20 Mustard Oil Benefits Your Body Is Craving For!

Updated on February 20th, 2020
mustard oil benefits

Mustard is a floral species that belongs to the Brassicaceae family. In which the cabbage and other plants belong to as well. Mustard plants have a minute and black seeds that are highly beneficial for the health of a patient.

The oil that is extracted from these seeds is referred to as Mustard Oil. Specifically, there are two types of mustard oil, one of which is the edible vegetable oil, that could be used for all household purposes from cooking to the application on the body, this could be used.

The second type of oil is the essential oil, a highly concentrated oil of the seeds that is obtained from grinding the seeds and mixing the ground seeds in water and then deriving the oil from the seeds by distillation.

A Few Important Mustard Oil Medicinal Uses

Mustard has been in use for centuries. Mustard oil is highly essential for smooth physiological functioning. It helps in the following ways-

  • Keep the cholesterol levels under control
  • Aids in the prevention of cancer
  • Strengthens bones and teeth
  • Enhances general body immunity etc.

Mustard Nutrition Facts

Mustard consists of approximately-

  • 60% monounsaturated fatty acids (42% of which is erucic acid and 12% of it is oleic acid)
  • 21% polyunsaturated fatty acids (6% of which is omega 3 alpha-linolenic acid and 15% of which is omega 6 linoleic acid)
  • 12% of saturated fatty acids.
  • It contains allyl isothiocyanate that lends it a pungent odor and flavor.

The oil extracted from mustard seeds is rich in alpha-linolenic acid which is an omega 3 fatty acid that is highly beneficial for health.

The rich variety of minerals contained in mustard oil includes-

  • Calcium
  • Iron
  • Magnesium
  • Phosphorus
  • Potassium
  • Zinc
  • Copper
  • Manganese
  • selenium

Mustard also consists of vitamins A, C, E and K, riboflavin, thiamin, niacin, B6, folate, pantothenic acid, and choline.

Mustard Oil vs Olive Oil

Along with numerous similarities, Mustard oil and Olive oil differ mainly in terms of flavor. Mustard oil has a very sharp and nutty flavor whereas Olive oil imparts a low and exquisite flavor to food. Apart from this, Mustard oil is rich in proteins and fats whereas olive oil contains high levels of vitamins A, C as well as iron and calcium.

Mustard oil imparts benefits not just while cooking but is also beneficial for skin and is used for massaging during the winter season. With a high smoke point, mustard oil is preferred for cooking and frying whereas olive oil is apt for slow cooking processes.

20 Amazing Mustard Oil Benefits

1. Prevents Cancer

The phytochemical compounds like glucosinolates contained in mustard are highly anti-carcinogenic in nature. These glucosinolates disintegrate into isothiocyanates with the enzymatic action of myrosinase.

Isothiocyanates inhibit cancer quite effectively. The alpha-linolenic acid content of mustard oil makes it highly beneficial in the prevention of colon and intestinal cancer(2).

Mustard oil contains antioxidants that fight against breast, colon and prostate cancer. The oil is antigenic in nature and prevents the growth of malignant tumors in the body.

Mustard is rich in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids and alpha-linolenic acid that inhibits the growth and spread of tumors and increase the probability of survival of patients afflicted with cancer.

The anti-carcinogenic properties of mustard oil inhibit the metastasis of cancerous cells.

2. Maintains Cardiovascular System

The omega 3 fatty acids and omega 6 fatty acids contained in mustard can regulate blood pressure, prevent the stiffening of arteries, and prevent the sedimentation of harmful plaque in the arteries.

The high content of linoleic acid helps to provide protection against atherosclerosis and help to maintain healthy cardiac rhythm. The alpha-linolenic acid protects blood vessels against inflammation.

Mustard is also responsible for healthy blood circulation through the widening of arteries and stimulation of cardiac functioning. Mustard is rich in magnesium. This mineral aids in the prevention of cardiac diseases by ensuring healthy circulation of blood throughout the body.

Magnesium presents in mustard oil helps  in the prevention of deposition of cholesterol in blood vessels. Regular use of mustard oil helps to lower cholesterol naturally and prevent cardiac disorders.

