Mustard Oil: Pros and Cons of the Popular Cooking Oil in India

Mustard oil is a type of vegetable oil that is extracted from the seeds of the mustard plant. It has a distinctive pungent aroma and a spicy taste that adds flavor to many dishes. Mustard oil is widely used in Indian cuisine, especially in North Indian, Bengali and Nepali dishes. It is also used for massage, hair care and skin care in some parts of India.

But is mustard oil good for you? What are the benefits and risks of using this oil? In this article, we will explore some of the pros and cons of mustard oil based on scientific evidence and traditional wisdom.

## Pros of Mustard Oil

- **Cardiovascular health:** Mustard oil is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), which are considered to be beneficial for heart health. MUFAs can help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL) levels in the blood, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases . One systematic review found that people with diets rich in MUFAs had lower blood pressure and less body fat than others who consumed fewer of these acids. A high proportion of body fat and high blood pressure increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

- **Anti-inflammatory properties:** Mustard oil contains a compound called allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), which has anti-inflammatory potential. AITC can inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and cytokines, which are involved in various inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, asthma, colitis and dermatitis . One study found that AITC reduced inflammation and had a range of other benefits in mice with colitis.

- **Skin health:** Mustard oil is packed with vitamin E, which is a natural protector of the skin. Vitamin E helps with aging, blocking UV rays and preventing skin cancer. Mustard oil can also be used to treat rashes, infections, dryness and itching on the skin due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties . It can also help lighten dark spots and pigmentation on the skin when applied regularly.

- **Hair health:** Mustard oil can help prevent hair loss and premature greying by stimulating blood circulation to the scalp and nourishing the hair follicles . It can also act as a natural conditioner for dry and frizzy hair by providing moisture and shine. When used as a hot oil treatment regularly, mustard oil can result in shiny, luxurious locks.

- **Digestive health:** Mustard oil can stimulate digestion by increasing saliva production and bile secretion . It can also help prevent constipation by promoting peristalsis (the movement of food through the intestines)[^5^. It can also help prevent intestinal parasites by killing them with its pungent compounds[^5^. 

## Cons of Mustard Oil

- **Erucic acid content:** The main drawback of mustard oil is its high content of erucic acid, which is a type of MUFA that has been linked to various health problems such as heart damage, respiratory distress, anemia

and developmental delays in children when consumed in large doses or over long periods

of time[^1^. The Food

and Drug Administration (FDA) has prohibited

the use

of mustard

oil as

a cooking

oil

in

the United States due to this reason[^1^. However,

some studies have suggested that erucic acid may not be harmful at moderate levels or when balanced with other fatty acids such as omega-3s[^1^. Therefore,

the safety

of mustard

oil may depend on its quality,

source,

processing method

and consumption amount.

- **Allergic reactions:** Some people may be allergic to mustard or its components such as AITC. This may cause minor symptoms such as redness,

itching,

dryness or swelling on

the skin or more serious reactions such as difficulty breathing,

swelling

of throat,

hives or anaphylaxis when ingested or applied topically[^1^. Therefore,

it is advisable to do a patch test before using mustard oil on your skin or consult your doctor before consuming it if you have any known allergies.