We have a variety of options in nature, especially in flora, which allows us, with adequate knowledge, to treat common pathologies. Many are the benefits of plants, their leaves, their stems, but also their seeds.
In this sense, the mustard seed is found, known worldwide as a culinary product, it was also favored by Mother Nature to provide us with medicinal benefits and it is practically easy to use.
In the following article, we provide you with the necessary information about this spectacular seed, so that you can enjoy all its medicinal properties.
What is mustard seed?
The mustard seed comes from the mustard plant, an annual plant that grows throughout the Mediterranean basin, there are some forty different species in the world, with great gastronomic and medicinal interest.
It exists within the variety of the mustard plant, the so-called white mustard “sinapis alba”, which has a softer and more refined flavor and aroma than the previous one and the spiciness is barely noticeable, used to prepare the yellow mustard.
On the other hand, there is also the black mustard “sinapis nigra” or “brassica nigra” , which has a stronger, more intense and spicy flavor and aroma, used to prepare the brown mustard.
Finally, there is the so-called wild mustard “sinapis arvensis”, which is in an intermediate position between black and white mustard. It is not as strong as the black one but it has more flavor than the white one. It is also called gray mustard because of the color of its grains.
To highlight: Mustard as we know it today, appeared for the first time in France in the year 1220. This is derived from the Latin word “mustum” , the name associated with the seasoning is “moustarde” .
The name mustard is applied to the plant, the seed and the sauce made with these seeds, which are prepared in various ways.
Note: The most used both in gastronomy and in the medicinal part, is yellow mustard or mustard with white seeds or “sinapis alba” (1) .
Mustard seed properties
Mustard seeds or grains are made up mainly of fat (67%) and the rest of its content is divided almost equally between carbohydrates and vegetable protein. The properties described below are of white mustard:
vitamins
As for vitamins , the mustard seed provides us with vitamin C, necessary for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of the body.
Highlights: Used to form an important protein used to make skin, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. It also allows wounds to heal and scar tissue to form.
It also contains vitamin B9, which along with vitamin B12 and vitamin C, works to help the body break down, use, and create new proteins. It helps the formation of red blood cells and the production of DNA.
minerals
These seeds have minerals such as sodium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and selenium.
Sodium is necessary for the transmission and generation of the nerve impulse. Helps muscles respond correctly to stimuli. Every 100 gr of mustard seed provide 13 mg of sodium.
Phosphorus is necessary in the formation of bones and teeth. It plays an important role in how the body uses carbohydrates and fats. It is also necessary for the body to make protein for the growth, maintenance, and repair of cells and tissues. Each 100 gr of mustard seed provide 73 mg of phosphorus.
Potassium is an essential mineral in our body, because it performs important functions such as regulating water inside and outside cells. This function is performed in conjunction with sodium. Every 100 gr of mustard seed provide 738 mg of potassium.
Magnesium regulates muscle and nervous system function, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure. In addition, it helps form proteins, bone mass and DNA. Each 100 gr of mustard seed provide 48 mg of magnesium.
calories
Every 100 gr of mustard seed, provide 508 kcal, which corresponds to 25% of the total caloric needs per day (2,000 kcal).
Mustard seed health benefits
The white mustard seed is very versatile when used as a palliative for pharmacological medicine. Here are some of its benefits:
Promotes the functioning of the cardiovascular system
Mustard seed is a potent source of omega-3 and omega-6 (2) fatty acids, ideal for cardiovascular health, since they have the property of reducing triglyceride levels , while increasing good cholesterol (HDL) levels. ).
These fatty acids help reduce blood pressure in hypertensive individuals, preventing the formation of blood clots and plaques in the arteries.
Stimulates good blood circulation
Mustard seeds, thanks to their sodium and potassium content, stimulate blood circulation, have a vasodilator effect and increase blood pressure moderately, being a natural remedy for cases of hypotension.
It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties, helps combat fluid retention in the body and also contains B-complex antioxidants.
Strengthens the immune system
Mustard contains a large amount of phytochemicals called glucosinolates, which strengthen the immune system and also fight various types of cancer, including bladder, cervical and colon cancer.
Note: With the help of some enzymes, mustard seed is responsible for stopping the development of the disease by neutralizing carcinogens, eliminating their toxic effects and preventing other mutations in cancer cells.