3. Builds Strong Teeth and Bones

Mustard contains calcium, phosphorus, manganese, and magnesium in sufficient quantities which make it highly beneficial and nutritious for the development of strong bones and firmly rooted teeth.

It enhances bone density, strengthens the roots of teeth(1). Calcium protects the enamel from getting eroded by food and wards off the development of osteoporosis.

4. Protects Respiratory Health

The seeds of mustard are especially effective for protecting the respiratory system during the winter months. Mustard seeds when steamed thoroughly give off pungent or strongly odorous vapors.

These vapors when deeply inhaled can unblock nasal and chest congestion and aid in the expulsion of phlegm.

Massage your chest with slightly warmed mustard oil if you are suffering from common cold or asthma to get rid of coughing fits and sore throat. Mustard seeds are rich in selenium, magnesium, copper, and iron. This can cure asthma and prevent its onset. Mustard seeds are an excellent expectorant and decongestant.

5. Maintains Digestive Health

Mustard Seed Benefits for Digestive Health

Mustard aids the process of digestion right from the beginning to the very end. It enhances the production of saliva in the mouth which facilitates the conversion of ingested food into a bolus.

It increases the rate of metabolism and improves digestion. It prevents indigestion, flatulence and bloating. Mustard seeds are rich in fibrous content which regulates healthy bowel movement.

6. Treats Constipation

Mustard oil makes for an amazing antidote for constipation. It consists of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids which help to form a smooth a slimy film along the intestinal walls.

This smooth coat soothes the guttural lining and facilitates the movement and excretion of hardened feces with ease. Mustard oil is essential for the maintenance of a healthy colon and aids in the softening of hardened, constipated feces.

7. Gives shiny and strong Hair

Mustard Oil Benefits for Hair

Mustard seed oil obtained from pressing and grinding the seeds is rich in vitamin which is highly essential for healthy hair. Regular massage with mustard oil enriches the scalp with omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids that keep it from going dry and flaky.

The mustard oil induces the production of sebum in the scalp which moisturizes the hair, makes the roots and follicles strong and prevents the occurrence of dandruff.

Mustard oil is highly anti-inflammatory in nature which protects the hair and scalp from the disease Cicatricial alopecia which is a condition of permanent loss of hair in which the hair roots and follicles get severely and irreparably damaged thus preventing the growth of new and healthy hair.

mustard health benefits for the body

8. Mustard Oil Benefits for Skin

Mustard seeds serve as an excellent exfoliating agent for skin.  Dry skin is a serious skin issue and often leads to conditions like psoriasis, eczema and premature aging of the skin.

Mustard oil is rich in healthy fatty acids, and vitamin A and C that help to keep the skin supple and moisturized and prevents the occurrence of dry skin or eczema.

Regular consumption of mustard oil enhances the production of natural oils that prevent the formation of wrinkles and keep the skin well hydrated.

You can also massage the affected regions of your skin with a few drops of mustard oil to keep your skin hydrated and nourished.

9. Treats Arthritis

Mustard Health Benefits for Arthritis

The omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acid content of mustard oil lowers the pain and stiffness of joints felt in rheumatoid arthritis.

Regular and gentle massaging of the painful joints with slightly warmed mustard oil helps to diminish the swelling and alleviates the pain quite effectively.

The essential fatty acids contained in mustard oil work upon osteoarthritis and soothe the stiffness of joints. Mustard oil is naturally analgesic which helps to cure the pain felt in arthritis.

10. Aids Weight Loss

Mustard oil aids in the shedding of excess body weight by accelerating the process of body metabolism, reduction of intestinal inflammation and suppressing the appetite. Mustard oil is richly packed with dietary and healthy fats which helps to curb the appetite and makes one feel full throughout the day.

The oil helps in the development of muscles and its high nutritious content facilitates healthy digestion and regular bowel movement which is responsible for stabilization of body weight(2).

11. Boosts Immune System

Mustard oil is rich in omega 3 as well as omega 6 fatty acids. When consumed, the fatty acids combine with the antioxidants to make for a potent booster of the immune system.

Mustard oil is rich in antioxidants, antifungal and antibacterial properties that protect the body from diseases and strengthen body immunity.

