Incredible Health Benefits of Mustard Oil; How and When to Use it

People since long have used mustard oil for cooking and alternative medicine. Mustard oil is quite common in Asian, particularly Indian cuisines. The oil is extracted from the seeds of mustard plants. It contains good amount of monounsaturated fatty acids, which appear to reduce the possibility of developing cardiovascular disease. However, the use of mustard oil is a little controversial & the potential risks are quite high that the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) have prohibited its use in cooking.

Mustard Oil Nutritional Value

100 grams of mustard oil contains 884 calories. It has a total fat content of 100 gms that includes 12 gms of saturated fat, 21 gms of polyunsaturated fat & 59 gms of monounsaturated fat. It has 0 mg of sodium, 0 g of carbohydrates & proteins. Mustard oil does not contain Minerals and Vitamins that are essential to the body. However, it has essential fatty acids like linoleic, oleic & erucic acid and Allyl isothiocyanate that contributes to its many health benefits.

Mustard Oil Benefits

Here are some amazing health benefits of mustard oil:

Promotes Heart Health

According to a study conducted by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, adding mustard oil in your regular diet could be beneficial to heart health. As it is a rich source of MUFA, mustard oil lowers bad cholesterol in the body, keeping a control on blood fat levels & helping in circulation. The results also showed that the use of mustard oil that is rich in alpha-linolenic acid, was linked with a lower Ischemic Heart Disease risk  than with the use of sunflower oil.

Protects Against Infection

Mustard oil contains anti-bacterial, anti-fungal & anti-viral properties. Its external and internal usage is said to help fight against several infections, like digestive tract infections.

Good for Skin

Mustard oil is rich in vitamin E, which is an essential nutrient for skin. Hence, if applied on the skin, the oil can reduce fine lines & wrinkles, and also acts as a natural sunscreen. Traditionally, in India, infants are often given massage with mustard oil. But, recent studies have shown that mustard oil massage must be done in limited quantities. Excess use of mustard oil could be harmful and also cause irritation.

Helps in Blood Circulation

Ayurveda says that using mustard oil for body massage helps in improving blood circulation, skin quality & releases muscular tension. The oil activates the sweat glands thereby removing toxins from the body. In addition, it acts as a natural cleanser.

Provides Relief from Cough & Cold

Mustard oil since long has been used for treatment of cough & cold. A Bangalore-based nutritionist, Saumya Reddy said, "This is because of its heating property, which helps in clearing congestion from the respiratory tract. Mustard oil steam treatment is often suggested as a home remedy & you can also apply about a teaspoon of it on the chest before sleeping to let it work its magic".

Promotes Hair Growth

If you think that coconut oil is the only oil used for hair growth and massage then you are wrong. There are many people in India especially those from North or Eastern who use mustard oil for hair growth. It is an age-old practice that is followed till date. Mustard oil is really good for hairs.

Good Source of MUFA

Mustard oil is highly beneficial as it is full of monounsaturated fatty acids. Human body needs oil in the ratio of 3:1 i.e. three parts of polyunsaturated fatty acids & one part of saturated fatty acids. Monounsaturated fatty acids or MUFA come under the category of polyunsaturated acids. And mustard oil contains good amount of MUFA that is very important for health.

Good for arthritis

Since ancient times, mustard essential oil has been used to give some relief from the symptoms of rheumatoid & arthritis.

Side effects of mustard Oil

• It is unsafe For Pregnant Women:

• Can cause eruptions on skin:

• Leads To Dropsy:

• Contains Erucic Acid - it is mono saturated omega-9 fatty acid. Mustard oil contains 42 percent of it. If consumed in high doses, will have effect on heart.

How to use mustard oil

It is better to avoid using pure mustard oil in cooking or take it as a dietary supplement. People must avoid eating or drinking the oil. Topical application of mustard oil is the best way to get its benefits. For easy use and application, you can dilute it in a carrier oil & then apply it to the skin.