There are some special ingredients in Indian cuisine that form an important component of many regional cuisines. Mustard oil is one such ingredient. It might take a while for the tastebuds to get used to their pungent smell, but once we eat, we will find ourselves attracted to its distinct taste. Mustard oils have health advantages that far beat any other oil on the consumer shelf.
Mustard oil is a staple of many culinary communities throughout Eastern and North Eastern India and is believed to have a significant effect on wellbeing. It is also used topically as a treatment for cold and seasonal flu avoidance, improving immunity and reinforcing scalp. To protect their muscles, babies in rural as well as urban India are generally massaged with mustard oil.
Generated from mustard seeds, mustard oil (or sarson ka tel) is reddish brown in color. While it is prohibited in the US, Canada and Europe for use as a vegetable oil, it comes with a multitude of advantages.
Here are 6 advantages of mustard oil that differentiate it from other edible oils that are present on the market:
Super rich in MUFA
Mustard oil, a type of unsaturated fat found in foods such as nuts, seeds, and plant-based oils, is incredibly common because it is super rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). In a 3:1 ratio, the human body requires oil, three parts of polyunsaturated fatty acids and one part of saturated fatty acids. MUFA falls under the control of polyunsaturated fatty acids and has been associated with a host of health benefits.
Encourages physical wellbeing
A research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition noted that when introduced into a daily diet, mustard oil may have a beneficial effect on heart health as it tends to decrease the levels of triglycerides, blood cholesterol, and blood sugar, both of which are risk factors for heart disease.
Reduces cancer risk
One of the stated advantages of Mustard Oil is that it contains glucosinolates, which are biologically active ingredients that are present in pungent plants such as mustard, cabbage and horseradish. These compounds offer protection against colorectal and gastrointestinal cancers and are known for their anti-carcinogenic effects.
Relief from cough and cold
In certain home remedies, pure mustard oil is used to relieve cold symptoms, such as coughing and congestion. It may be like wasabi that aids in clearing sinuses because of its pungent quality. One home remedy is to make a combination of two to three cloves of garlic and about one tablespoon of warm mustard oil and rub it on the foot.
Lowers Inflammation
Another benefit of mustard oil is that it is believed to ease symptoms of arthritis and reduce inflammation caused by pneumonia or bronchitis. The presence of fatty acids containing Omega-3 will also help minimize oxidative stress and inflammation.
Promotes protection of skin and hair
When rubbed on the skin, the presence of vitamin E in mustard oil is believed to minimize fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps with essential fatty acids to moisturize and revitalize the scalp and helps reduce hair loss by warding off dandruff and fungal infections.
In addition to using mustard oil for cooking, if the skin responds naturally to the oil, one should also use it for massage, as it can help increase the blood supply and make our skin healthier. By rubbing a small amount to our skin, we should make sure to do a patch test and wait at least 24 hours to check for any redness or inflammation.
