MUSTARD SEEDS

Mustard seeds emerged from our food ranking system as an excellent source of selenium, a nutrient which that has been shown to help reduce the severity of asthma, decrease some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, and help prevent cancer. They also qualified as a good source of magnesium.

In general, three main  varieties of mustard are grown worldwide for use.,

White mustard seeds: The seeds are light straw-yellow colored and are slightly larger than the other two varieties. White seeds exhibit mild pungency.

Black mustards : The seeds commonly grow in South Asia. They are sharp and more pungent than the other two varieties.

Brown mustards: The seeds are native to sub-Himalayan plains of Northern India.

Health benefits of mustard seeds

• Generally perceived as health benefiting spice, mustard seeds are indeed very rich in phytonutrients, minerals, vitamins, and anti-oxidants.
• Being one of the chief oil seeds, mustards are indeed very high in calories; 100 g of seeds provide 508 calories. Nonetheless, the seeds are made of quality proteins, essential oils, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
• The seeds are high in essential oils as well as plant sterols. 
• Mustard seeds are an excellent source of essential B-complex vitamins such as folates, niacin, thiamin.
• 100 g of mustards provide 4.733 mg of niacin (vitamin B-3). Niacin is a part of nicotinamide coenzymes that help lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
• Mustard seeds contain flavonoid and carotenoid antioxidants such as carotenes, zeaxanthin, and lutein.
• Mustards are rich source of health benefiting minerals. Calcium, manganese, copper, iron, seleniumand zinc are some of the minerals especially concentrated in these seeds. Calcium helps build bone and teeth.

Medicinal uses

·         Mustard seeds and its oil has traditionally been used to relieve muscle pain, rheumatism and arthritic pain.

·         In India, mustard oil is applied to the scalp and is believed to stimulate hair growth.

·         Its ground seeds act as a laxative, stimulant to the gastric mucosa and increase intestinal secretion.