Mustard has a lot health benefits, relieving muscular pain, respiratory illnesses, contact dermatitis, ringworm, psoriases and more. Specific parts of it can also help cure diabetes and cancer, while other parts can have a therapeutic effect on the nerves and help maintain heart health. Furthermore, mustard promotes healthy hair and skin and lowers cholesterol. This all seems a bit overwhelming, no? Don’t worry, we’ll tell you everything you need to know in this article.
What is Mustard?
A vegetable. Quite shocking, isn’t it? Mustard is a cruciferous vegetable that belongs to the family Brassica, making it a relative of cabbage and broccoli. Native to the temperate regions of Europe, it is one of the oldest crops in the area, having been cultivated by the ancient Romans and Greeks. In North America, mustard is considered a specialty crop, and much of it was produced in Montana and California until the 1950s, when it spread to the farms of the upper midwest.
Today, mustard is grown in 21 countries around the world, and its most major centres are India, Ukraine, Canada and Nepal. It is popular for its therapeutic nature and amazing flavour, and about 700 lbs. of it is consumed every year.
There are three types of mustard which are most commonly used: brown, black and white. They are now commercially grown for their stalks, flowers, leaves and seeds. The white variety is commonly sold as yellow mustard, and it has a mild taste often found in the eponymous condiment.
Nutritional Facts of Mustard
The health benefits of mustard depend on which part of the plant the product comes from. The seed is rich in potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, vitamin A and dietary folate. On the other hand, the leaves of the plant are excellent sources of essential minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, potassium, dietary fiber and magnesium. The vast majority of vitamins in mustard leaves is comprised of vitamin C, folate, vitamin K and vitamin A. These nutritional facts are what make up the health benefits of mustard.
Health Benefits of Mustard
Here are some of the best health benefits of mustard:
- Aids in detoxification: mustard greens contain antioxidants and fiber, which are beneficial in supporting the body’s detoxification system.
- Helps treat menopause: mustard greens have magnesium, which is beneficial in encouraging bone development and prevent bone loss.
- Helps lower cholesterol: mustard is effective in lowering cholesterol in the body.
- Helps control diabetes: mustard leaf is beneficial for diabetics. Studies show that the mustard plant is beneficial in neutralizing the effects of the free radicals.
- Has healing effects on nerves: mustard helps stimulate the healing process by arousing the impulses. It also has an invigorating effect on the nerves.
- Treats aches or pains: a plaster made from mustard oil can help treat chronic bronchitis.
- Provides relief from respiratory illnesses: mustard seeds give therapeutic relief from various illnesses. They are also a good expectorant and decongestant, clearing any mucus in the airways.
- Helps improve cardiovascular health: mustard oil is beneficial in cooking. Studies show that it may have an effect in treating various cardiovascular illnesses.
- Helps prevent cancer: there are phytonutrients in mustard that make it a great ally in fighting and preventing cancer. Various studies show that mustard is beneficial in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells in the body.
All of the health benefits of mustard are something to look out for, so if you’re looking to boost your health status, choose mustard! You can’t go wrong with it.
