Health benefits of mustard include relief from muscular pains, psoriasis, ringworm, contact dermatitis and respiratory disorders. Since earlier times, different parts of mustard plant have been proven beneficial in treating cancer, diabetes, and detoxification of the body. It has poison repelling qualities, exerts therapeutic effects on the nerves and helps maintain cardiac health. It promotes healthy skin and hair, lowers cholesterol and is a wonderful botanical for women during menopause.
Mustard is a versatile cruciferous vegetable which belong to the Brassica family just like broccoli and cabbage. Native to the temperate areas of Europe, it was amongst the earliest grown crops in the region. From about thousands of years, mustard plant has been quite popularly cultivated in North Africa, Asia and Europe more like a herb, and was even popular amongst the ancient Greeks and Romans. It has been esteemed as a multi-specialty crop in North America since decades with the major production happening in California and Montana until 1950 and about a decade later in the Upper Midwest regions. Presently, it is grown in over 21 countries with major production happening in EU-27, Nepal, Canada, Ukraine and India. Attributing to its flavor and therapeutic nature, usage of mustard is quite popular all around the globe with approx. 700 lbs getting consumed annually.
It is a multitalented botanical with many 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 the others and are commercially grown and used for their young flower stalks, leaves and seeds. White mustard or sometimes referred 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 while, brown mustard which is also used to prepare Dijon mustard offers a sharp pungent taste.
Nutritional Value of Mustard
Mustard plant brings an entire gamut of helpful constituents through its various edible parts. Seeds of its plant are rich source of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorous and potassium. Along with this, it is a good source of dietary folate and vitamin A. Mustard greens or leaves of mustard plants are excellent source of essential minerals including potassium, calcium and phosphorous. It is also a good source of magnesium and dietary fiber. Immense wealth of vitamin content offered by mustard green includes profuse amount of vitamin A and vitamin K with folate and vitamin C also present in decent amounts.
Health Benefits of Mustard
Phenolic components and other valuable nutrients present in different parts of the mustard plant such as seeds, leaves, and oil collectively offer a magnitude of healthy benefits with a unique flavor. Efficacy of mustard plant for therapeutic usage has been discussed as below:
Cancer: Being a member of Brassica family, seeds of mustard plant contain generous amounts of healthy phytonutrients called glucosinolates which can prove valuable against various cancers such as bladder, colon, and cervical cancer. Glucosinates break down to form isothiocyanates with the help of myrosinase enzymes present in mustard. Various studies have suggested regarding the anti-cancer effects of these components present in its seeds which inhibit the growth of cancer cells and even guard against the formation of such malignant cells. The chemopreventive properties of its seeds help in restoring the levels of glutathione and stimulate the induction of apoptosis without affecting the normal healthy cells.
Psoriasis: The tiny mustard seeds are effective against Psoriasis which is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder. Research studies have validated its effectiveness in curing the inflammation and lesions associated with Psoriasis. According to the study, treatment with its seeds also stimulates the activities of good enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase which encourage protective and healing action in such diseases.
Contact dermatitis: Mustard seeds offer therapeutic relief in contact dermatitis. Investigative research have suggested that consumption of its seeds helps in healing the symptoms associated with contact dermatitis such as healing of tissues and reduction in the ear swelling.
Cardiovascular health: Mustard oil is a hearty choice when it comes to choosing cooking oil. Studies conducted to assess its effects on the patients suspected with acute myocardial infraction or heart attack in simpler terms have demonstrated positive results with respect to reduction in the rate of cardiac arrhythmia, reduction in the ventricular enlargement and the chest pain associated with the disorder. The cardio-protective properties of mustard oil possibly attributes to the presence of omegs-3 fatty acids among other healthful components.
Relief from respiratory disorders: Mustard seeds have been valued for their therapeutic effects in curing cold and sinus problems. It is a wonderful decongestant and expectorant which helps in clearing the mucus in the air passage. In Ayurveda, its seeds are considered as the food with warmer tendency and are prized for its healing effects in calming vata and kapha. From many years, different home remedies have involved the usage of mustard seeds or oil for treating a range of sinus related ailments such as addition of ground mustard seeds in a foot soak assists in releasing the congestion caused in the respiratory organs, gargling with tea made of mustard seeds aids in soothing sore throat to name a few. The heating qualities of this plant penetrate deeply inside the tissues and cleans the excess mucus buildup. These heating qualities of mustard also call for a cautionary advice with regard to the burning sensations which may happen to the exposed tissues which are not concealed.
The seeds have also been found effective in curing chronic bronchitis. During an asthmatic attack, massaging a mix of mustard oil and small amount of camphor promotes easy breathing by breaking down phlegm. Plaster or poultice made of its seeds have been used since olden times for treating bronchitis and stimulate healthy circulation in the body.
Aches and pains: Poultice or plaster made from mustard seeds helps in curing pains and spasms as well. Mustard has rubefacient properties and hence when applied as plaster, exercises analgesic effects and provides relief in the paralysis of limbs, rheumatism and other muscular aches. Another important 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, linen sheet should be used amidst the skin and the plaster.
Poison repulsion: Mustard seeds possess protective emetic qualities which resists the effects of poison on the body. A decoction made with its seeds helps in cleansing the body especially in the poisoning caused by narcotics and excess intake of alcohol.
