From skin to heart health, you should not overlook the benefits of mustard oil
Some ingredients in the Indian kitchen can never be substituted. They are not only necessary in the preparation of various regional delicacies, but their applications are numerous and extend beyond the kitchen. Mustard oil is one such example.
While it does take some “getting used to” to become acquainted with the pungency, once you get past it, you will quickly learn to appreciate its distinct flavour. It is highly addictive. It is thought to have miraculous properties and is thus used as a remedy to treat colds, boost immunity, encourage hair growth, provide nourishment to skin (especially in the case of babies who are massaged with mustard oil during winters and made to sunbathe for a dose of Vitamin D as well as to strengthen the bones), oral health, and so on.
In Indian cooking conditions, which primarily involve deep frying, our age-old oils such as ghee, coconut oil, and mustard oil outperform refined and other oils in terms of overall health benefits. Here are some of the advantages of mustard oil.
MUFA-rich foods include: Mustard oil is highly recommended due to its high concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids. Our bodies require oil in a 3:1 ratio – three parts polyunsaturated fatty acids and one part saturated fatty acids. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) include monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). Mustard oil is high in MUFAs, which are essential for our health. It is beneficial to the heart, lightens the skin, promotes hair growth, prevents premature greying of hair, and so on.
Promotes heart health: Including mustard oil in your daily diet may be beneficial to your heart health. Because it is high in MUFA, it lowers bad cholesterol in the body, keeping blood fat levels in check and aiding in circulation. The findings also revealed that using mustard oil, which is high in alpha-linolenic acid, was associated with a lower risk of IHD (ischemic heart disease) than using sunflower oil.
Mustard oil has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties, making it effective against infection. Its external and internal use is said to aid in the fight against infections, including digestive tract infections.
Improves blood circulation: Using mustard oil for body massage improves blood circulation, skin texture, and muscle tension, according to Ayurveda. It also activates the sweat glands, which aids in the removal of toxins from the body. As a result, it serves as a natural cleanser.
Mustard oil is high in vitamin E, which is an essential nutrient for the skin. When applied to the skin, it is said to reduce fine lines and wrinkles while also acting as a sunscreen. Babies are traditionally massaged with mustard oil in India. Mustard oil has numerous topical applications and is beneficial in a variety of ways. However, those with oily skin should avoid massaging it on their faces, and those with sensitive skin should avoid using it for body massages. It is also said to help remove tan and dark spots when combined with other ingredients in face masks. To improve skin tone, massage the skin with an equal amount of mustard oil and coconut oil.
