16 Amazing Benefits Of Mustard Seeds For Skin, Hair, And Health

Mustard seeds are an essential spice. But, while you might be using them every day, are you aware of the many benefits of mustard seeds? There are many such spices that add that subtle flavor to your food and help improve your health. Mustard seeds are commonly available in white, brown, and black variants. These vary in their taste and pungency too.

While mustard seeds are popularly used for seasoning or making curry pastes, they are also used to make mustard ketchup or spreads in American and other cuisines. Mustard seeds are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help improve many health conditions (1), (2). These tiny seeds are also replete with essential nutrients for the growth and development of your bones. Continue reading to explore the many benefits of mustard seeds.

Continue reading to explore the many benefits of mustard seeds.

Know Your Ingredient: Mustard Seeds

What Is It?
Small round seeds of the mustard plant.

What Are Its Benefits?
May relieve congestion, improve skin health, promote hair growth, and relieve muscle pain.

Who Can Use It?
Anyone can consume it except for people who frequently take antacids and who take anticoagulant medication.

How Often?
It is best to consume it every day for optimal health.

Caution
Avoid consuming it if it causes stomach pain.

Health Benefits Of Mustard Seeds

Is mustard good for you? The answer is yes. Apart from the taste benefits of mustard seeds and the easy availability that made them popular, mustard seeds offer numerous medicinal and health benefits. Some of the health benefits of mustard seeds are mentioned below.

1. Reduce The Risk Of Cancer

Compounds like glucosinolatesⁱ  XA group of secondary metabolites (competitive molecules) found in cruciferous vegetables, such as cauliflower and broccoli. and myrosinase in mustard seeds are known to use phytochemicalsⁱ  XChemical compounds found in plants that protect them against bacteria, fungi, or viruses and are rich in vitamins and minerals. that inhibit the growth of cancer cells. This is definitely a major mustard seeds health benefit (3). However, more research on humans is needed to understand this phenomenon of mustard seeds.

2. Rheumatic Arthritis

Mustard seeds may help relieve symptoms of rheumatic arthritisⁱ  XAn autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation, bone erosion and pain in the joints, especially those of the hands and feet.  (4). Also, much anecdotal evidence suggests that the selenium and magnesium content in mustard seeds may help provide relief from this problem.

3. Migraine

Migraine occurrence also reduces owing to the magnesium content present in the mustard seed (5), (6).

4. Respiration Congestion

Mustard seeds or mustard, in general, is known to relieve any congestion problems in respiration (7). In addition, mustard seeds contain compounds like allyl isothiocyanate, which has antibacterial qualities and can help ward off bacteria and viruses that may cause congestion. However, limited data is available to prove this claim.

5. Disease Prevention

Mustard seeds contain essential nutrients that help prevent certain diseases from occurring. They exhibit anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent tumor cell growth and may also prevent chronic diseases like arthritis.

6. Dietary Fiber

Mustard seeds are a good source of dietary fibers that improve digestion in the body. They make bowel movements better, thus improving the overall metabolism of the body. The fiber content may also help promote gut health and reduce diarrhea.

7. Cancer Risk Prevention

Selenium content in mustard seeds provides good resistance to the body against cancer cell formation. It is known to slow down the rate of development of cancer cells and also acts as an antioxidant (7).

8. Blood Pressure and Menopausal Relief

A number of nutrients present in mustard seeds like copper, iron, magnesium and selenium also assist in the treatment of blood pressure and menopauseⁱ  XIt marks the end of monthly menstrual cycles in women between the age of 40 and 50 due to a decline in female reproductive hormones. relief. However, limited data is available in this regard.

9. Asthma

Mustard seeds are also known to be beneficial for people with asthma. The presence of minerals like copper, magnesium, iron, and selenium in it is responsible for the prevention of asthma attacks (8).

Skin Benefits Of Mustard Seeds

10. Natural scrub: Mustard seeds are a natural scrub. You can add it to either lavender or rose essential oil. Use this mix to scrub your face and exfoliate dead skin.

11. Hydrates skin: Mustard seeds, used with aloe vera gel, can act as a great combination to hydrate your skin. It may help remove all impurities from your face and nourish it from within.

12. Slows Down The Signs Of Aging: Mustard seeds make for a great source of carotene and lutein. It is also a great powerhouse of vitamins A, C, and K. Also, anecdotal evidence suggests that the bioactive compounds in mustard seeds possess antioxidant properties, which may help protect cells from free radical damage and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. However, there is limited data available to prove these claims.

13. Fights infections: These seeds contain a good amount of sulfur, which is known for its antifungal properties. Much anecdotal evidence suggests that they help ward off skin infections, both when taken orally or used topically.