Ringworm: Anti-bacterial properties of mustard seeds have been proven effective in curing the lesions caused by ringworm. Topical application of paste made of mustard seeds on a clean skin washed with warm water helps in soothing the symptoms associated with ringworms.
Skin and hair care: It serves as a wonderful beauty aid as well. Henna leaves boiled with mustard oil helps stimulate healthy hair growth. Its seeds roasted in sesame oil or coconut oil enriches the resultant and sieved oil and makes it an effective cure for acne and promotes clearer complexion.
Healing effect on nerves: As mentioned above, mustard plant has heat inspiring nature which may benefit some individuals suffering from nerve damage. It helps in stimulating the healing process by arousing the impulses and has an invigorating effect on the nerves.
Diabetes: Mustard leaf is excellent for diabetics. Studies have demonstrated the anti-oxidation activities of mustard plant which helps in neutralizing the effects of oxygen free molecules and protects against the damages caused by oxidative stress in diabetics. The study shows that administration of mustard oil helps in reducing the levels of glycosylated proteins and serum glucose. It aids in reducing lipid peroxidation and stimulates glucose metabolism.
Cholesterol lowering ability: Leaves of mustard plant has the tremendous cholesterol lowering power. Studies have shown that cruciferous vegetables such as mustard greens have amazing ability to bind bile acids in the digestive tract which facilitate easy excretion of these acids from the body. The bile acids usually comprises of cholesterol, so ultimately the binding process helps in reducing the cholesterol levels of the body. Another noteworthy fact here is that steamed version of mustard green has better bile acid binding as compared to raw version. So steam them lightly, may be add a little roasted cumin, salt and pepper and enjoy.
These greens are a nutritional powerhouse that are instrumental in reducing the development of blockages in the arteries and prevent disorders like atherosclerosis. Vitamin B6 content present in these greens prevents the platelets from clumping and moderates the risk of thrombosis.
Menopause: Mustard greens may prove valuable for women during menopausal phase. Magnesium along with calcium present in it encourages bone heath and prevents bone loss associated with menopause. It helps in recompensing the low magnesium content in bones and other magnesium deficiencies and may help reduce the risk of osteoporosis in menopausal women.
Aids in detoxification: Mustard greens may help support the detox system of the body attributing to the presence of powerful antioxidants and fiber content. Glucosinolates present in it helps in regulating the action of detoxification enzymes and help eliminate harmful toxins from the body.
Culinary usage: Mustard is globally used as a flavoring agent and culinary preservative. Dried yellow mustard gives a nice flavor when added as a seasoning in the salad dishes, mayonnaise and dips. Yellow mustard is also used for preparing condiments such as table mustard. Whole mustard seeds gives nice flavoring to pickles and dips. It serves wonderfully as cooking oil for deep frying or preparing stir-fry vegetables. Yellow mustard flour has superb emulsifying and stabilizing qualities which is great for the preparation of sausages. Mustard greens can be added to the soups and also serves lusciously well as a main course with corn bread which is quite popular in Northern India during colder seasons. Mustard has also been found useful to retard the fermentation process while making apple ciders and prevent the spoilage of meat products since olden times.
Mustard: Tips to select and store
While picking 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 carefully cleaned by placing them in tepid water for a while to let the sand and dirt settle down followed by repeated rinsing till the water runs clear.
Seeds of mustard plant are normally available as whole dried seeds, powdered, prepared as paste and in the form of oil. It is advisable to select organically grown seeds to avoid the risk of radiation contamination. Powdered and whole form may be stored in a cool, dark place in an air tight container, six months for powdered version and one year for the latter. Its oil and paste can be refrigerated and stored up to six months.
Mustard: Word of Caution
As mentioned above, mustard plant has a tendency to generate heating effects so, caution while usage on the skin esp. sensitive skin is seriously recommended. Generally, it is always advisable to be naturally cautious while trying it for anything for the first time, especially when you are not aware of the allergic reactions such as hypersensitivity to mustard seeds. Some of the known side effects are:
Goitrogens: Uncooked mustard seeds and leaves contain a substance called goitrogens which might mess up with the functioning of the thyroid gland. People already suffering from thyroid disease should always cook the mustard prior consumption to neutralize these components.
Oxalates: Mustard contains oxalate which is known to interfere with the absorption of calcium. Individuals already suffering from oxalate related disorders such as kidney stones should be watchful regarding overconsumption of mustard.
Mustard: Summary
It is an energizing vegetal which is effectual in relieving stiff muscles, aching joints, congested phlegm, tumors and pneumonia. Mustard seeds have also been considered valuable in treating the convulsions in children. Powdered mustard helps in relieving pain and discomfort caused during menstruation and stimulates blocked flow due to climatic reasons. It also assists in stimulating the metabolism and helps shed off extra fats. Its greens have very good amount of vitamin A which may help in promoting eye health and contains fiber which helps in digestion. Nutritional power of magnesium present in mustard helps in sustaining healthy tone and functioning of blood vessels. You would want to include mustard in your diet to get that much needed fire in those slothful and sluggish souls and freshen them inside out.
Energize and heal with mustard!!
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