
[Read: Benefits of Fennel Seeds on Health]
Procedure
- Heat the oil and mustard seeds in a frying pan until the seeds begin to pop
- Add the cumin and turmeric
- Then add the potatoes followed by salt
- Add cayenne and pepper
- Reduce the heat and add some water
- Cover the pan and cook until the potatoes soften down in 20-25 minutes
- Add another 2 tablespoons of oil, cumin, coriander, salt and cayenne
- Cook some more until the potatoes turn golden brown
- Garnish the curry with chopped mint leaves and cilantro
Side Effects
The erucic acid contained in mustard oil might be toxic(3) for physiological health and cause respiratory troubles, diarrhea, cancer, anemia and more. Consumption of mustard oil increases the risks of lung cancer, leads to dropsy, causes inflammation in the digestive tract and triggers an allergic reaction.
FAQs
1. Is Mustard Gluten-Free?
Response: Yes, mustard belongs to the gluten-free family of food produce.
2. Is Mustard Vegan?
Response: Yes, mustard is vegan.
3. Is Mustard a Dicot?
Response: Yes, mustard is a seed produced by the dicotyledonous family of plants.
4. Is Mustard Is a Spice?
Response: Yes, mustard is a spice and is one of the most ancient spices in the world.
