Mustard was first grown in India around 3000 BC and is better known for its medicinal values. Mustard oil is extracted from its seeds and has been used in cooking for centuries.
This oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids and possesses anti-inflammatory properties. It also is packed with omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, antioxidants, and other minerals that offer numerous health benefits.
This oil may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, relieve cold and cough, and treat issues related to the hair and skin.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Mustard Oil?
The health benefits of mustard oil are multiple. It is known to help treat ailments related to the heart, skin, joints, muscles, among having other benefits. Following are some of the well-known benefits of this wonder oil.
1. May Reduce Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease
Mustard oil contains high amounts of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (MUFA and PUFA) and omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. These good fats lower your risk of developing ischemic heart disease by 50%.
In rats, enriched mustard had also shown hypocholesterolemic (cholesterol-lowering) and hypolipidemic (lipid-lowering) effects. The oil could reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and increase good cholesterol (HDL) levels in the body. This could reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
2. May Have Antibacterial, Antifungal, And Anti-inflammatory Properties
Mustard oil is known to contain antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Its anti-inflammatory properties are attributed to the presence of selenium. The mineral is known to reduce pain and swelling, thus easing joint pain. This anti-inflammatory property of mustard oil also finds its use in the formulation of diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory medication.
Recent studies have shown that micro-emulsions containing mustard oil work as antibacterial agents against E. coli. The glucosinolate in mustard oil prevents the growth of unwanted bacteria and other microbes.
3. May Relieve Cold And Cough
Owing to its pungent nature, mustard oil has been used to relieve cold and cough since decades.
It contains a heating property that may clear up the congestion in the respiratory tract. It works best when combined with garlic and massaged on the chest and the back.
Another method of using Benefits Of Mustard Oil for clearing cold and cough, as per anecdotal evidence, is using steam treatment. Add caraway seeds and a few spoons of mustard oil to a pot of boiling water and inhale the steam. This can clear the phlegm build-up in the respiratory tract.
4. May Act As A Natural Stimulant
There is limited research in this regard. Mustard oil is believed to be a very powerful natural stimulant. It improves digestion and appetite by stimulating digestive juices and bile in the liver and spleen, respectively. When massaged into the skin, it also stimulates our circulatory system and sweat glands. This ensures improved blood circulation throughout the body and enlarged skin pores through sweating.
This diaphoretic (sweat-inducing) ability of mustard oil may result in lowered body temperature and the removal of toxins from the body.
However, more research is warranted to further understand this benefit.
5. May Reduce The Risk Of Cancer
Mustard oil may have cancer-fighting properties. It contains ample amounts of linolenic acid. Some research suggests that this acid may reduce the severity of colon cancer.
A study by South Dakota University had proven the same. They tested the efficacy of mustard, corn, and fish oils on rats affected by colon cancer. Mustard oil was found to be more effective in preventing colon cancer in rats than fish oil.
6. May Ease Joint Pains And Arthritis
Regularly massaging mustard oil on the skin may help treat joint aches and arthritis by potentially increasing blood flow and circulation throughout the body.
Mustard oil also contains large amounts of omega 3 fatty acids. These have anti-inflammatory properties that may help ease joint stiffness and pain associated with arthritis.
7. May Improve The Functioning Of The Organs
A body massage with mustard oil may refresh the body and improve the functioning of the organs. It may achieve this by increasing blood circulation to all parts of the body. However, more concrete research is needed in this aspect.
Mustard oil massage for newborns is quite a popular practice in many countries. The common reasons for using mustard oil for massaging include better body strength and improved overall health.
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