12 Benefits That Prove Why Mustard Is Good For Health

Different parts of the mustard plant may have been proven beneficial in a variety of health-related issues. This may include relief from muscular aches and pains to dermatitis among others. Mustard seeds and leaves might have also been shown to have anti-diabetic properties, apart from possibly improving heart health. In folk medicine, the seeds are considered to be beneficial for skin and hair when mixed with a cooling agent. Let us look at these benefits in detail.

What is Mustard?

Mustard is a versatile cruciferous vegetable that belongs to the Brassica family, similar to broccoli and cabbage. Native to the temperate areas of Europe, it was amongst the earliest grown crops in the region. For thousands of years, the mustard plant has been quite popularly cultivated in North Africa, Asia, and Europe more like an herb; it was even popular among the ancient Greeks and Romans. ^[1]

Presently, mustard is grown in over 21 countries with major production happening in Europe, Nepal, Canada, Ukraine, and India. Attributing to its flavor and therapeutic nature, the usage of mustard is quite popular all around the globe with approximately 700 pounds consumed annually.

Types of Mustard

Mustard is a multi-faceted botanical with several different varieties. Three variants out of these varieties – namely white mustard (Brassica alba,) black mustard (Brassica nigra), and brown mustard (Brassica juncea), have gained more popularity over others, and are commercially grown and used for their young flower stalks, leaves, and seeds. ^[2]

• White mustard (sometimes referred to as yellow mustard) has a milder taste and is normally used in the preparation of the famous American yellow mustard condiment.
• Black mustard is popular for its strong aroma and flavor.
• Brown mustard, also used to prepare Dijon mustard, offers a sharp pungent taste.

Mustard seeds can be a rich source of essential oils, minerals, and vitamins. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Mustard Nutrition Facts

The mustard plant brings an entire gamut of helpful constituents through its various edible parts. Mustard seeds can be a rich source of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium, according to the USDA. Along with this, it may be a good source of dietary folate and vitamin A as well. ^[4]

Mustard greens, or leaves of mustard plants, are possibly an excellent source of minerals including potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. In addition to a healthy dose of dietary fiber, it might also contain vitamins A, K, and C, as well as folate (B9). ^[5]

Mustard oil is made from mustard seed. One tablespoon of mustard oil usually contains 124 calories, which though high in calories, is heart-healthy because of the presence of omega 3 fatty acids. ^[6]

Health Benefits of Mustard

Phenolic components and other valuable nutrients may be present in different parts of the mustard plant such as seeds, leaves, and oil collectively can offer a magnitude of health benefits with a unique flavor. The efficacy of the mustard plant for therapeutic usage is discussed below. Let us have a look at them in detail. ^[7]

May Relieve Symptoms of Psoriasis

The tiny mustard seeds might be effective against psoriasis, which is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder. A study conducted by a team of Chinese researchers has shown the efficacy of mustard seed as a possible anti-inflammatory agent and as part of future psoriasis treatments. According to the study, the use of these seeds may also stimulate the activities of beneficial enzymes, which may encourage healing action against psoriasis-led legions. ^[8]

May Provide Relief from Contact Dermatitis

Mustard seeds may offer therapeutic relief in contact dermatitis, which is a condition in which the skin develops an itchy rash when it comes in contact with an allergen. An animal study published in the Journal of Southern Medical University has suggested that consumption of mustard seeds may help in healing the symptoms associated with contact dermatitis such as healing of tissues and reduction in ear swelling. However, more studies are required to ascertain its efficacy in humans. ^[9]

May Improve Cardiovascular Health

Mustard seeds can be a rich source of antioxidants such as kaempferol, carotenoids, and isorhamnetin, and other essential plant compounds that may help the body against any kind of damage and disease. These flavonoids may also help to maintain a healthy cardiovascular health.

Mustard oil, extracted from these seeds, is also known to be a healthier option than most other cooking oils for the heart. A randomized study published in the Clinical Trials Journal showed when patients with serious heart ailments were given mustard oil in moderate quantities, they may have demonstrated positive results concerning the reduction in the rate of cardiac arrhythmia, decrease in the ventricular enlargement, and the chest pain associated with it. ^[10]

The possible cardioprotective properties of mustard oil are possibly attributed to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids among other helpful components. This initial research is promising for future studies examining mustard seed and its cardiovascular implications. ^[11]

May Provide Relief from Respiratory Disorders

Mustard seeds have always been valued for their therapeutic effects against cold and sinus problems. It is considered a wonderful decongestant and expectorant, which may help in clearing the mucus in the air passage. For ages, different home remedies have involved the usage of mustard seeds or oil for treating a range of sinus-related ailments because of its heat-generating properties.

