Featured

9 health benefits of mustard oil

Sumita Thomas

July 9, 2019

A fatty vegetable oil extracted from mustard seeds, mustard oil has been part of Indian kitchens for long. The dark yellow colour and the pungent flavour make it extremely popular in a few regions of India.

If you’re regularly changing oils to make your diet healthier, it’s time you brought home a bottle of mustard oil. Here’s why:

  1. It provides cardiovascular benefits

    This oil is rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats along with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These acids increase good cholesterol (HDL) and decreasing bad cholesterol (LDL), reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.mustard oil

  2. It can cut the risk of cancer 

    The presence of Glucosinolate, known for its anti-carcinogenic properties, suppresses genes that support the formation of cancerous tumours. The phytonutrients protect against colorectal and gastrointestinal cancers.

  3. It benefits those with asthma

    Mustard oil has been used as a natural remedy for asthma and sinusitis for long. Massaging the chest with mustard oil during an attack improve air flow to the lungs and allows easy breathing. Consuming a teaspoon of mustard oil with sugar/honey every day is also said to be beneficial.mustard oil

  4. It works as a decongestant

    The oil is a natural remedy for coughs and colds as it helps clear congestion. Mix it with camphor, apply on the chest and breathe in the vapours. Alternately, you can try mustard oil steam treatment to warm up the respiratory system and clear phlegm.

  5. It increases the appetite

    Mustard oil stimulates the gastric juices in the stomach and increases hunger by working on the intestinal lining. Using it as a cooking medium is recommended for those with a poor appetite.mustard oil

  6. It aids in digestion

    The pungent oil works as a powerful stimulant for the digestive, circulatory and excretory system. It stimulates secretion of digestive juices and bile from the spleen and liver.

  7. It helps relieve pain

    A massage with mustard oil – known for its anti-inflammatory properties – is recommended to rid you of rheumatic and arthritic pain. It can also soothe sprained ankles and other joint aches and pains. The presence of a trace mineral called selenium helps relieve joint and skin inflammation.Mustard oil

  8. It makes it easier to go 

    The consumption of mustard oil can help reduce inflammation in the lining of the stomach, providing relief from irritable bowel syndrome. It also fights bacterial infections in the intestines, urinary tract and colon.

  9. It keeps your skin healthy

    Regular massage with mustard oil, especially during winter, is recommended for glowing skin. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties and can help treat rashes and infections naturally.mustard oil

Mustard oil comprises about 60 percent monounsaturated fats (MUFA), 21 percent polyunsaturated fats (PUFA) and 12 percent saturated fats. A tablespoon has 125 calories. Isn’t it time you got home a bottle?

About the Author

For Sumita Thomas, good nutrition advice is less about what NOT to eat and all about HOW to eat. Armed with a master’s degree in clinical nutrition and dietetics from IGNOU, Sumita has worked with multi-specialty clinics and corporate clients, planning calorie-specific menus for their cafeterias. She’s also a certified diabetes educator, has worked in cardiac nutrition and is even a TUV-certified internal auditor for food safety management systems. Maybe that’s why she ensures her advice is always scientifically sound, which makes her a perfect fit for us at HealthifyMe. Of the belief that a healthy lifestyle can be achieved with the combination of a healthy mind, body and diet, Sumita recommends setting realistic goals – one health target a day – and gradually incorporating healthy ingredients to your daily diet. Does she practice what she preaches? For sure, and ensures all those around her do too. So get set, because that now includes you!


Related Articles

 

3 responses to “9 health benefits of mustard oil”

  1. I read somehwere that mustard oil mixed with lemon juice applied on skin removes sun tan.can this information be trusted??

  2.   Ohh i want to use this all benefits in my life … just one thing since i am based out in Kolkata and the kirana shop near me supplies only Shalimars Mustard oil. Can i go ahead and use it… or can you suggest a brand otherwise.

Add Your Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Your health is our priority. Talk to one of our experts and get the best plan for you today.
whatsapp
Chat With Us