People have been using mustard oil for cooking for centuries now and also as alternative medicine. The oil comes from the seeds of mustard plants and is a good source of monounsaturated fatty acids, known for its property of reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
You can easily find this oil in almost all kitchens, restaurants, and other food outlets. It is generally used in the preparation of different types of cuisines, especially Indian. The oil has a strong taste, pungent aroma, and high smoke point, which makes it best for sautéing and stir-frying vegetables.
You can also use yellow mustard oil for cooking and for giving your food a delicious taste and healthfulness.
Here are some Benefits Of Mustard Oil:
Likely to promote skin and hair health
Mustard oil is often applied topically to improve skin and hair health. Adding the oil into the face masks and hair treatments may help in enhancing skin glow and boosting hair growth. It can also be mixed with wax and applied to the feet to help heal cracked heels. Even in some countries, the oil is used to massage newborns to strengthen their muscles. However, we recommend you do a patch test before applying the oil to your body to see whether it works well for you or not.
Cardioprotective effects
Mustard oil is edible and has saturated fatty acid, rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and has a good LA: ALA ratio (6:5). The presence of these acids in the oil is likely to reduce the risk of heart failure, angina, and arrhythmias. Therefore, making mustard oil a healthy choice for patients dealing with cardiovascular disorders.
Soothes cold and cough
Since old times, mustard oil has been used to soothe coughs, colds, and other respiratory allergies and illnesses. Inhaling steam with mustard oil has proved to ease respiratory congestion. Also, a concoction including mustard oil, ajwain, and a few cloves of garlic can also provide relief to cough and cold when massages on the feet and chest.
Strengthens Red Blood Cells
Mustard oil is an excellent source of all fats that a body requires to perform different biological functions as plasma, cell lipids, and cell membrane components. It also reduces cholesterol and promotes the membrane structure of red blood cells (RBC).
Anti-fungal, Anti-bacterial, and Anti-carcinogenic Properties
Glucosinolate, available in the oil, has fungicidal, antibiotic, and cancer prevention properties, which makes it a therapeutic medicine for human health. It is also known for protecting people from colorectal and gastrointestinal cancers.
Allyl Isothiocyanate, another component of mustard oil, serves as an antifungal agent and protects food from fungal growth, and is also likely to reduce infection.
Relief from Joint Pain & Arthritis
A good and daily massage with mustard oil aids in aching joints and muscles. Patients with arthritis have also experienced comfort and relaxation after a massage with the oil, credits to the presence of Omega-3 fatty acids that eases stiffness and pain caused due to the disease.
Boost immunity
The mustard oil has everything that our body requires to function properly. This oil having around 7% saturated fat, great amounts of monounsaturated fatty acids range from 3.6 to 32.2%. It also has a substantial amount of linoleic (18:2) and linolenic acids (18:3).
The excellent range of omega-3 acid, omega-6 fatty acid, and vitamin E gives the needed nutritive value and promotes the health of our immune system.
Side Effects Of Mustard Oil
- Mustard oil contains high levels of erucic acid that pose a serious risk to the health of individuals. Research in the United States says that Erucic acid has harmful effects on the heart at high enough doses. This led to the ban on the consumption of mustard oil in the U.S.A.
- When the oil is applied topically in the long term, it may harm the skin. It may also lead to causing minor to major skin blisters.
- Extreme consumption of the oil can cause rhinitis, which is the inflammation & swelling of the mucous membrane of the nose.
- Pregnant women shouldn’t consume mustard oil as it contains chemical compounds that are toxic to them and the growing fetus.
How to use mustard oil?
- The oil can be used to cook and stir-fry food. Consumption of oil in this way promotes immunity and is good for cardiovascular health.
- The oil acts as a preservative when added to chutneys and pickles.
- Inhaling steam containing mustard oil helps in relieving congestion in the respiratory system.
- Massaging feet and chest with a concoction of mustard oil, garlic, and ajwain help providing relief from cold and cough.
- Good for skin and hair health when applied topically (but not for the long term).
- Using a mixture of mustard oil, turmeric, and salt as toothpaste makes teeth and gums healthy.
Bottom Line
Mustard oil is a good source of monounsaturated fatty acids and possesses a few health benefits. Yet, there is inadequate scientific evidence to support the idea. The oil may pose a serious health risk, and that’s why FDA prohibits its use in cooking. Eventually, more research in the context may determine the safety of using mustard oil.