A 2020 study published in the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Journal suggests that when ground mustard seeds are added to foot soak it may help relieve congestion in the respiratory tract. In a book titled, Herbal Simples Approved For Modern Uses of Cure, an infusion of mustard seeds when taken medically helps relieve the symptoms of chronic bronchitis. Furthermore, it states that when one gargles with tea made of mustard seeds, it helps soothe a sore throat. ^{[12] [13]}

The book titled, The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods, suggests that plaster or poultice made of its seeds has been used since olden times for providing relief from bronchitis and to stimulate healthy blood circulation in the body. ^[14]

May Treat Aches & Pains

Poultice, or plaster, made from mustard seeds may help in reducing pains and spasms, as well. Mustard may have rubefacient (redness producing) properties and hence when applied as a plaster, may exercise analgesic effects and might provide relief from muscular aches. Another important piece of advice to note here is that mustard plaster has warmer effects and may cause sore blistering if applied directly on the naked skin. To avoid that, a linen sheet should be used between the skin and the plaster. ^[15]

Contains Antioxidants

Mustard is a good source of antioxidants, which are compounds that can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Mustard oil contains a number of antioxidant compounds, including:

• Sinigrin: Sinigrin is a glucosinolate that is responsible for the pungent flavor of mustard. When sinigrin is broken down, it produces allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), which is a powerful antioxidant. AITC has been shown to have several health benefits, including reducing inflammation and improving heart health. ^[16]
• Vitamin E: Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that is a powerful antioxidant. It’s health benefits include maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system and preventing eye disorders. ^[17]
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that have a number of health benefits, including reducing inflammation and improving heart health. Mustard oil contains a small amount of omega-3 fatty acids. ^[18]

May Provide Repulsion from Poison

In folk medicine, it is considered that mustard seeds may possess protective emetic qualities, which might resist the effects of poison on the body. A decoction made with its seeds might help in cleansing the body especially if the poisoning is caused by narcotics or excess intake of alcohol. ^[19]

May Provide Protection Against Bacterial & Fungal Infections

Research studies show that mustard and mustard products contain antioxidants that may protect against infections caused by various kinds of bacteria and fungi. Another study found that mustard, which contains the glucosinolates sinigrin and glucoraphanin, has antimicrobial properties against a range of clinically important bacteria and fungi, including antibiotic-resistant “priority pathogens”. ^{[20] [21]}

However, more research is required to affirm its protective properties.

Skin & Hair Care

Mustard seeds serve as a wonderful beauty aid as well. Mustard seeds, roasted in sesame or coconut oil, enrich the resultant sieved oil and might make it an effective remedy for acne to promote a clearer complexion. When mixed with aloe vera gel, it may act as a great hydrating agent for the skin. Furthermore, it is a rich source of antioxidants that slows down the aging process. ^[22]

Mustard oil, on the other hand, is good for the hair as well. The oil that is extracted from the seeds is rich in Vitamin A and omega 3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for hair growth, strength, and overall health. Having said that, there is a lack of scientific evidence supporting the benefits of mustard for hair and skin. Hence more research is needed. ^[23]

May Help Manage Diabetes

Mustard leaves may be helpful for those with diabetes. A study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology demonstrated that mustard seed may be beneficial in reducing the damage caused by oxidative stress associated with this chronic disease. Another study published in the Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis examined the administration of mustard oil, in vivo, and found it can help in reducing the levels of blood sugar in the body more effectively than medication alone. It may aid in stimulating glucose metabolism as well. ^{[24] [25]}

Might have Cholesterol-Lowering Ability

Leaves of the mustard plant may also have tremendous cholesterol-lowering power. A study published in the Nutrition Research has shown that cruciferous vegetables, in particular, mustard greens might have an amazing ability to bind bile acids in the digestive tract which may facilitate easy excretion of these acids from the body. The bile acids usually comprise cholesterol, so ultimately the binding process may help in reducing the cholesterol levels of the body. ^[26]

