Mustard oil is popular in many parts of the world, especially in India. It is produced from the seeds of the mustard plant and is quite extensively used in Indian kitchens. While some people may find it difficult to use because of its pungent aroma and high smoke point, you’ll get used to it real quick with its unique strong flavor and texture.
Mustard oil is famously known for its medicinal benefits from the beginning and it was originally grown in India as early as 3000 BC. In addition to omega 3, omega 6 fatty acids, and other minerals that are good for your health, mustard oil is a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acids, strong antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory qualities.
Mustard oil can be used in many home remedies such as to treat colds, boost immunity, encourage hair growth, oral health, and provide nourishment for the skin (especially in case of babies). Now, let us look at some of the major health benefits of using mustard oil.
Mustard oil for heart health
A type of unsaturated fat found in foods like nuts, seeds, and plant-based oils, mustard oil has a high concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids. Mustard oil also consists of polyunsaturated fatty acids and has a high amount of linolenic acid. All these have been associated with a number of advantages, particularly in terms of heart health.
Studies suggest that they may even help lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and triglyceride levels, all of which are risk factors for heart disease. Other studies indicate that consuming monounsaturated fat instead of saturated fat may lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol, promoting heart health. Also, a case study demonstrates that diets high in mustard oil may help Indians have a lower chance of developing ischemic heart disease.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that consuming mustard oil as part of a normal diet may be good for your heart. Because of its abundance in MUFA, it decreases bad cholesterol in the body, regulating blood fat levels and promoting circulation.
Mustard oil for type 2 diabetes
Diabetes prevalence, particularly type-2 diabetes, is rising quickly. Increased blood sugar levels, a changed metabolism, and insulin resistance are symptoms of type 2 diabetes mellitus, a common metabolic condition.
A study found that edible oils were useful in treating diabetes mellitus. While sunflower oil decreased fasting blood glucose levels, soybean oil dramatically decreased total cholesterol levels. In the case of mustard oil, HDL cholesterol (Good cholesterol) levels are raised while LDL cholesterol (Bad cholesterol) levels are decreased.
It takes up the cholesterol and moves it to the liver, where the body excretes it. Type 2 diabetics’ cholesterol levels were lowered because of the high alpha-linolenic acid content of soybean, sunflower, and mustard oils. Also, many findings indicate that after sesame oil, mustard oil is the second most diabetes-friendly oil.
Beta cell activity is also increased by mustard oil, promoting the synthesis of insulin, which helps turn glucose into energy. The antioxidant qualities of elaidic acid and vitamin E found in mustard oil contribute to enhancing the function of insulin and lowering the difficulties related to diabetes.
It is important to highlight that trans fat has a key role in the development of insulin resistance and excessive fat oxidation, which results in diabetes. On the other hand, mustard oil has no trans fat, which is advantageous for controlling insulin levels in diabetic circumstances.
Mustard oil may reduce cancer cell growth
Promising research suggests that the growth and spread of some cancer cells may be slowed down by mustard oil as it consists of sulforaphane, which deters and treats cancer stem cells.
According to a study by the national library of medicine, pure mustard oil was found to be more efficient than corn oil or fish oil at preventing the formation of colon cancer cells in rats. The study also demonstrates that mustard oil’s high content of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids prevents colon cancer.
In a different experiment on animals, allyl isothiocyanate-rich mustard seed powder significantly reduced the growth of bladder cancer and helped stop it from spreading into the bladder muscle wall. Moreover, it prevents the growth of prostate, lung, leukemia, and colorectal cancer cells.
Mustard oil for inflammation
Historically, mustard oil has been applied topically to calm pain and discomfort, improve arthritis symptoms, and lessen inflammation brought on by illnesses like pneumonia or bronchitis.
Despite the fact that most recent research has been conducted on animals, one study in mice indicated that eating mustard seed reduced several inflammation-related indicators.
Alpha-linolenic acid is one of the omega-3 fatty acids abundant in mustard oil. Research demonstrates that omega-3 fatty acids play a role in controlling the body’s inflammatory processes and may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.
Allyl isothiocyanate, a substance found in mustard oil, may be helpful for lowering inflammation. According to one study, it has the potential to be an anti-inflammatory. The authors of the study saw this impact in cell cultures, which are controlled environments where researchers grow cells. Nevertheless, scientists also discovered that mice had a considerably smaller anti-inflammatory impact.
Mustard oil for cold and cough
For centuries, cough and cold remedies have included mustard oil. “This is due to its heating ability, which aids in removing respiratory tract congestion. You can let a teaspoon of mustard oil work its magic on your chest by rubbing it on there before bed, which is another frequently suggested home remedy”, Nutritionist Saumya Reddy, based in Bangalore, explains.
Mustard oil steam inhalation has been shown to relieve respiratory congestion. Also, massaging our feet and chest with a mixture formed by heating mustard oil, a few garlic cloves, and a teaspoon of ajwain offers relief from a cold and a cough.
It is perhaps the very pungency that helps in cleaning sinuses, much like wasabi. You can also try rubbing your feet with a mixture of one tablespoon of warm mustard oil and two to three garlic cloves.
Purity Prayag’s organic mustard oil
As you have read about the natural health benefits of using mustard oil, there are many others such as it may block microbial growth, enhance hair and skin health, boosts immunity, relieves joint pains, strengthens red blood cells, and more. While all these natural benefits are good to acquire by using mustard oil, have you ever wondered how regular mustard oil available in our markets gets adulterated and how harmful are they?
Mustard oil that you buy at your local market has a high chance of contamination with a common adulterant called argemone oil and it leads to oxidative stress and death of red blood cells if used repeatedly.
Switch to Purity Prayag’s 100% organic mustard oil that’s free of all contaminants and GMOs. Our organic mustard oil is rich in antioxidants, bioactive compounds, and antimicrobial properties and has all the promised natural health benefits of original mustard oil. Our organic mustard oil is produced from organically grown mustard seeds and being involved in the natural process, it has all the essential healthy nutrients and properties that originally consists of. Visit your nearest Purity Prayag store to find out all the other 100% organic products that are naturally grown and processed for you to lead a healthier life.