Hair Benefits Of Mustard Seeds

14. Hair growth: Mustard oil, extracted from mustard seeds, is a good source of Vitamin A. Vitamin A is a great nutrient for hair growth. Mustard seed oil also acts as a great stimulant when used topically, which leads to faster hair growth (9).

15. Strengthens hair: Mustard seeds contain protein, calcium, vitamin A and E, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. All of these together strengthen your hair from within. Strengthened hair means lesser hair fall too.

16. Conditions: Mustard seeds contain fatty acids. These are known to condition your hair from deep within when used topically or orally. It also gives hair a good shine and bounce.

Other Uses

1. Removes Odor: If your jars start to smell like the spices or ingredients you store in them, using mustard seeds can help. Warm a little water and add it to the jar. Also add a little mustard seed powder or paste to the jar and shake it well. Pour it out. You would be surprised how the smell goes away.
2. Relieves Muscle Pains: Stiff muscles or sore and aching muscles can be treated with mustard seeds too. Just soak yourself in a tub of warm water with some mustard seeds powder dissolved in it to relieve pain. Anecdotal evidence suggests that sinigrin and myrosinase, two substances found in mustard seeds, react chemically with water to make allyl isothiocyanate. This compound has been demonstrated to have pain-killing and anti-inflammatory qualities, which may help ease soreness and inflammation in the muscles.
3. Treats Cold: Mustard seeds are powerful superfoods and can be used to relieve congestion caused by bad cough or cold. However, there is not much scientific evidence to prove the same.
4. Treats Back Pain: The extract of mustard seeds is useful in relieving spasms and back pain (10).
5. Treats Fever: Mustard seeds induce heavy sweating, which is used to lower fever. It helps release toxins from the body and has been useful in flu and cold treatment too. However, limited data is available to prove these claims.

Many varieties of mustard seeds are available worldwide, each with its unique flavor profile and culinary uses. Learn more about them below.

Types Of Mustard Seeds

The most common varieties are yellow, brown, and black mustard seeds.

• Yellow Mustard Seeds: They are also known as white mustard and have a mild and slightly tangy flavor. They are used to make the classic yellow mustard condiment.
• Brown Mustard Seeds: They have a more pungent and robust flavor and are used to make Dijon mustard, a staple in French cuisine.
• Black Mustard Seeds: They are the spiciest type with a strong, almost horseradish-like heat. They are frequently used in Indian and African cuisines to add zest to curries and pickles.

How To Select Mustard Seeds

1. Always try and buy organically-grown mustard seeds.
2. Check for manufacturing dates.
3. Check the expiry date.

How To Store

1. Always store mustard seeds in a cool place.
2. Store it in an air-tight container so that it is sealed properly.
3. The container must be completely dry.
4. The shelf where you place the container should not be moist.
5. Whole mustard seeds can last up to one year (at least) and powdered or ground ones last as long as six months.

How To Use

1. Mustard seeds are largely used for tempering dishes.
2. It is also used in non-vegetarian dishes to enhance the taste of meats and fishes.
3. It can also be used for pickling and in food condiments such as chutneys.
4. Another great way of putting mustard seeds to use is in salad dressings.
5. Brown mustard seeds are used for garnishing, once sautéed in oil a little.
6. Make sure you don’t overcook mustard seeds or their taste may turn bitter.

A blogger shared that her mom suggests it is necessary to pop mustard seeds in oil before adding them to your dishes. However, since she was on a diet that restricts the use of fats, she tried popping them without oil on a heated pan. She states in one of her blog posts, “There was no audible popping. But after a few minutes, on close inspection, I saw that the seeds have a small crack in them (i).”

In case mustard seeds are unavailable, you may also use mustard seed nutritional supplements to enjoy its benefits. However, consult a doctor before using it.

Trivia

Yellow mustard seeds are ground and mixed with other condiments to make the popular American mustard sandwich spread.

Interesting Facts About Mustard Seeds

1. Mustard seeds belong to the mustard plant. Mustard plant is a part of cruciferous plant family. This same family of plant includes cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and even cauliflower.
2. Mustard seed is the second most popular spice that is traded around the world.
3. Mustard has been mentioned around 5 times in the Bible. It has once been mentioned as the greatest herb ever.

Recipes Using Mustard Seeds

1. Mustard Seeds Rice

• Boil some rice.
• Right before serving, temper a little ghee in a pan, add yellow, white and brown mustard seeds.
• Add some cumin seeds.
• Once they start to splutter, add rice and serve immediately.
• Mustard seeds will add a new flavour to the rice.
• Serve it hot with other vegetables, curry or dal.]

