Mustard oil is extracted from mustard seeds (black, brown and white), and is reddish brown or amber in color. It is made either as a fatty vegetable oil resulting from pressing the seeds, or as an essential oil resulting from grinding the seeds, mixing them with water, and extracting the oil by distillation.
Mustard oil is popular as cooking oil in northern India and Pakistan, and the main cooking oils used in Bengal and Bangladesh. The popularity of mustard oil has diminished in Northern India and Pakistan since the easy availability of vegetable oils. However, it is still intricately embedded in the culture of the Subcontinent. It retains its place as pickling oil, massage oil, and for some social and religious ceremonies.
Mustard Oil – the Benefits
Good Source of Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA)
Mustard oil is recommended for its high MUFA content that is essential for our health. It’s good for the heart, skin and hair.
Promotes Cardiac Health
According to a study done by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, including mustard oil in your regular diet could be beneficial to your heart health. Being a rich source of MUFA, it lowers bad cholesterol in the body, thus keeping a check on blood fat levels and helping in circulation.
Protects Against Infection
Mustard oil has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties. Its external and internal use is helps in multiple ways to fight infections, including digestive tract infections.
Boosts Blood Circulation
In Ayurveda, using mustard oil for body massage improves blood circulation, skin texture and releases muscular tension. It also activates the sweat glands and helps in extracting from the body.
Good for the Skin
Mustard oil is loaded with vitamin E, an essential nutrient for the skin. When applied to the skin it is said to reduce fine line sand wrinkles, and acts as a sunscreen. Traditionally babies are often massaged with mustard oil in most parts of the Subcontinent. However, recent studies have stated that mustard oil massage should be done with limited quantities.Too much of it could prove to be harmful and cause irritation.
Stimulates Hair Growth
The cultures of the Subcontinent swear by the incredible property of mustard oil for hair growth. Mustard oil contains beta-carotene which is excellent for hair growth when massaged into the scalp. It activates blood circulation, and its anti-bacterial properties prevent scalp infections.
Treats Cracked Heels and Brittle Nails
A mixture made by heating candle wax with equal amount of mustard oil till it becomes a thick will do wonders for cracked heels. Fill your cracked heels with this mixture and sleep with cotton socks to make your heels smoother. Mustard oil can also be applied on nails. It’s better than coconut or almond oil in terms of benefits. It lubricates the nail bed and is easily absorbed to nourish the nails.