Ajit Karn
Health Benefits of Mustard Oil: Mustard oil is versatile and utilised throughout the globe. In India, it is known as Sarson ka Tel and is a common ingredient in every kitchen. The robust essence of mustard oil enhances the flavour of a variety of dishes. Additionally, it has numerous health benefits.
As a result of the cholesterol crisis and the rise in heart disease, however, many people are now cautious about the type and quality of oil they ingest daily. This has led to a significant increase in the sales of healthful oils such as Olive oil, Sunflower oil, Rice Bran oil, and Grapeseed oil, among others.
Moreover, mustard’s anti-inflammatory properties make it beneficial for diabetics. Therefore, it is regarded one of the best cooking oils for diabetic recipes. Here are defining Health Benefits of Mustard Oil.
Health Benefits of Mustard Oil
Mustard Oil Nutrition
Mustard oil contains approximately 60% monounsaturated fatty acids (42% erucic acid and 12% oleic acid), approximately 21% polyunsaturated fats (6% omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and 15% omega-6 linoleic acid (LA), and approximately 12% saturated fats.
This optimal ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids and minimal content of saturated fats makes mustard oil more advantageous and preferred than a number of other oils on the market.
Coloured reddish-brown or amber, mustard oil is renowned for its acrid aroma and pungent flavour. Mustard oil is pungent due to the presence of allyl isothiocyanate. This viscous vegetable oil is extracted from mustard seeds by pounding them.
For the time being, let’s examine Mustard Oil and its benefits in depth.
1. Cardioprotective Effects
Mustard oil is healthy edible oil it is low in Saturated fatty acid (SFA), high in MUFA and PUFA, especially alpha-linolenic acid and has a good LA: ALA ratio (6:5).
In Myocardial Infarct(MI) patients using mustard oil, there was a reduction in arrhythmias, heart failure and angina. Thus, mustard oil is considered a healthy choice for patients with cardiovascular disorders.
N6 (linolenic acid) and N3 (alpha-linolenic acid) are essential fatty acids that proved to be beneficial for the body. N6 PUFA lowers LDL cholesterol but can also decrease HDL, whereas N3 PUFA may lower triglycerides, blood pressure, inflammation, improve vascular function and sudden death.
2. Reduces Cough, Colds
Since ancient times, mustard oil is used to soothe colds, coughs and other respiratory illnesses and allergies.
Inhaling steam containing mustard oil has shown to clear respiratory congestion. Also, a concoction made by heating mustard oil, few cloves of garlic and 1 teaspoon of ajwain, when massaged on our feet and chest provides relief from cold and cough.
Mustard oil may also show positive effects in patients suffering from sinusitis.
3. Anti-bacterial, Anti-fungal & Anti-carcinogenic Properties
Glucosinolate, available in mustard oil which accounts for antibiotic, fungicidal and cancer prevention qualities, serves as a therapeutic for human health. It thus protects us from colorectal and gastrointestinal cancers.
Ally Isothiocyanate serves as an anti-fungal agent, which protects food from fungal growth and reduces infection.
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4. Strengthens Red Blood Cells
Mustard oil is a major source of all fats required by our body to perform diverse biological functions as components of plasma, cell lipids and cell membrane.
Mustard oil reduces cholesterol and improves the membrane structure of red blood cells (RBC). Read more about the simple ways to reduce cholesterol.
Also read: Is Rainwater Good For Bathing and Drinking?
5. Acts as a Stimulant:
Mustard oil is a natural stimulant that is known to stimulate our sweat glands, thereby improving blood circulation throughout the body. It also helps to lower body temperature and remove toxins from the body.
By increasing blood circulation in the entire body, also relieves and rejuvenates stressed and overworked muscles.
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6. Relief from Joint Pain & Arthritis:
A regular massage with mustard oil helps in relieving aching joints and muscles. Arthritis patients also experience relief and comfort after a massage with mustard oil, thanks to the presence of Omega-3 fatty acids that help to ease stiffness and pain caused due to arthritis.
7. Immunity Booster:
The composition of mustard oil is based on our body requirement. This oil having <7% saturated fat, high amounts of monounsaturated fatty acids ranges from 3.6-32.2%. It also contains a considerable amount of linoleic (18:2) and linolenic acids (18:3).
The optimum range of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E provides the required nutritive value and boosts our immune system.
8. Reduces Diabetic Hazards:
The amount of vitamin E in the alpha-tocopherol present in mustard oil has beneficial effects to control diabetic hazards.
9. Boosts Appetite
Mustard oil is extremely useful and can be consumed by people who are underweight. It makes you want to eat more by pumping your stomach and facilitates the secretion of gastric juices and bile which is known to create the feeling of hunger.
Trans fat is the major cause of insulin failure and high oxidation of fat. The absence of trans fat in mustard oil thus helps maintain insulin levels, which in turn regulates our blood sugar levels.
Other Uses Of Mustard Oil
- Effective Massage Oil
Massage in infancy with mustard oil improves growth and post-massage sleep.
Massage with mustard oil improves the weight, length and midarm and midleg circumferences as compared to infants without massage.
- Promotes Oral Health
Mustard oil helps strengthen your gums and makes it easier to remove the plaque. Plaque is generally formed due to bacteria that are surrounded by fatty membranes. Swishing mustard oil in our mouth can help loosen the fat-soluble bacteria and further avoid gum bleeding.
- Amazing Hair
Mustard oil contains alpha fatty acids that keep our hair hydrated, lively and help them to grow faster. Mustard oil is also a rich source of antioxidants, minerals like iron, calcium and magnesium and vitamins like A, D, E and K, all of which are important for hair growth.
The anti-fungal properties of mustard oil also prevent the development of fungus and dandruff in our scalp. Read more about home remedies for dandruff.
- Good for Our Skin
Mustard oil is rich in vitamin B complex, vitamin A, vitamin E, calcium, protein and omega 3 fatty acids. This reduces fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps to remove tan from the skin. Mustard oil also works wonders if you have chapped lips.
The anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of this oil prevent the development of acne and keep our skin clean and glowy.
Read More: 7 Home Remedies for Glowing Skin.
- Used as a Mosquito Repellent
The pungent and strong smell of mustard oil makes it a natural mosquito repellent. Rub a few drops of mustard oil on the skin and drive mosquitoes away.
How to use mustard oil for various benefits?
- Mustard oil can be used for cooking and frying food. In this way, it boosts immunity and is good for our heart and diabetics.
- It acts as a preservative when added to pickles and chutneys.
- To clear our respiratory system from congestion, inhale steam containing mustard oil.
- Massage our feet and chest with a mixture of mustard oil, garlic and ajwain to get relief from cold and cough.
- Consuming a teaspoon of mustard oil and honey helps in various respiratory problems.
- Using mustard oil for oil pulling kills bacteria and prevents bleeding of gums.
- Rubbing a paste of mustard oil, turmeric and salt on our teeth and gums; makes them healthy.
- A mixture of mustard oil and coconut oil can be used to massage our entire body.
