Mustard may not be consumed as much as ketchup and mayonnaise, the two main sauces of hamburgers. There are few mustard lovers for this reason, we want this number to increase, since it is a very healthy and beneficial food.
Its benefits are found in both seeds as in the plant leaves. The latter have dietary fiber and are a rich source of vitamins K, A, C and E, among others that we will discuss below. We want you to know what properties and benefits this plant can give us. A plant from which the delicious mustard is made.
Medicinal benefits of mustard
Mustard is an herb that has been endowed with many medicinal qualities. Here we tell you which are the most relevant:
- It is a powerful natural laxative. The variety that has the white seed is softer than the black seed.
- White seeds are a rich source of vegetable oil, proteins and various minerals, such as potassium, calcium and magnesium that help treat hypotension or low blood pressure.
- Increases blood pressure and stimulates blood circulation, thus deflating tissues.
- It is used to treat headaches, symptoms of the common cold and cough.
- Consuming a tablespoon of seeds twice a day daily helps treat constipation.
- Treat respiratory problems like asthma.
- Mustard stimulates the appetite. You can mix a tablespoon of black mustard seeds with milk, an ideal drink to take 15 minutes before each meal.
- On the other hand, it improves the treatments of rheumatic diseases, such as osteoarthritis, arthritis or gout.
- It helps to decrease pain and inflammation of the affected areas.
- Regular consumption of mustard can be useful to keep different types of cancer at bay such as breast, colon, ovarian, prostate or the growth of tumor cells.
Benefits of mustard greens
Mustard is divided into two important parts if we count its leaves on the one hand and its seeds on the other. We will first focus on the best qualities of its leaves.
- It is a detoxifying food. It contains glucosinolates, a compound that protects the liver and helps improve its performance.
- The chlorophyll in the leaves also removes toxins from the bloodstream, neutralizes heavy metals, chemicals and pesticides that can reach our body.
- Lowers blood cholesterol. Mustard leaf improves bile production and what it uses is circulating cholesterol. This also helps lower your risk of heart disease.
- Help fight Osteoporosis. Provides a large amount of Vitamin K, so our body will be free of clots, bone mineralization or bone calcification in areas where there should be no calcium.
Mustard seed benefits
Mustard is a source of a multitude of nutrients, including calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, choline, omega 3, selenium, phytosterols and fiber.
Selenium is in charge of maintaining a good metabolism and a good functioning of the thyroidIn addition, its glucosinolates, curcumin or isothiocinates protect us against cancer.
- Improves digestion by producing more saliva.
- Prevents some types of Cancer, like the colon or stomach.
- Regulates the thyroid.
- It's a anti-inflammatory natural.
- Relieves muscle and joint pain.
- Prevents colds and flu.
- Improve our eye vision.
- It prevents us from having constipation, since its fiber and mucilage content improve the intestinal transit.
Mustard at home
If you want to make Dijon mustard at home it is as simple as getting some seeds and some vinegar or wine.
Soak the seeds in water with a little wine or vinegar until well softened. Pass them through a food processor, mash until you get a sauce similar to the one you buy in the supermarket. You can season it if you like with thyme, tarragon, pepper, paprika. Let your imagination run wild and make various types of homemade mustard.
On the other hand, mustard greens can also be consumed in different ways. You can fry them or steam them, seasoning them to taste. On the other hand, you can also make a decoction and consume it as an infusion.
Mustard can go very well with meat, fish or for dressings of salads or vegetables.
Contraindications
The abuse of mustard consumption can cause long-term irritation and bleeding in the stomach. For this reason it has to be consumed in moderation. Besides, its flavor is usually linked to vinegar, so it is not easy to consume either, apart from the fact that other varieties are spicy.
It is advisable to use mustard a maximum of twice a week so as not to cause us harm and still improve our state of health and benefit from all its medicinal properties.