Mustard oil is a vegetable oil made from pressing mustard seeds. The result is an oil that’s great for external use or as a dietary supplement, allowing you to experience its benefits in various ways. The flavor of mustard oil is very strong, much like the flavor of mustard itself. It’s high in good fats which makes it good for your cholesterol, and its high smoking point makes it a good oil for deep frying. Keep reading to learn more about the health benefits of mustard oil, and how you can incorporate some into your diet.
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Skin Health
Mustard oil is loaded with vitamin E, an essential nutrient for the skin. Therefore, when applied on the skin, it is said to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and acts as a sunscreen. Traditionally, in India, babies are often massaged with mustard oil. However, recent studies have stated that mustard oil massage should be done with limited quantities. Too much of it could prove to be harmful and cause irritation. Dr. Anshul Bhatnagar, a Delhi-based nutritionist, says, “Mustard oil has many topical uses and is good in various ways. However, one with oily skin should avoid massaging it on the face and it should also be avoided for body massages for those who have sensitive skin.”It is also said to help in removing tan and dark spots when used along with other ingredients to make face masks. Further, one can also massage the skin with equal quantities of mustard oil and coconut oil to improve skin tone.
Healthy Hair
Another way to get the health benefits of mustard oil without actually eating it is to put it on your hair. Simply massage a mixture of mustard seed and coconut oil into your scalp, wrap your hair with a towel, and let it sit for a while. When you rinse it out, your hair will be smoother and healthier. Since mustard oil has lots of omega-3 fatty acids, eating it may also help improve the health of your hair.
Cardiovascular Health
Because of its high levels of monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, the mustard seed oil is good food for boosting heart health. It has been shown to raise HDL cholesterol levels while lowering bad LDL levels. You can get the heart health benefits of mustard oil by using it to cook, flavor foods, or even as a supplement.
Pain Relief
One interesting study trusted Source looked at using mustard oil to relieve widespread and chronic body pain in mice. The researchers found that mustard oil works against certain pain receptors in the body. That means it can block some pain signals. More research needs to be done before we can say that mustard oil works the same way in humans, but it’s a hopeful idea as a simple way to treat widespread pain.
A mustard essential oil can help lower body temperature by stimulating sweat glands. This makes it useful for reducing fever.
Improves Blood Flow
According to Ayurveda, using mustard oil for body massage improves blood circulation, skin texture, and releases muscular tension. It also activates the sweat glands and hence helps in throwing out toxins from the body. As such, it acts as a natural cleanser.
Treats Gum Disease
Speaking of diseases that are closely related to inflammation, gum disease is one of the most common. Serious cases of gum disease can even cause you to lose your teeth. You can prevent and treat gum disease by using mustard oil and salt as a rub for your gums. Gently rub a mixture of the oil and salt into your gums for about five minutes twice a day to treat periodontal disease.
Relief from cough and cold
One of the most traditional health benefits of Mustard oil is that it has been an age-old ingredient for the treatment of cough and cold. “This is because of its heating property that helps in clearing congestion from the respiratory tract. Mustard oil steam treatment is often recommended as a home remedy, and you can also rub about a teaspoon of it on your chest before sleeping to let it work its magic,” says Saumya Reddy, a Bangalore-based nutritionist. It is perhaps the very pungency that helps in clearing sinuses, much like wasabi. Another home remedy is to make a mixture of about one tablespoon warm mustard oil and two to three cloves of garlic and rub it on your feet.
Protects Against Infection
Mustard oil has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties. Its external, as well as internal usage, is said to help in multiple ways to fight against infections, including digestive tract infection.
Benefits for Asthma
Mustard oil has been very good for asthma. Massaging the chest with mustard oil during an attack improves airflow to the lungs and allows easy breathing.
Reduce the Risk of Cancer
The presence of Glucosinolate is known for its anti-carcinogenic properties. Which helps against cancer and cancerous tumors. It helps to reduce colorectal and gastrointestinal cancers.
Increases appetite
Mustard oil stimulates the secretion of digestive juices. This makes me feel hungry and increases my appetite. Which is good for your health.
Mustard oil is among the healthiest oils on the market. Mustard oil is good for the skin and hair also helps to boost immunity. It reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, colorectal, and gastrointestinal cancers and also may prevent certain infections. So, if you have still not started using mustard oil, hope that the points given above are the best reason to start doing.