Mustard is a versatile cruciferous vegetable which belong to the Brassica family just like broccoli and cabbage. Native to the temperate areas of Europe, mustard 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 an herb was even popular amongst the ancient Greeks and Romans. Mustard has been esteemed as a multispecialty 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 mustard 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.
Health benefits of mustard seeds:
*Generally perceived as health benefiting spice, mustard seeds are indeed very rich in phyto-nutrients, minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidants.
*Being one of the chief oil seeds, mustards are indeed very high in calories; 100 g of seeds provide 508 calories. Nonetheless, the seeds are made of quality proteins, essential oils, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
*The seeds are high in essential oils as well as plant sterols. Some of important sterols include such asbrassicasterol, campesterol, sitosterol, avenasterol and stigmasterol.Some of glucosinolate and fatty acids in the seeds includesinigrin, myrosin, erucic, eicosenoic, oleic, and palmitic acids.
*Mustard seeds are an excellent source of essential B-complex vitamins such as folates, niacin,thiamin, riboflavin, pyridoxine (vitaminB-6), pantothenic acid. These vitamins are essential in the sense that body requires them from external sources to replenish. These B-complex groups of vitamins help in enzyme synthesis, nervous system function and regulating body metabolism.
*100 g of mustards provide 4.733 mg of niacin(vitamin B-3). Niacin is a part of nicotinamide co-enzymes that help lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
*Mustard seeds contain flavonoid and carotenoid antioxidants such as carotenes, zea-xanthin, and lutein. In addition, the seeds compose a small amount of vitamin anti-oxidants such as vitamin A, C, and vitamin K.
*The seeds are an excellent source of vitamin E,gamma tocopherol;contain about 19.82 mg per 100 g (about 132% of RDA). Vitamin E is a powerful lipid soluble antioxidant, required for maintaining the integrity of cell membrane of mucus membranes and skin by protecting it from harmful oxygen-free radicals.
Mustards are rich source of health benefiting minerals. Calcium, manganese, copper, iron,seleniumand zinc are some of the minerals especially concentrated in these seeds.Calcium helps build bone and teeth.Manganese is employed by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase.Copper is required in the production of red blood cells.Ironis required for the red blood cell formation and cellular metabolism.
Phytonutrient Compounds Protective Against Gastrointestinal Cancer
Like other Brassicas, mustard seeds contain plentiful amounts of phytonutrients called glucosinolates. The seeds also contain myrosinase enzymesthat can break apart the glucosinolates into other phytonutrients called isothiocyanates. The isothiocyanates in mustard seed (and other Brassicas) have been repeatedly studied for their anti-cancer effects. In animal studies—and particularly in studies involving the gastrointestinal tract and colorectal cancer—intake of isothiocyanates has been shown to inhibit growth of existing cancer cells and to be protective against the formation of such cells.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects from Selenium and Magnesium
Mustard seeds emerged from our food ranking system as an excellent source of selenium, a nutrient which that has been shown to help reduce the severity of asthma, decrease some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, and help prevent cancer. They also qualified as a good source of magnesium. Like selenium,magnesiumhas been shown to help reduce the severity of asthma, to lower high blood pressure, to restore normal sleep patterns in women having difficulty with the symptoms of menopause, to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks, and to prevent heart attack in patients suffering from atherosclerosis or diabetic heart disease.
Monounsaturated fatty Acids
Mustard seeds also qualified as a very good source of omega-3 fatty acids and manganese as well as a good source of phosphorus, copper, and vitamin B1. Consumed regularly, it is known to control and keep thesymptomsof asthma, cold and chest congestion at bay.
Weight Loss:
The wonder seeds are packed with B-complex vitamins like folates, niacin, thiamine, riboflavin etc. Apart from all the individual merits of these components, they are great in speeding up one’s metabolism leading to weight loss.
Can slow ageing: Mustard is a great source of carotenes, zeaxanthins and lutein(also called flavonoid and caretonoid antioxidants) vitamin A,C and K. All these components put together make it rich in antioxidants which in turn slows the ageing process
Relieves rheumatoid, arthritic and muscle pain:
The selenium and magnesium content of mustard lenditanti inflammatory and heat producing properties. When applied to the body, the paste heats up the area and helps loosen muscles,leadingto relief from pain.
Tip:To ease pain makeasmall bundle of the seeds in a muslin cloth, and add it to warm bath water. Either have a long relaxing bath, or soak your tired and aching feet for instant relief. Another great way is to apply thepasteof the seedonthe areafora few minutes.
Lowers cholesterol:
Mustard contains high levels of niacin or vitamin B3. Niacin has properties that help lower one’scholesterol levelsand protects thearteries from atherosclerosis (plaque build-up). It also helps to regulate blood flow and protects the body from hypertension.
Stimulates hair growth:
For centuries mustard oil has been known to stimulate hair growth. It is known to bepackedwith vitamins and minerals, but what makes the difference isthe high amount of beta carotene it contains. During oil production, beta carotene gets converted to vitamin A,which is excellent for hair growth. Apart from this, it also contains iron, fatty acids, calcium and magnesium, all of which promote hair growth.
Tip: Using mustard oil once a week for a warm oil massage is a great way to relievestress, symptoms of dandruff and promote hair growth. After you apply the oil,wrapyour hair in a thin plastic bag or a warm towel to increase absorption ofthe oil into thescalp. Leave it for about half an hour to forty five minutesandthen wash off. The oil has a strong odour and is thick in consistency, somakesure you use a good shampoo.
Helps reduce constipation and may relieve symptoms ofpiles and fissures:
The seeds contain a unique substance called mucilage which is a thick slimy substance that is the key to relieving constipation. Apart from that, it is also high in fibre. In addition, mustard seeds are known to increase the production of saliva, leading tobetterdigestion.
Tip: Have one teaspoon of mustard seeds two to three times a day to relieve constipation.
Fights skin infections:
Packed with sulphur,mustard seeds are a great way to curb skin infections. Sulphur gives the seed antifungal and anti bacterial properties that help fight common skin ailments.
Improves immunity:
Because mustard has a large number of elemental minerals like iron, manganese, copper etc., it helps improve the body’s ability to fight disease.
Recent findings suggest that mustard seed is helpful in childbearing. All you need is Original Honey,Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Mustard Seed. You would need about 6 months worth of patience as well.
Directions: Ferment about 100grams of mustard seed with 25cl original honey for 2days then on the second day mix the fermented mustard seed and honey with a bottle of 75cl extra virgin olive oil allow to soak for another 24 hours. Take 3spoonful of the mixture first thing in the morning and last thing at night for at least 6months.
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