Popular and extensively used, mustard oil is often used for cooking in parts of Gujarat, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Odisha, Haryana and some other states of India. Interestingly the consumption of this oil is very low in states like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, who are in fact the largest producers of mustard seeds in India.
This pungent tasting oil is consumed round the year, however in a lot of regions, the consumption goes up during winter. Mustard oil is an excellent way to, fight cough and cold, germs, virus and other ailments. It fights heart troubles too as it is low in saturated fats and has a higher content of mono-unsaturated fats as well as polyunsaturated fatty acids like omega-3. It also helps in digestion, and helps in regulation of circulatory and excretory systems.
It is also extremely beneficial for skin and is often used in aromatherapy treatments. Usually, cold pressed mustard oil should be considered for topical application, however, it is advised to do a patch test to ensure that you are not allergic to it.
Some of the benefits of mustard oil are:
Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease: If used in moderation, mustard oil cuts down the risk of heart diseases by lowering the cholesterol levels within the body.
Stimulates digestion: This oil is known as a stimulant and helps the intestine to produce digestive juices, which increase the peristaltic movement of the food.
Reduces risk of cancer: Some studies have shown that mustard oil has a particular type of phytonutrient that fights against colorectal and gastrointestinal cancers.
Relieves cold and cough: Mustard oil has proved useful in relieving cold and cough, when applied onto chest or inhaled for its strong aroma — it helps in
removing phlegm from the
respiratory tract.
