Mustard oil- Types, Benefits and Uses

2022-03-17 11:04:43

For centuries, people have been using mustard oil for cooking, making parathas, bread-pakoras or any other dish. There are two important reasons for this- The first reason is that food or any other thing cooked in mustard oil becomes a little more tasty and quick due to this oil. At the same time, there is another reason that mustard oil is also good for health. Talking about the properties of this oil, this oil is no less than any medicine. Especially during the winters because its benefits increase on cold days.

What is Mustard Oil?

Mustard oil is extracted from the seeds obtained from its plant which is known by different names in different languages. It is called Mustard in English, Mohrich in Marathi, Kadugena in Malayalam and Avanyun in Telugu. Its scientific name is Brassica juncea. Mustard seeds are red, brown and yellow in colour from which oil is extracted with the help of machines. Its prevalence is highest in India. This oil is used every day for food here because, in addition to enhancing the taste of food, mustard oil also makes the food nutritious.

 

Types of Mustard Oil

Refined Mustard Oil-

Mustard oil is slightly bitter in taste which is extracted from the brown, black or white-coloured seeds of mustard. This mustard oil is prepared with the help of machines.

Grade-1 (Kacchi Ghani)-

It is the purest form of mustard oil. Therefore, this oil is used for cooking food in most Indian households. This oil is also considered very beneficial for health. In India, this oil is more popularly known as Kacchi Ghani.

Grade-2-

This oil is used for therapy but not for cooking.

Benefits of Mustard Oil

For Anti-Bacterial, Anti-Fungal and Anti-Inflammatory-

Mustard oil is endowed with antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. The anti-inflammatory agents present in it help in getting rid of inflammatory problems. Having antifungal properties, this oil works by reducing the effect of fungus, healing rashes and infections caused by fungus on the skin. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, this oil is also used to manufacture an anti-inflammatory drug called diclofenac. At the same time, a research report related to mustard oil states that mustard oil also has the ability to prevent unnecessary bacteria and other microbes from growing.

For joint, arthritis and muscle pain-

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in mustard oil which works to reduce and strengthen the pain of muscles, joint pain and arthritis. For this, it is necessary to regularly massage mustard oil on the affected area. Massaging with mustard oil also improves blood circulation in the body.

For dental problems-

According to experts, adding a little turmeric to mustard oil and using it on the gums in the form of a paste provides relief in gum inflammation and periodontitis (infection associated with the gums). The use of mustard oil and salt is good for oral hygiene.

For insect repellent-

According to research available on the NCBI site, applying mustard oil on the skin keeps mosquitoes and other insects away. Apart from this, this oil also neutralizes and reduces the effect of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Therefore mustard oil is also seen as an insect repellent.

For ageing (anti-ageing)-

Mustard oil has been shown to have positive effects in reducing the effects of ageing. Due to the lack of elements like omega-3, omega-6 fatty acids, vitamin E and antioxidants in the body, the problem of ageing starts accelerating. Since all these elements are found in abundance in mustard oil. Therefore, it is believed to be effective in slowing down the effects of ageing.

To boost brain function-

According to medical research published on the website of NCBI, fatty acids are found in mustard oil which works to change the structure of the subcellular membrane (subcellular membrane) in order to regulate the activity of membrane-bound enzymes. Thus this activity plays an important role in brain functions. On this basis, mustard oil is considered good for increasing the working capacity of the brain.

For dandruff-

Mustard oil contains monounsaturated fatty acids, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, antifungal and antibacterial effects which prevent the problem of dandruff from growing in the head and reduce the problem of itching on the scalp. Mustard oil massage is also good for hair.

For heart health-

According to a research report published on the site of NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information), mustard oil is rich in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Together, they work to reduce the risk of heart disease (due to lack of blood flow) by 50%.

According to another research report, mustard oil is also known to have hypocholesterolemia (cholesterol-lowering) and hypolipidemic (lipid-lowering) effects. In fact, mustard oil also has the ability to increase the level of good cholesterol (HDL) by reducing the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the body due to which the risks of heart disease can be reduced to a great extent. Therefore mustard oil proves to be extremely beneficial for heart health.

For cancer-

According to a scientific study, anti-cancer properties are found in mustard oil which works to stop the growth of cancer cells. Therefore, mustard oil is also considered beneficial to some extent for the treatment of cancer.

Uses of Mustard Oil

• Mustard oil is used for cooking non-vegetarian and vegetarian food.
• It is used for tempering in pulses and curries.
• Mustard oil is also used to prepare various dishes.
• Mustard oil is also used to make Chinese dishes like Cauliflower Manchurian and Noodles.
• This oil is also used for making pickles.
• It is also used by adding it to salads with honey and lemon.
• Mustard oil is also used for applying on hair and skin.

Side effects of Mustard oil

• Mustard oil contains an acid called erucic, an excess of which in the body can prove to be harmful to the heart. Therefore, it should be avoided to consume this oil in excess.
• Consuming mustard oil in excess can cause diarrhoea, anaemia and respiratory problems.
• Some people are allergic to mustard oil. Therefore, they should avoid its consumption.

Where is Mustard found?

Mustard is widely cultivated in the foothills of the Himalayas. Globally, it is found in Middle East Africa and Mediterranean Europe. In India, mustard is cultivated in the regions of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Gujarat. Apart from this, it is also grown in some parts of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Yellow mustard is grown as a rabi crop in Assam, Bihar, Orissa and West Bengal.