Health Benefits of Mustard Seed

Health Benefits of Mustard Seeds

Mustard greens are widely eaten around the world in the form of salads and in blanched or boiled form. As you know, green leafy vegetables are known as superfoods because of their endless health benefits for the overall functioning of your body systems. Mustard leaves are of various kinds. Mustard plants have beautiful lush yellow-colored flowers. Mustard in all its forms has been used for years for both culinary and medicinal purposes. An interesting fact is that their seeds are also advantageous. These are mostly used in foods in sauces and pickles. Mustard seeds have also been mentioned in the bible as “Faith is a grain of mustard seed.”

Mustard plants and seeds are mainly produced in Pakistan and India. Believe it or not, the mustard seeds are used not just as a common condiment that makes your food yummier but has numerous health benefits. In this article, you will learn about the kinds, nutritional facts, health advantages, and side effects of using mustard seeds. Also, do not forget to read the mustard sauce DIY!

Kinds of Mustard Seeds

Mustard seeds are of various sorts, including white, yellow, and black ones. After discovering their unique taste, the Asians, Italians, and Greeks have cooperated with them in their cuisines as sauces.  

Nutritional Facts (Per cup)

Health Benefits of Mustard Seeds 

The following is a list of some magical uses of the mustard seeds.

Rich in Nutrients

The mustard seeds are a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, manganese, magnesium, vitamin B1, phosphorous, calcium, protein, dietary fiber, and zinc. Selenium reduces the severity of asthma and arthritis. Magnesium helps in lowering blood pressure and relieves migraines. So, instead of taking supplements, these seeds provide a whole package of essential vitamins and minerals in a natural way.

Protects against Cancer

The compounds like glucosinolates and myrosinase help to treat cancer. Research has found that they prevent the carcinogenic cells in your body. The isothiocyanates in mustard seeds cease the overgrowth (replication) of cells and stimulate the death of tumor cells. These chemicals are responsible for the pungent taste of the sources.

Anti-inflammatory Properties 

The mustard seeds contain curcumin, which has extraordinary anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin contains antioxidants which treat all the inflammation-related diseases. Psoriasis is an acute inflammatory autoimmune disease. Mustard seeds help to treat the swelling and wounds related to it.

Boosts Immunity

Research shows that the mustard seeds activate healthy enzymes like super-oxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase, which enhance the defensive and treatment of many diseases. Also, these are loaded with copper, manganese, and iron, which boosts your immunity.

Respiratory System

Another health benefit of eating the mustard seeds is quite soothing for cold, flu, and dry cough. The seed is an effective decongestant which helps in removing excess mucus from the air pipe. If you have respiratory disorders like pneumonia or asthma, do not worry; chew mustard seeds, the warmth of the seeds will cure you fast.

Helps in weight-loss

Mustard seeds contain a fair amount of dietary fiber. The high fiber content helps in better digestion of food. In addition to that, they assist in treating digestion-related problems like irritable bowel syndrome and constipation. The vitamins, along with fiber, enhances your metabolism and, thus, encourages easy weight loss.

Protects from Diabetes 

The antioxidants in mustard seeds protect against type2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that keeps your body from using insulin efficiently. The mustard seeds, if taken with the sugar-lowering medication, dramatically enhances its ability but careful and seek medical advice before using it.

Mustard Seeds for Skin

The anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties of the seeds can do best to keep your skin fresh and youthful. The vitamins and minerals help to bring the natural glow to your face. Mustard seeds also hydrate your skin. Apart from that, it also aids in curing acne and other skin conditions. You can apply mustard seeds on your face by crushing and making a paste with some liquid.

Mustard Seed Oil

The oil of mustard seeds has been used for cooking and messaging purposes for years.

Mustard Oil as Cooking Oil

Mustard oil contains omega-three and omega-six fatty acids that help to promote heart health and lowers the bad cholesterol. Using the mustard oil for cooking is one of the best ways of getting all nutrients of the mustard seeds in your body. However, it has a strong smell and flavor that most people do not like in the beginning, but it is easy to get used to it. On the positive side, the daily use will do wonders for your body. It is essential to know that you must be cautious while using it as the overcooking may destroy the nutrients.