Trivia

The word ‘mustard’ is derived from the Latin words ‘mustum ardens,’ meaning ‘burning wines.’ This is because this condiment was prepared by combining crushed mustard with wine.

2. Mustard Seeds Dip Sauce

• Add mustard seeds, honey and few other seasonings of your choice together.
• This would make for a pungent yet sweet tasting dip.

3. Cabbage With Mustard Seeds

• Chop some cabbage and onions.
• Heat some oil. Sprinkle mustard seeds all over and cover the lid immediately.
• Wait till the seeds settle down and stop spluttering or popping.
• Now add cabbage and onions.
• Heat it on a medium flame.
• Now cook it till the cabbage turns a little tender and add salt to taste.
• Serve it as a crunchy side dish.
• It can also be used as a filling in quesadillas.
• Many people add this to pasta by tossing it along and make it a main dish.
• The next time you use mustard seeds, remember you’re having a plateful of benefits. Hope you can put the information shared through this article to use. Please leave us your comments below. Thank you!

Mustard Seeds USDA Nutrition Chart

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 100 grams of mustard seeds contain (11):

Mustard seeds of weight one tablespoon in one serving contain the following nutrients.

• It has 32 calories, 2.28 grams of fat, 0.818 mg of sodium, 0 mg of cholesterol, 1.77 grams of carbs, and 1.64 grams of proteins.

• Apart from this, the dietary value of Calcium, iron, vitamin C, Vitamin A are 65, 6%, 1% and 0% respectively in this quantity.

Infographic: Top 7 Reasons To Have Mustard Seeds

The mustard seed yields the famous mustard oil, and just like the latter, these seeds contain antioxidant properties and beneficial nutrients that can boost your health if included in your dietary and healthy eating habits. These seeds can help you deal with common health ailments, and address skin and hair issues.

See the infographic below for more information on this remarkable elixir that can help you resolve your problems.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How to eat mustard seeds for weight loss?

Prepare mustard seed paste and add it to your favorite curries or sprinkle some ground mustard seeds on your salads. These seeds are low in calories and high in fiber, so incorporating them into your diet may aid in weight loss. However, there is not much scientific evidence to prove this claim.

What do mustard seeds taste like?

Mustard seeds have a pungent taste after chewing, and their flavor varies with their type.

How to cook mustard seeds?

Heat some oil in a pan and add the mustard seeds. Once the seeds have popped, reduce the flame and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Is it OK to eat mustard seeds every day?

Yes. Daily intake of mustard seeds in moderation is considered safe. If you consume them in excess, it may cause some side effects like digestive discomfort and allergic reactions.

Do mustard seeds contain cyanide?

Yes. Mustard seeds contain traces of toxic compounds like sinigrin, which can potentially be converted into hydrogen cyanide under certain conditions. High levels of this cyanide may cause airway irritation and edemaⁱ  XSwelling or puffiness caused by excess fluid trapped in the body due to a leak in a blood vessel. .

Does mustard contain curcumin?

Only American mustard contains curcumin. It is a powerful antioxidant, which is also responsible for its yellow color.

Which is better: yellow or black mustard seeds?

Yellow mustard is milder and better suits condiments, while black mustard is spicier and helps maintain the original flavor of food.

Does mustard help you sleep?

Possibly. Mustard seeds are rich in magnesium. This nutrient is linked to better sleep quality and duration (12).

Does mustard lower blood sugar?

Yes, it may lower blood sugar levels. A few animal studies suggest that mustard oil helps lower blood glucose levels and increase insulin concentration (13). However, more research on humans is warranted.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Gabrielle KaneMS, RDN, CSP, LD

   

Gabby is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with 11 years of experience. She is also the founder of Peak Performance Nutrition LLC in Houston, Texas. She coaches both adults and children to their peak health using the power of sustainable lifestyle change. In addition to a BA in Nutrition and Psychology from Case Western Reserve University, she also has a Master's...more

Tanya ChoudharyHealth & Wellness Writer

Tanya is an ISSA certified Specialist in Fitness & Nutrition. She specializes in writing articles on ingredients that benefit skin, hair, and health. She believes in the right health and lifestyle practices and strives to promote the same to everyone around her. She finds purpose in creating authentic and useful content that can impact people's health in better ways. In...more

Ravi Teja TadimallaSenior Editor

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a senior editor and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over eight years. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University. He has written over 300 articles about ingredients and their benefits for the skin, hair, and health. He...more

Moksha GandhiHealth & Wellness Writer

Moksha is a health and wellness writer and a certified diet and nutrition coach. Her passion for science and writing has helped her excel in crafting evidence-based articles. Her previous experience in writing science-based research papers ensures that her articles are grounded in research and provide practical tips that are reader-focused. Moksha graduated from Mumbai University and was a key...more