Another noteworthy fact here is that the steamed version of mustard green may have better bile acid-binding as compared to the raw version. So steam them lightly, and maybe, add little-roasted cumin, salt, and pepper and enjoy.
These greens are a nutritional powerhouse and instrumental in possibly reducing the development of blockages in the arteries, thus reducing–and hopefully helping to mitigate heart-related ailments. ^[27]

Possible Vitamin B6 content present in these greens may prevent the platelets from clumping and might moderate the risk of thrombosis. ^[28]

May Relieve Menopausal Symptoms

Mustard greens may prove to be valuable for women during the menopausal phase. Magnesium, along with calcium, which can be prevalent in mustard greens encourages bone health and may prevent bone loss associated with menopause. It might help in recompensing the low magnesium content in bones and may, along with a healthy diet, help reduce the risk of osteoporosis in menopausal women. ^[29]

Culinary and Other Uses of Mustard

• Flavoring agent: Dried yellow mustard gives a nice flavor when added as a seasoning in salad dishes, mayonnaise, and dips. Dried yellow mustard gives a nice flavor when added as a seasoning in salad dishes, mayonnaise, and dips.
• Low-fat condiment: Mustard is a low-calorie substitute for a high-fat condiment such as mayonnaise. Mustard seeds can be added to your daily diet in several ways. You can soak them in milk, blend them into a paste and use it to make curries and gravies. It will give the food a pungent flavor. Further, you can whisk them into salad dressings, or sprinkle them into warm meals. Yellow mustard is also used for preparing condiments such as table mustard.
• A healthy addition to salads: Mustard leaves can either be eaten raw or cooked and then added to your diet in the form of soups, salads, and stews.
• Cooking oil: It serves as cooking oil for deep frying or preparing stir-fry vegetables. There are two varieties of mustard oil. One of them is a type of vegetable oil that is prepared by pressing the seeds.
• Essential oil: The other form of oil extracted from the seeds is an essential oil which is obtained by grinding them, combining them with water, and then extracting the oil through a distillation process.
• Emulsifier: Yellow mustard flour has superb emulsifying and stabilizing qualities which are great for the preparation of sausages.
• Preservative Properties: Mustard has also been found useful to slow the fermentation process while making apple cider and prevent the spoilage of meat products since olden times. ^[30]

You should definitely try out our Beef tenderloin recipe. The flavor of the tender roast is boosted with generous salt and pepper marinate and a hint of mustard. Additionally, we have the perfect Zingy Keto Salad Dressing With Mustard, which is a must-try!

How to Select and Store?

While choosing mustard greens, one should look for untarnished and clean green leaves without brown spots. They can be stored in a plastic bag and may be refrigerated for 3-4 days. They should be cleaned by placing them in tepid water for a few minutes, allowing the sand and dirt to settle down. Followed by repeated rinsing until the water runs clear. ^[31]

Seeds of the mustard plant are normally available in different forms, including:

• Whole dried seeds
• Powdered
• Paste
• Oil

It is advisable to select organically grown seeds to avoid the risk of radiation contamination. The powdered and whole form may be stored in a cool, dark place in an airtight container. Powdered mustard can last up to six months, while the whole form is good for up to one year. Its oil and paste can be refrigerated and stored for up to six months.

Side Effects of Mustard

It is always advisable to be naturally cautious while trying anything for the first time, especially when it may have allergic components. Some of the known side effects of mustard seed are: ^{[32] [33]}

• Skin Issues: Mustard plants have a tendency to generate heating effects, so caution should be exercised while using it on the skin, or in contact with the eyes. It is always best to mix it with a cooling agent like coconut oil or aloe vera gel. However, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist before applying it to the skin. ^[34]
• Goitrogens: Uncooked mustard seeds and leaves contain a substance called goitrogens, which may alter the functioning of the thyroid gland. People already suffering from thyroid disease should always cook the mustard before consumption to neutralize these components, and speak with a medical professional before consuming. ^[35]
• Oxalates: Mustard contains oxalates that are known to interfere with the absorption of calcium. Individuals already suffering from oxalate-related disorders such as kidney stones should be watchful regarding overconsumption.
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