benefits of mustard seeds

Mustard seeds have an interesting bite and they contribute to the exotic flavor and aroma of Indian food. If you are like most people, the word mustard probably conjures up images of ballparks and barbeques. Yet, once you add mustard seeds to your spice cabinet, the word will take on a whole new meaning, as you will also relish the spicy, aromatic rustic taste and fragrance that mustard can add to your meals. Mustard seeds are from the mustard plant, which is a cruciferous vegetable related to broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage.

Mustard seed oil is that, like other oils, it is rich in fats. Although many other oils will have saturated and trans fats, mustard seed oil contains polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats both. These are the "healthy" types of fats, of which your body needs about 15 grams per day. Both of these fats will contribute to raising the good parts of your cholesterol and lowering the bad. They can also provide you with a set of preventative benefits that will ensure that you are less likely to suffer cardiovascular disease and damage later on in life as well.

Triglycerides are compounds that are found in the blood and which are made up of fat particles. Having higher levels of triglycerides is a condition associated with obesity, heart disease, stroke and many other types of health problems. Fortunately, mustard seed oil can help to lower your triglyceride levels, thereby keeping you healthier in general.

Mustard seed oil contains a hefty portion of Vitamin E. Vitamin E is a beneficial nutrient that helps to maintain the quality of your skin, hair and many other parts of your body as well. It is a staple ingredient in a number of different hormonal processes in your body. One single serving of mustard seed oil can give you almost a full day's worth of Vitamin E.

Mustard seed oil is rich in different benefits and low in calories, there are a few other things to be aware of before you purchase this ingredient and include it in your cooking regularly. First, mustard seed oil contains a type of acid called erucic acid. This acid is potentially controversial. It hasn't been confirmed as to what the exact effects of erucic acid are on the human body, but some food scientists believe that it may be potentially detrimental to your health. Mustard seed oils high levels of erucic acid cause many people to be cautious about including it in their diets.

One tablespoon of mustard seed contains about 53 calories, with 3.2 grams of total fat. The mustard seed contains only 0.2 grams of saturated fat, which is about 0.8 percent of your recommended daily saturated fat intake; no cholesterol; and a measly 0.6 milligrams of sodium. Since sodium, cholesterol and saturated fat can all contribute to health conditions such as heart disease and stroke, mustard seeds can be a healthier alternative to seasonings like table salt.

One tablespoon of mustard seed contains only 3.9 grams of total carbohydrates, with 1.6 grams of total fiber. That is 6.6 percent of your daily recommended dietary fiber intake, and it means that mustard seed offers a very high ratio of carbohydrates to fiber. Fiber is an important part of your diet to keep your digestion functioning properly. The mustard seed also contains 2.8 grams of protein, which is about 5.6 percent of your daily protein requirement.

He tablespoon of mustard seed contains about 94 milligrams of phosphorus, which your body uses along with calcium to build bones and teeth. Phosphorus is also important for waste elimination and DNA production. One serving provides 13 percent of your daily recommended phosphorus intake. The mustard seed also contains 1.1 milligrams of iron -- 14 percent of the recommended daily intake for post-menopausal women and 6 percent for pre-menopausal women -- 15 micrograms of selenium, or 27 percent of your recommended daily intake. Iron helps your red blood vessels function, while selenium activates enzymes needed for the function of your thyroid gland.

Mustard seeds are a surprisingly good source of omega-3 fatty acids. These are considered essential for human health, particularly in the growth and development of healthy brain tissue. Omega-3 fatty acids have also been studied for their role in reducing the risk of heart disease, particularly when these unsaturated fats replace saturated fats in the diet.

Mustard seeds are high in the minerals selenium and magnesium as well as being a lesser known source of brain-boosting omega-3 fatty acids. Selenium and magnesium have strong anti-inflammatory properties. They also help reduce the severity of asthma and rheumatoid arthritis, lower blood pressure and may help prevent heart attacks. Mustard is also rich in phytonutrients called isothiocyanates, which may prevent or halt the growth of gastrointestinal and colorectal cancers.