What is a mustard seed?

Mustard is an annual plant that belongs to the Brassicaceae family (formerly Cruciferae) and has been known since prehistoric times, that possesses a high level of bioactive ingredients. There exist approximately 40 distinct mustard plant species, with three standing out as the most prevalent choices in culinary applications, including white mustard (Sinapsis alba L.), black mustard (Brassica nigra L.), brown mustard (Brassica juncea L.), Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata A. Braun), rocket (Brassica eruca  L.) and wild mustard  (Sinapsis arvensis  L.).^{1, 2} These vary in their taste and pungency too. The seeds, leaves, and flowers of the mustard plant are edible.

Mustard seeds, characterized by their small, spherical shape, originate from three distinct plant varieties: black mustard, brown Indian mustard, and white mustard. Throughout traditional folk medicine practices, mustards have been employed as stimulants, diuretics, and purgatives for addressing diverse ailments such as peritonitis and neuralgia. Furthermore, they find application in mustard plasters for alleviating conditions like rheumatism, arthritis, chest congestion, back pain, and muscular discomfort. Prolonged application of mustard plaster can result in burns to the skin and nerve damage.

Mustard seeds encompass a range of minerals, including iron, magnesium, zinc, calcium, and phosphorus. Ensuring sufficient intake of these minerals is crucial for the regular operation of numerous biological and biochemical processes in your body, safeguarding against potential mineral deficiencies and their potentially incapacitating repercussions.²

Health benefits of mustard seed

Mustard seeds boast abundant antioxidants and anti-inflammatory attributes, contributing to the enhancement of various health conditions. Additionally, these minuscule seeds are abundant in vital nutrients crucial for the growth and development of your bones. Keep reading to delve into the numerous advantages offered by mustard seeds.

Digestive Health

Mustard seeds are loaded with fiber, promoting smooth bowel movements and augmenting the digestive capacity of the body. Mustard seeds are excellent for resolving the problem of indigestion, and mustard seeds can help to get rid of it.

Cardiovascular Health

The mustard seeds are good for the cardiovascular system and are quite beneficial for people suffering from cardiovascular problems. It aids in regulating the body's cholesterol levels, diminishing the presence of detrimental cholesterol in the bloodstream—an imperative factor for maintaining heart health.³

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Mustard seeds are packed with anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation in the body, help in relieving pain in the gum, bones, and teeth, etc³

Antimicrobial Properties

Mustard seeds are rich in fibers, selenium, manganese, and magnesium, which boost our immunity, maintain various bodily mechanisms, and are crucial for bone health. Mustard seeds contain numerous glucosinolates-derived antioxidants and are also rich in isorhamnetin, kaempferol, and carotenoids which help to protect our body against oxidative damage, several infections, and chronic diseases.⁶

Skin Health

Recognizing the significance of maintaining well-hydrated skin throughout each season is crucial. Mustard seeds offer assistance in this regard by hydrating the skin, eliminating impurities, and shielding against acne. Utilizing mustard seeds as a natural scrub proves effective and contributes to slowing down the aging process.⁴

Hair Health

Mustard oil, extracted from mustard seeds, is a great stimulant to enhance hair growth and a good source of Vitamin A which is a great nutrient for hair growth. Mustard seeds contain nutrients (protein, calcium, vitamins A and E, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids) that strengthen and condition your hair from within when used topically or orally making your hair shine and bounce.⁴

Other health benefits include:

1. It helps remove Odor
2. It relieves muscle pain and eases soreness and inflammation in the muscles.
3. It may help relieve symptoms of rheumatic arthritis
4. It treats Cold
5. It treats Back Pain.
6. It treats Fever.

Nutritional facts

Mustard seeds weigh one tablespoon in one serving and contain the following nutrients.

• It has 32 calories, 2.28 grams of fat, 0.818 mg of sodium, 0 mg of cholesterol, 1.77 grams of carbs, and 1.64 grams of proteins.
• Apart from this, the dietary value of Calcium, iron, vitamin C, and Vitamin A is 65, 6%, 1%, and 0% respectively in this quantity.

Side effects and other concerns

Mustard seeds are considered safe when consumed in proportions common in a normal person's diet. However, taking significant levels of mustard seeds can cause gut inflammation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.²

Raw mustard seeds also contain substances called goitrogens that can interfere with the normal function of your thyroid which is responsible for regulating your metabolism. So, be sure to consult your doctor before mustard seeds are included in your diet.²

Summary

Mustard offers numerous health advantages by incorporating antioxidants and other advantageous plant compounds that serve to safeguard the body against a range of diseases. Nevertheless, excessive use of the seeds may cause side effects. However, consult a doctor before using it.