Mustard Oil for Massaging

The mustard oil is matchless for massaging onto your body and scalp. For the body, as mentioned earlier, the healing and anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe your body. For scalp, it promotes hair growth, prevents dandruff and dryness of the scalp. Also, it can be used on your face directly; a regular massage in a circular motion on your face helps to tighten pores while moisturizing. A gentle massage under the eyes cures dark circles and puffiness.

The Recommended Dosage of the Mustard Seeds

The recommended use of mustard seeds depends on various factors like age, medical factors, and history. There is not much information yet regarding the appropriate amount of seeds to be used. The quantity may vary depending upon the purpose of use.

Ways to Consume Mustard Seeds

Mustard seeds can be eaten after soaking in warm milk or water. They can be used in salads, dressing, and sauces. You can also just sprinkle them (in powdered or raw form) onto your salads and meals. As mentioned earlier, the mustard seed oil is equally nutritious for you.

The Best Way of Eating Mustards Seeds 

The best way is just to chew the raw seeds. These seeds will act as an instant medicine to treat your health issues.

Side effects of Mustard Seeds

Mustard seeds are usually considered safe if used as a mustard. There is not much evidence regarding the risks of mustard seeds; however, if taken in large amounts, it may have the following side effects.  

Side effects on the Thyroid gland

Raw mustard seeds contain a large number of goitrogens. These compounds can affect the functioning of the thyroid gland and result in goiter. The thiourea in the mustard seeds can be a real enemy for your thyroid. So, if you have any history of thyroid, you better avoid the medicinal use of the seeds.

Skin Damage

Some people have sensitive skin or are allergic to specific components in mustard seeds. The use of mustard seeds or oil on sensitive skin can cause blisters, irritation, and other damages. Do patch test before applying anything to your skin to avoid any problems.

For Pregnant and Nursing Mothers

Pregnancy is the time when you have weird cravings. You may want to eat mustard sauce. There is no harm in eating a small amount. You can use mustard during pregnancy, but you better watch the quantity. The excessive use of mustard seeds during pregnancy may encourage menstruation and cause miscarriage or premature birth.

Other Risks

Eating an insane amount of mustard seeds can cause diarrhea, heart problem, breathing issues, and dizziness in some people. A few countries banned mustard for eating due to its erucic acid content as it showed a reduction in the contractile force of heart in the survey taken on animals. However, direct evidence has not been given yet for its effects on humans.

How to make the Mustard Sauce at Home?

Most of us love the mustard sauce on our sandwiches because of its unique flavor. Now, you can prepare it at home by following this recipe.

Ingredients  

1. Mustard seed powder (a quarter cup)
2. Turmeric powder (a quarter teaspoon)
3. Paprika (a quarter teaspoon)
4. Garlic powder (a quarter teaspoon)
5. Salt (to taste)
6. Onion powder (to taste)
7. White pepper (to taste)
8. Cinnamon powder (a pinch)
9. White vinegar (1 tbsp)
10. Apple cider vinegar (half tbsp)  
11. Cornflour (1 tsp)

Procedure

Take a bowl and mix all the spices and add water to make a smooth paste. Now, add cornflour to thicken it. Then, heat the mixture on medium-low flame with continuous stirring until you get the desired consistency. Cool it and enjoy it.

Final Word 

To conclude, the mustard seeds are loaded with nutrients and have incredible medicinal properties to treat various conditions. It improves your immunity and protects against many fatal diseases. It is best to eat them in raw form to take its full advantages. Its oil is equally best for cooking and massaging. However, the excess of everything is terrible. If you are pregnant, have any health condition or allergies, or taking any pills, you must seek medical advice before using the mustard seeds as medicines.  

References

• https://webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-590/black-mustard
• https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6048372/
• https://hekint.org/2020/02/18/mustard-history-of-the-yellow-seed/