Mustard Oil Benefits, Uses and Side Effects

High cholesterol is often associated with a higher risk of heart diseases. When there is too much cholesterol buildup in the blood, it forms plaques and blocks the arteries, leading to an increase in blood pressure. Plaque development in one the major arteries may slow down the blood flow to the heart, resulting in various heart diseases.

Even though mustard oil has both saturated fatty acids (SFA) and unsaturated fatty acid, it has a much lower amount of SFA compared to other edible oils and is thus healthy for people with heart diseases. This is because SFA tends to increase the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the body.

Additionally, mustard oil is rich in oleic acid and has a good balance between linolenic acid and linoleic acid, all of which are good for the heart. A study reported that unrefined mustard oil remains stable during cooking at high temperatures and regular mustard oil consumption leads to a 71% decrease in the risk of coronary heart disease.

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Microbes are tiny living organisms that cannot be seen by the naked eye. Some of these microbes are essential for the body, while others cause various diseases.

Research reveals that mustard essential oil can act as an effective antimicrobial agent. It acts by damaging the cell membrane of bacteria and has been found to possess potent antimicrobial action against common infectious bacteria such as Escherichia coli which can cause urinary tract infection and diarrhoea and Salmonella typhi which is responsible for typhoid.

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According to ayurveda, mustard oil varieties have numerous benefits for the skin. One among those is its property to cure various skin diseases and protect the skin. Being rich in omega-3 fats, mustard oil can help prevent the cracking of the skin. Applying mustard oil to the skin during cold season can prevent skin drying.

Oil from the Rājikā variety of mustard is known to prevent skin diseases. Another research indicated that mustard essential oil contains antifungal properties because of the presence of a compound called allyl isothiocyanate. This could help prevent fungal skin infections such as ringworm and yeast infection.

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Dermatophytes are fungi that cause infections on the skin and hair. A research study indicated that mustard oil showed toxicity towards dermophytes such as Microsporum Canis and Trichophyton Rubrum. According to Ayurveda, the oil from the Rājikā variety of mustard can be used as a hair tonic.

A preclinical study done to determine the efficiency of various hair oils such as mustard oil, coconut oil and amla oil showed that mustard oil was most effective in promoting hair growth. This effect was attributed to the presence of fatty acids and vitamin E in the oil.

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Obesity is a medical condition that occurs due to overaccumulation of fats in the body tissues. If left uncontrolled, it could lead to several health complications including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. In a preclinical study, a high-fat diet containing mustard oil was found to reduce weight gain and help balance fat levels.

Mustard oil is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). Research indicates that PUFA oxidizes rapidly compared to saturated fatty acids (SFA). Oils rich in PUFA decrease the amount of fat that gets accumulated in the adipose tissue, which is responsible for storing fat. Therefore, mustard oil might be an ideal choice of oil for those who want to lose weight.

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Inflammation is considered to be a sign that the body is fighting against harmful substances and infections. It is often characterized by redness, swelling, pain and numbness. However, when an inflammation becomes chronic, it can lead to various problems such as asthma, heart problems or even cancer. Studies suggest that mustard oil possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can help prevent inflammation. This is mainly because of the presence of magnesium and selenium in this oil. Mustard oil can also help reduce the pain caused due to muscle sprain, and arthritis (inflammation of joints).

Additionally, this oil is rich in PUFA, which is an essential fatty acid (EFA). It plays an important role in protecting the immune system by controlling inflammation and fighting diseases.

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Periodontal diseases mainly affect gums, ligaments and fibres surrounding the teeth. Gingivitis and periodontitis are the most common types of periodontal diseases. According to a study, massaging your gums with mustard oil and salt can help improve oral health. It can also prevent gingivitis and other dental conditions.

Another research suggested that the topical application of a paste made from turmeric, salt and mustard oil can also help prevent periodontal diseases.

However, it is best to talk to a dentist before using mustard oil for your teeth or gums.

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According to an article published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology,  Mustard oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and is known to have anti-carcinogenic properties.

Studies indicate that the compound sulforaphane present in mustard oil is capable of affecting the malignant cancer cells which are unresponsive to traditional cancer treatments.

However, more studies are still needed to confirm the anticancer mechanism of this oil.