Health Benefits of Mustard Oil: What is This Oil Used For?
Mustard Oil
The importance of mustard plant was known since 800 AD. Mustard stems from the Latin ‘mustum’, which means must. There are three important varieties of mustard plant namely Brassica hirta (white mustard), Brassica nigra (black mustard) and Brassica juncea (brown Indian mustard)
The seeds of the mustard plant are cold pressed to extract mustard oil. There are different methods to obtain mustard oil. Each method of extraction produces a different type of oil:
• Mustard essential oil is extracted by distilling the mixture of pulverized mustard seeds and water
• Core pungent vegetable mustard oil is extracted from cold pressing the seeds
• To avoid mustard oil’s pungent smell, another vegetable oil (soybean oil) is infused with the mustard seed extract.
Mustard oil has a pungent smell and a sharp taste. It is generally used for cooking in countries like India and Bangladesh. For many years, the various mustard oil uses were limited to external purposes in western countries, but now this pungent oil is back in vogue. This is because scientific research has found some key benefits of mustard oil.
The Health Benefits of Mustard Oil
• Mustard oil is rich in good fats. It is a good source of MUFA (monounsaturated fats) and PUFA (polyunsaturated fats). The oil has approximately 60 percent monounsaturated fatty acids and 21 percent of polyunsaturated fats. Of the 21 percent polyunstaurates, 15 percent is omega-6 fatty acids and 6 percent omega-3 fatty acids.
• Because of the presence of good fats in mustard oil, it helps reduces LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) or bad cholesterol and increases HDL (High density Lipoprotein) or good fats. This ensures protection against heart diseases.
• Mustard oil also lowers triglycerides (blood fat). High triglycerides results in obesity, kidney malfunctions and hypothyroidism. It may also help lower the chances of blood clotting.
• The oil is rich in vitamin E, which is very good for the skin as well as immunity. The omega-3 fats may help treat depression and enhance brain function.
Though, there are some benefits of mustard oil, it was once considered harmful for human health in countries such United States and Canada. This is mainly due to the high erucic acid content in the oil, which is about 42 percent. The ill effects of erucic acid from edible oils are controversial and yet to be confirmed. Hence it is always advised to consult a health expert or your doctor before using mustard oil.
Mustard Oil Buying and Storage Tips
Storing mustard oil is easy. It is always recommended to store the oil in a closed container. To ensure its freshness remains intact, better keep the container in the refrigerator.
The availability of mustard oil is a bit rare in supermarkets, though some retail stores are adding a wider range of cultural food choices, including mustard oil. You can purchase mustard oil at Indian grocery stores.
References
https://www.wellsphere.com/healthy-eating-article/mustard-oil/2823