Mustard oil is a main ingredient in Indian cuisine as it adds unique flavour and aroma to the dishes. Keralites aren’t too familiar with mustard oil, however, has many amazing health benefits. These are the benefits of including mustard oil in your cooking or for topical application.
Protects heart
Mustard oil is made of mono-unsaturated fats, especially oleic acid which protects the heart. Mono-unsaturated fats reduce the bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase the good cholesterol (HDL). It reduces the risk of heart attacks and paralysis. Moreover, by including mustard oil in your diet, you could maintain cholesterol at healthy levels which in turn improves heart health.
Anti-inflammatory benefits
Mustard oil contains allyl isothiocyanate which has anti-inflammatory benefits. Severe inflammation could lead to arthritis, asthma and inflammatory bowel syndrome. Mustard oil reduces these symptoms and keeps inflammation at bay.
Fatty acids
It is loaded with omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids that stimulate brain functioning, increase hormone production and control inflammation.
Antioxidants
Selenium which is an antioxidant is present abundantly in mustard oil. These antioxidants remove the free radicals that cause oxidative stress and lead to pigmentation on the skin, premature ageing and many other diseases. Mustard oil should be used to reduce the oxidative stress.
Improves digestion
Mustard oil is excellent for improving digestion. It increases bile production to improve digestion. By including mustard oil in your regular diet, you could keep away constipation, bloating and gas. Besides, it reduces inflammation in the food pipe.
Hair and skin health
The vitamin E and healthy fats in mustard oil make hair and skin healthy. It improves skin elasticity and prevents dryness. Moreover, mustard oil prevents hair fall while aiding hair growth.
Antimicrobial properties
Mustard oil contains antimicrobial components like glucosinolates and isothiocyanates. It has anti-fungal properties too. Using mustard oil regularly would fight the bacteria and fungus in the body. This, in turn, boosts immunity and reduces the chances of infection.
Flavour and aroma
Besides the health benefits, mustard oil gives a unique flavour and aroma to food items. Mustard oil is used for cooking in most Indian states, especially in Bengali cuisine.
