Mustard Seeds and their Health Benefits

How fascinating it is that these teeny-tiny mustard seeds are loaded fully with numerous health benefits. 

Indian spices are well-known globally for their medicinal properties and the deliciousness they add to the food. Mustard seeds are also one of those spices that serve the twin purpose of adding rich taste to the dish and providing a majority of health benefits. They are extremely rich in Phyto-nutrients, minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidants.

A very popular condiment in India, mustard seeds taste from, mild to hot spicy and possess a very subtle aroma. Mustard seeds are made from mustard plants and the most widely used mustards are - Black, Brown and White mustard seeds.

Some interesting facts about mustard:

• Mustard plants belong to the Brassica family, which is identical to cabbage and broccoli.
• It is suspected that mustard first originated in India around 3000 BC.
• Romans were the first who started using mustard as a condiment.
• There are around 40 varieties of mustard plants globally. And only three of them are used for culinary purposes.

Usage:

In Indian cooking, mustard seeds are usually a part of tempering (tadka) in a dish. The flavour of mustard seeds is more enhanced when they are cooked or crushed in oil. Their nutty flavour and distinct aroma are a must-must in curries and sabjis. They are also used for seasoning in salads. The north of the country uses mustard oil widely while in south mustard seeds are highly used in tempering. Besides adding nutty flavour and a strong taste to the dish, mustard seeds also provide us with good health benefits.

Some health benefits of mustard seeds you should explore:

1. Prevents Cancer: Many Indian spices are known globally, to treat and prevent life-threatening diseases like cancer. Mustard seeds are also one of those spices; they possess compounds like glucosinolates and myrosinase. These compounds limit the growth of cancer cells in the body.
2. Blood Pressure and Heart Diseases: Mustard Seeds are a great source of nutrients like copper, magnesium and iron, which help cure high blood pressure. Mustard seeds can also reduce poor cholesterol levels in the blood that helps improve and prevent heart diseases.
3. Relief from Migraine and Muscle Pains: The presence of magnesium in the spice helps provide relief when you are suffering from migraine or other muscular pains. The magnesium content in the seeds relieves pain in the body parts and soothes the nerve system.
4. Skin and Hair Benefits: Mustard seeds keep your skin hydrated, and its anti-inflammatory properties prevent infections & inflammations of the skin. Mustard seeds are also rich source of Vitamins - A, C and K. Mustard oil made out of mustard seeds help increase hair growth and strengthen them.
5. Improves Digestive Health: The properties of mustard seeds are the best in improving your digestion. The presence of fibres in mustard seeds help ease bowel movements and supports digestion. If you are suffering from problems of indigestion, then mustard seeds will provide you relief from it.
6. Improves Respiratory Problems: When your immune system is low, you can catch a cold faster, mustard seeds work wonders to cure it. Since ages, mustard seeds are believed to possess powerful decongestion properties and are used in home remedies to treat cold and sinus problems. The richness of magnesium and selenium in mustard seeds helps in fighting asthma.

If you are going to buy mustard seeds, make sure that you do not compromise on the quality. You can trust us when it comes to choosing good quality products. Vasant Mustard seeds are rich in fibres and nutrients and are 100% pure and authentic. You can buy Vasant mustard seeds from the nearby grocery stores or buy online.