8 Medicinal Benefits Of Mustard Oil

Mustard oil is used in almost every Indian household. While some use it for daily cooking, others use it in particular dishes to enhance the flavours. But surprisingly, it has certain medical benefits too. It is considered very beneficial for hair and skin and its goodness is recognised in Ayurveda as well.

Because of its medicinal properties, mustard oil is used in home remedies and in Ayurveda to treat certain health conditions. Consisting of antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, vegetables prepared using mustard oil are not just flavourful, but can help prevent many diseases as well. Not only Ayurveda, nutritionists also believe that people of households where food is prepared using mustard oil, fall ill less than those who eat refined and other oils.

According to Ayurveda, mustard oil is hot in nature, hence its consumption is more beneficial in winter. It is also considered to have both the properties of binding the stool and relieving constipation. Besides this, not just internally, but the external application of mustard oil is also good for our hair and skin. Here is what our Ayurvedic expert, Dr. P V Ranganayakulu, Ph.D. History of Ayurveda explained more about it.

Uses Of Mustard Oil

Mustard oil is extracted from mustard seeds, commonly known as Rai in India, which is an active spice and is used in most dishes. The oil is used more in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bengal and is commonly used all over India for the preparation of pickles.

It is considered ideal for head and body massage. Apart from this, this oil is also used in making medicines, soaps and lubricants. Also, the residues left of the mustard seeds after the oil is extracted from it is used as fodder for animals and for making manure.

Nutrients In Mustard Oil

Mustard oil contains 60% monounsaturated fatty acids, 42% erucic acid and 12% oleic acid, polyunsaturated fatty acids, 6% omega-3 fatty acids and 15% omega-6 fatty acids. Mustard oil contains about 12% saturated acids. In addition, it has antifungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

It is believed that if mustard oil is consumed in pure form, our body can digest it easily. Not only this, this oil benefits the gut bacteria also and works to repair the digestive system. Apart from this, its consumption reduces harmful LDL cholesterol and increases the beneficial cholesterol HDL. Hence it is also good for heart health. It keeps the kidneys healthy and also prevents thyroid problems.

Benefits Of Mustard Oil

1. Food cooked in mustard oil is easily digestible as compared to that cooked in some other oil. This is the reason why people who use it complain less about the problem of constipation.
2. Mustard oil has antibacterial properties. Therefore, it keeps urinary problems away and also fights infections related to the intestine and digestive system.
3. It increases the appetite and enhances digestion by increasing the production of juices in the stomach and liver.
4. The application of mustard oil on the skin protects it from the damage caused by free radicals, ultraviolet rays and pollution. In addition, it also prevents wrinkles and is also used in a beauty-enhancing face pack, known as Ubtan.
5. A massage with mustard oil increases blood circulation, which further helps in increasing the oxygen supply to the vital organs.
6. Its massage also helps in relieving stress and pain in the muscles.
7. It has antifungal properties, i.e. it kills the fungus and also stops it from growing.
8. Mustard oil is very beneficial for hair. Fatty acids like linoleic acid present in it nourish the hair roots. Using it for a long time ends hair fall.

However, Dr. Ranganayakulu says that people who are suffering from acidity, gastritis or bleeding disorder, must avoid consuming mustard oil.