June 22, 2015 · Written by Foodtolive Team
Mustard Seed Health Benefits and Uses: A Healthy Addition to Your Pantry
Mustard seeds are much more versatile than mustard you use for BBQ and hot-dogs. You will definitely be able to appreciate the difference between them when you add some high-quality seeds to your pantry. In fact, there are so many mustard seed health benefits that you would gain a lot by buying them, even without the added perk of many uses they can have in your kitchen.
The mustard plant grows in various regions of both Europe and Asia. Its seeds have been used by different tribes for over 5000 years and are an important ingredient in many world cuisines even today. Mustard, as we know it today, was actually invented by the Ancient Romans. It is made of ground seeds and can be rather hot.
Even in the ancient times, people recognized that culinary properties of mustard seeds weren’t the only important thing they could offer. These seeds have been widely used by physicians in many countries. Even the “father of medicine” Hippocrates was an active advocate of mustard-based treatments.
The Most Notable Mustard Seeds Benefits for Your Health
Mustard seeds make a great spice that can add flavor to almost any dish and goes exceptionally well with meat and fish. However, there are some much more important mustard seed benefits that you need to know:
- Protection from some forms of cancer.
Mustard seeds are literally packed with phytonutrients. This makes them a potent tool you can use for cancer prevention. The risk of developing some forms of this dreadful disease gets significantly reduced when your body is full of these nutrients. Gastrointestinal cancer reacts most to these seeds. Therefore, they can both protect you from it and help fight the disease if it has already developed.
Please don’t forget that there isn’t a food or medication that can protect you from cancer with 100% guarantee. The best you can hope for is to reduce the risk of developing this disease through a well-balanced diet.Sponsored by Food to live
- Control over the symptoms of asthma.
Mustard is extremely effective for treating various respiratory conditions, including asthma. The seeds possess exceptional anti-inflammatory properties and are rich in magnesium and selenium. This allows them to soothe the respiratory system and keep asthma symptoms at bay. They also help with chest congestion and cold. - Relief for rheumatoid, arthritic, and muscle pains.
The same properties that allow mustard seeds to fight the symptoms of respiratory diseases also help with various kinds of pains induced by inflammation. The heat produced by the seeds activates the anti-inflammatory effect and soothes the pain of rheumatoid arthritis or inflamed muscles. The most efficient use for the seeds if you want to employ them as a pain reliever is to make a small bundle of them in a piece of muslin cloth and put it into a bath full of hot water. Soak for a while and you’ll feel much better. - Treatment of constipation, piles, and fissures.
Mustard seeds have one truly unique property. They contain a very special substance called mucilage. It is packed with fiber and can effectively treat constipation and relieve the symptoms of some other unpleasant disorders. The seeds of this plant stimulate the production of saliva, which is another important reason that allows them to fight some gastrointestinal problems.
Other Uses of Mustard Seeds
Apart from the aforementioned health benefits, there is also quite a few cosmetic mustard seed uses you can benefit from. These are exceptionally effective for the following purposes:
- Treatment of skin infections.
Acne and skin infections are very common and make many people suffer on a daily basis. Mustard seeds are rich in sulfur, which is an incredibly effective treatment for the vast majority of such infections. It can kill bacteria and fungi really quickly. You should employ the treatment as soon as the first signs of the problem appear in order to avoid scarring. - Hair growth stimulation.
Mustard is, probably, the most potent herbal health growth stimulant that has been used for centuries. It is rich in nutrients and especially beta carotene. When combined, all the mustard seed properties react to promote hair growth. This works for both, enhancing the look and thickness of healthy locks and fighting hair loss. If the condition is serious, you should use mustard oil at least once a week. Apart from stimulating the growth of new hairs, this will help you get rid of dandruff and will overall improve the look and health of your tresses. - Slow down aging.
Some of the flavonoids these seeds contain are extremely potent antioxidants. As such, they can effectively fight free radicals and slow down the process of aging. The trick is to start adding them to your diet before the more pronounced signs, such as deep wrinkles, make an appearance. - Assistance with weight loss.
Mustard seeds are packed with B vitamins, which means they can boost your metabolism. This is a great help for any weight loss program and will help you burn off excess fats much faster.
As you can see, mustard seeds are indeed a welcome addition to any pantry. The health benefits they offer can be matched only by the rich flavor of foods you can cook with this spice. These seeds are easily available in any supermarket, but you should be careful when shopping for them as the quality of the spices and herbs you can buy from such stores is often rather poor.
