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Mustard seeds are more than just a spice, it has gained popularity worldwide. They are highly nutritious with a very pungent flavor.
Mustard seeds, the cruciferous vegetables are small and tiny seeds of mustard plants.
They measures about 1 to 3 millimeters in diameter. It belongs to the family of “Brassicaceae “, that has same features with Broccoli, turnips and Cabbage.
However there are of different colors mustard seeds depending on the variety. For instance, Brassica alba (white mustard), Brassica nigra ((black mustard) and Brassica juncea (Brown mustard).
This nutritious spice is often ground and then mixed with juice such as lemon even wine and among many others.
Many opt for mustard seeds not just that it is a spice, but mainly because, both the leaves, seeds and oil are very significant for culinary and medicinal uses such as the treatment of arthritis, anticancer properties and asthma.
However, they are predominantly cultivated in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asian and African countries to mention a few.
They are highly revered in these countries due to their fantastic benefits to humanity.
Furthermore, despite their tininess, mustard seeds are packed with innumerable nutrients, phytochemical and dietary fiber Such as folate, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, selenium others glucosinolates and isothiocyanate.
Mustard seeds health benefits include; help lower cholesterol, boost skin care, treat Dermatitis, prevent cancer, relieves pains, strengthen Teeth and gum, respiratory disease, help Manage Diabetics, insomnia, promote digestion and strengthen Bone.
Nutritional profile
Water 83.7g
Energy 69kcal
Carbohydrates 6.39g
Protein 4.25g
Potassium 150mg
Magnesium 47.7mg
Phosphorus 108mg
Calcium 63mg
Zinc 0.64mg
Riboflavin 0.066mg
Niacin 0.561mg
1. Lower Cholesterol & Blood Pressure
Mustard seeds are abundant source of essential fatty acids such as omega-3- fatty acid and omega-6- fatty acid, known for a healthy heart. They help by increasing the good cholesterol levels (High density lipoprotein) and decreasing total triglycerides. This helps a hypertensive patients, minimize blood clot even decrease build up on the blood vessels and arteries.
2. Help Prevent Cancer
You can prevent numerous cancer like colon cancer, cervical cancer by using mustard seeds, as it possesses a natural compound, glucosinolates that can inhibit then from growing. It is generally believed that glucosinolates is further break down by enzymes myrosinase into isothiocyanate. This antioxidant, isothiocyanate is very active in killing cancerous cells, prevent cancer cells mutation and toxins.
3. Strengthen The Bone
Mustard seeds are rich source of magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium, helps for bone development. Hence, if eaten assist to strengthen the bone and reduce symptoms of osteoporosis, especially the menopausal people. However, the magnesium and phosphorus ensure that calcium is formed, absorbed and promote utilization.
4. Strengthen Teeth & Gum
Teeth is so important that you need it for chewing foods. Mustard seeds constitute of magnesium, calcium, phosphorus and manganese. Calcium is very active to protect teeth enamel from decaying caused by consumption of high acidic foods. Incorporating mustard seeds in your meal daily will not only prevent bleeding gums but also enhance overall healthy teeth and gums.
5. Treat Respiratory Disease
Mustard seeds are extensively used in the traditional Chinese medicine for treatment of various respiratory disease such as asthma, cold, flu etc,. Messaging the body, and inhaling have been recommended since it can tactically eliminate blocked nasal passage. Mustard seed when used has the capacity to expel mucus and phlegm out of the throat and lung. External applications can reduce asthmatic symptoms, copper, selenium and magnesium are very supportive in this regard.
6. Promote Digestion
Digestion of food begins first in the mouth, mustard seeds enhance secretion of saliva which mix up with the food ensuring partial digestion. It also facilitate metabolic activities which in turn promote release of digestive enzymes needed for proper digestion and absorption, thereby combating symptoms of indigestion. Moreover, the dietary fiber promote bowel movement
7. Treat Dermatitis
This is a disease of the skin, a chronic inflammation featuring scaly and scalp infection. Mustard seeds contains antioxidant strong enough to reduce inflammation and promote recovery.
8. Help Manage Diabetics
Inability of the pancreas to produce enough insulin or insulin insensitivity in the body, is generally believed to be a major causes of type 2 diabetics. Dietitians recommends use of dietary intake with low glycemic index and food rich in fiber for effective management of diabetic patients. Mustard seed is among spice use for cooking, with abundant fiber content, as well as low glycemic index. Incorporating mustard seeds helps improve insulin production and sensitivity; reduce all symptoms of diabetics, and ensure a healthy living.
9. Relieves pains
To minimize pains resulted from toothache, muscular spasms, rheumatism, you should opt for mustard seeds since it has analgesic properties. This properties earned it power to act as pain reliever. Science-based evidence has always recommend natural methods for treatment of pains since there are no preservative on it.
10. Boost Skin Care
Mustard seeds are also good for beautifying skin by elimination of toxins, bacteria and fungal infection. It contains vitamin C and vitamin A, which help to improve skin functions. Therefore, adding it is an excellent means of promoting skin care.
11. May Help Reduce Insomnia
You can also use mustard seeds to mitigate sleeplessness and all factors that contribute to insomnia. It possesses soothing and calming effect which help relax nerves and ward off symptoms linked to insomnia.
