An Indian kitchen is full of wonderful ingredients that not only adds flavour to our dishes but also hold multiple health benefits. These benefits and uses are manifold and can go beyond the realms of kitchen. Mustard oil (sarson ka tel) is one fine example. The pungent oil with a unique flavour is used across many regional delicacies, especially in parts of Eastern and North Eastern India. But above everything, it is mustard oil’s miraculous benefits which makes it so popular. From hair, skin to immunity, mustard oil is known to benefit all of it and more.
Extracted from mustard seeds, mustard oil is reddish brown or amber in colour and is deemed as an Indian superfood by several health experts in comparison to other refined oils due to its benefits. Here are three mustard oil benefits that may motivate you to make a switch.
1. Heart Health
A rich source of MUFA, mustard oil tends to lower bad cholesterol in the body, thus keeping a check on blood fat levels and helping in circulation. A study done by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that mustard oil could prove to be beneficial to your heart health if included in your regular diet. The results also stated that the mustard oil is rich in alpha-linolenic acid, and its intake can be associated with a lower IHD risk (Ischemic Heart Disease).
2. Keep Infections At Bay
Mustard oil has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties which can fight against various infections, both with internal and external usage. Its heating properties are also known to clear congestion from the respiratory tract during cough and cold.
3. Good For Skin And hair
Packed with vitamin E, an essential nutrient for the skin, mustard oil is said to act as a natural sunscreen besides reducing fine lines and wrinkles. However, studies have advised to keep the usage on skin limited. Besides skin, experts have boasted about mustard oil’s excellent properties for hair growth due to the presence of beta-carotene and omega-3 fatty acids, that stimulates hair growth. It also boosts blood circulation in your scalp that prevent scalp infections and reduces hair fall.
You can include mustard oil in your diet by including it in your curries, salads and more. Besides, you can massage your scalp and skin with it too. Remember, moderation is the key!