12. Maintains Body Fluid Balance

Mustard is rich in potassium that is an essential electrolyte responsible for the regular functioning of the kidneys, brain, heart, liver and other organ systems. The electrolytes help in the delivery of electrical messages through the body and improve nervous impulses.

The deficiency of potassium results in the weakness of muscles, fatigue, cardiac dysrhythmia and headaches. Mustard helps to combat this deficiency and regulate even physiological functioning.

13. Cures Flu

mustard health benefits for flu

Mustard is known for its calefacient properties which help in the release of high fevers in the form of perspiration. This reduces body temperature and brings down the fever considerably.

14. Promotes Renal Health

Mustard oil is known for its detoxifying and diuretic properties. Regular use of mustard oil for cooking promotes healthy renal functioning. It prevents the kidneys from excessive secretion of harmful components like uric acid and creatinine.

Mustard oil also aids in the dissolution of kidney stones. The oil is rich in potassium which helps to maintain electrolytic balance in the body which in turn is responsible for smooth renal functioning.

15. Prevents Diabetes

Regular use of mustard oil for cooking helps to control the level of glucose in the blood. The oil helps to enhance the rate of metabolism of the body, thus converting the excess sugar ingested into energy. This naturally lowers blood sugar level and helps to protect the body from hyperglycemia or diabetes.

16. Protects Skin against Toxic Ultraviolet Rays

Mustard is rich in antioxidants that fight against poisonous free radicals, protect the skin from damage caused by the UV rays of the sun, repair broken skin tissues and thus prevent the skin from getting afflicted by cancer(3).

Also Read: Home Cures for Skin Cancer

17. Promotes Healthy Physiological Functioning

Mustard oil is rich in vitamin B-complex that helps in the conversion of ingested food into glucose which is the main source of physiological energy. It aids in the metabolism of proteins and fats which is the basis of the functioning of the nervous system.

Vitamin B is known for maintaining hormonal balance through the proper functioning of neurotransmitters. It has the ability to improve body immunity.

18. Alleviates Dysmenorrhea

Mustard Health Benefits for the Alleviation of Dysmenorrhea

Mustard is rich in magnesium which helps to maintain hormonal balance. This eliminates dysmenorrheal which is characterized by abdominal cramping during menstruation. Besides, mustard is analgesic in nature which helps in soothing the menstrual pain and induces a warm calmness in the body.

19. Prevents Dermatitis and Psoriasis

Mustard is rich in phytochemical compounds that trigger the generation of the mother of antioxidants, glutathione. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that fights against oxidative stress, eliminates toxic free radicals and heals inflammation.

20. Provides Oral Health

Mustard Health Benefits for Oral Health

The antimicrobial properties of mustard help to fight the bacteria and germs that work inside the mouth and attack the gums, roots, and enamel of the teeth. Mustard helps to protect the mouth from dental disorders like pyorrhea, gum boils and mouth ulcers.

Brush your teeth with mustard oil and a pinch of salt to preserve your oral health.

Mustard oil is a healthy alternative and could be used in cooking, in maintaining your health, prevention of diseases, protection from UV rays and many more myriad of benefits that are mentioned above. It is recommended that you try to integrate this oil into your daily life for the best results.

[Read: mouth ulcer home remedies ]


FAQs

1. Is mustard good for you?

Response: Mustard is replete with health benefits and is good for consumption.

2. Is mustard healthy?

Response: Mustard is greatly healthy for health and beauty.

3. Is yellow mustard good for you?

Response: Numerous are the yellow mustard health benefits. It is good for cardiac health and gastrointestinal functioning.

4. Is Dijon mustard healthy?

Response: Dijon mustard is low in nutritious content and is not so healthy for consumption.

5. Is mustard gluten-free?

Response: Processed mustard, ground seeds of mustard and mustard flour is gluten-free.

6. Is mustard vegan?

Response: Some types of mustard like Dijon and honey mustard are processed with non-vegan byproducts. However, the common yellow or brown mustard seeds are completely vegan.

7. Is mustard a Dicot?

Response: Mustard is dicot in nature as it belongs to a dicotyledonous family of plants.

8. Is Mustard is a spice?

Response: Yes, mustard is a type of spice.

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