We will tell you in this article how useful and dangerous mustard oil is.
- What you need to know
- Calorie content, nutritional value and daily value
- 4 useful properties
- Harm
- Benefits for hair and skin
- Expert commentary
Maria Lapina, dermatologist, cosmetologist, trichologist, Avon Europe ambassador;
Alina Gubanova, gastroenterologist, Rassvet clinic.
What you need to know about mustard oil
Mustard oil is a vegetable oil made from mustard seeds; pressing or extraction of the seeds is used to obtain mustard oil.
Mustard oil is a product obtained by pressing or extracting mustard seeds. Mustard oil has a pungent taste, rich dark yellow color, pungent aroma and a high smoke point. It is especially popular in India. This product is prohibited for consumption in the USA, Canada and Europe due to potential health risks. It may contain 20-40% erucic acid, which causes nutritional deficiencies and heart damage in experimental animals.
Mustard essential oil obtained by steam distillation is also produced. It is often added for flavor to food, as well as cosmetics, and used for massage (1).
Calorie content and nutritional value of mustard oil
Mustard oil contains a large amount of monounsaturated fatty acids, while there are almost no vitamins and minerals. In 100 g (2):
- 884 kcal
- 100 g fat
- 59 g monounsaturated fatty acids
- 21 g polyunsaturated fatty acids
- 11 g saturated fatty acids
The compound allyl isothiocyanate is responsible for the bright, pungent taste. It can also be found in horseradish and wasabi.
Benefits of mustard oil: 4 properties
The acids contained in mustard oil can reduce the levels of triglycerides, blood pressure and blood sugar, which provoke various heart diseases.
Mustard oil may have antimicrobial properties and have a positive effect on the health of skin and hair, but it must be used in everyday life with caution and preferably after consultation with a specialist.
1. Fights germs
Several studies have shown that mustard essential oil has antimicrobial properties. It reduces the growth of certain types of harmful bacteria—E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus (3). The oil also inhibits the growth of certain types of fungi and mold (4), (5). But for definitive conclusions, more research is needed to determine how mustard essential oil can affect human health.
2. May relieve pain
Mustard oil contains allyl isothiocyanate. This chemical compound has been extensively studied for its effects on pain receptors in the body (6). During animal experiments, it was found that mice that drank water with mustard oil had desensitized some pain receptors and therefore experienced less pain (7).
The oil also contains a lot of alpha-linolenic acid. It is a type of omega-3 fatty acid that can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain caused by diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (8), (9).
It is necessary to consult a doctor: when applied topically, mustard oil can cause burns, allergies and other side effects.
3. Supports Heart Health
Mustard oil is high in monounsaturated fatty acids, which are also found in nuts, seeds and other vegetable oils (10), (11). These acids can lower blood pressure, as well as reduce triglycerides and blood sugar levels (high levels are linked to various heart diseases) (12), (13).
Mustard oil also has side effects. One study in India involved 137 people. Those who consumed more mustard oil were more likely to have a history of heart disease (14). More research is needed to determine how mustard oil and mustard essential oil may affect heart health.
4. Reduces inflammation
Mustard oil is high in Omega-3 fatty acids, including alpha-linoleic acid (15). These substances are involved in regulating inflammatory processes in the body and may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation (16), (17). One animal study also found that mustard seeds may reduce markers of inflammation caused by psoriasis (18). But additional research is needed to make final conclusions.
Harm of mustard oil
Mustard oil contains a lot of erucic acid. It is safe in small doses, but if consumed regularly, it can lead to health problems such as heart disease.
Benefits of mustard oil for hair and skin
Since mustard oil contains a lot of natural fats, it is used as a conditioner or hair mask.
Mustard oil is often used in cosmetology: it is added to hair and skin products, and is also used as a massage oil. But there are no comprehensive studies that would confirm its benefits in this area, so more information is needed to make recommendations and conclusions. Before using the oil, be sure to test it in a small area of skin to identify a possible allergic reaction. The oil should not be left on the skin for a long time – it can cause a burn.
Since mustard oil contains a lot of natural fats, it is used as a conditioner or hair mask. These substances thicken and envelop the strands, giving the hair shine and smoothness.
Mask with mustard oil for hair
You will need:
- 1 Art. l. mustard oil
- 1 tbsp. l. almond oil
- 1 st. l. jojoba oil
Stir the oils in a small bowl, then microwave for 10 seconds. Then apply to the entire length of your hair. Leave on for 30 minutes, then rinse off.
The mask can be done once a month; it helps to moisturize the hair and improve its appearance.
