Mustard Oil: Facts and Myths

Mustard oil acts as an anti-fungal agent, as it prohibits fungal growth and avoids spreading of already-formed infections. It works as an anti-bacterial agent as well; combating bacterial growth in the digestive system, urinary tract and colon. It also works as a diaphoretic, which means it promotes sweating, thus resulting in toxin removal, salts and excess water from your body.

Mustard oil aids darkening of hair color. It also prevents premature graying, hair loss and several other scalp-related problems. It works as a hair vitalizer and helps in preventing scalp infections by disallowing fungal growth; thus allowing it to stay hydrated and healthy.

Contrary to this popular belief, mustard oil is rather good for the heart and has a number of cardiovascular benefits. It is rich in a number of poly-saturated as well as mono-saturated fats (also, omega-3 and omega-6 acids). Mustard oil helps in balancing cholesterol levels by increasing levels of good cholesterol and decreasing bad cholesterol. It thus works as a good substitute for cheese or butter, which are saturated food oils.

When applied on the body, mustard oil protects you from the harmful UV rays of the sun, reducing risks of melanomic cancers. When consumed, a substance called Glucosinolate (natural component of pungent plants such as mustard, horseradish, etc.) is activated, which works as an anti-carcinogenic and prevents tumor formation. Thus, it helps reducing the risks of gastrointestinal and colorectal cancers exponentially.