One study describes that “meals obtained from mustard seeds contain bioactive phenolic compounds in the form of sinapic acid and its derivatives; these compounds have shown strong antioxidant activity compared to other natural antioxidants” (3) .
Another study found that “both the oil and the oleoresins showed strong antioxidant activity compared to butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)” (4) .
Improves the functioning of the digestive system
The use of mustard seed increases the production of saliva in the mouth, where the first step of digestion begins. Accelerates metabolism and digestion of food, preventing excess gas and bloating.
Additionally, mustard seeds are an excellent source of dietary fiber that promotes regular bowel movements.
Combat respiratory disorders
Mustard is recognized for the treatment of colds and flu applied in baths, or also when its seeds are eaten during the day. Applied in the form of a paste on the chest, it acts to treat different respiratory conditions, such as asthma or nasal congestion.
Its expectorant and decongestant qualities allow the expulsion of phlegm and mucus from the throat and lungs, favoring the reduction of fever.
To highlight: Due to the presence of minerals such as copper, iron, magnesium and selenium, mustard seeds are also known to be useful in preventing asthma attacks.
Eliminate fluid retention
Thanks to the action of potassium, it regulates the amount of water contained in the body, helping to prevent or combat fluid retention.
stimulates the appetite
Consuming small amounts of mustard before a meal can whet our appetite, stimulating salivation and the production of pancreatic juice for digestion.
Pancreatic juice, among its functions, has to provide the necessary enzymes for the digestion of fats, releasing fatty acids and glycerol. Mustard seed increases the secretion of these pancreatic juices, stimulating the appetite.
To highlight: The potassium content acts as an electrolyte to keep the heart , brain , kidneys and other organic systems working properly. Even more, they have a high content of mucilages, soluble fibers that help in intestinal transit to improve fecal evacuations.
One study found that soluble fibers “lower serum cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease” (5) .
Reduces muscle and joint pain
The potassium and magnesium content in mustard seed promote the proper functioning of our muscles. To relieve muscle aches, apply poultices made from ground white mustard seed.
Note: Thanks to its anti-inflammatory action, mustard seeds are used crushed and applied locally to alleviate muscle and/or joint inflammation.
Reduces migraine
Thanks to the volatile oils of the mustard seed, they act with natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, helping to reduce tension in cases of intense headaches. A natural therapeutic option
Fight fatigue and tiredness
Due to its potassium content, a regulator of electrolytes in the body, it helps in the transmission of electrical signals throughout the body and improves nerve reflexes, helping to mitigate tiredness and fatigue.
Improves skin conditions
Its antioxidant action against free radicals, due to its vitamin C content, helps protect skin cell deterioration.
How to consume mustard seed?
The mustard seed, apart from its famous preparations in sauces, homemade recipes are made for the therapeutic treatment of some conditions. Here are two easy recipes, from which you will get great benefits:
Mustard seed infusion
For pain and throat infections, mustard seeds are ideal for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This recipe is ideal for these cases:
Ingredients:
- Mustard seed
- Water
Preparation and consumption
- Incorporate the seeds in boiling water and let them rest for 15 minutes.
- Filter the liquid and gargle 2 or 3 times a day as you feel its benefits.
Mustard Seed Poultice
For the treatment of skin conditions, we advise you to use the following recipe, since mustard seed, due to its antioxidant properties, stimulates cell regeneration and its content of antibacterial compounds reduces the risk of infections.
Ingredients:
- Mustard seed
- Warm water
- clean cloth
Preparation and application
- Crush a small amount of mustard seeds (whatever you consider necessary) and moisten them with cold water until you get a paste.
- Clean the affected area with cold water and apply the treatment with a gentle massage.
- Let it act for three minutes and rinse
- Use it every day until the skin heals completely.
Key takeaways
- The mustard seed, known worldwide as a culinary product, is an annual plant that grows throughout the Mediterranean basin, there being some forty different species in the world, with great gastronomic and medicinal interest.
- Mustard seed is rich in vitamins such as Vitamin C, B9 and B12; It also has minerals such as magnesium, potassium, sodium and phosphorus. And finally, it is rich in calories, each 100 gr of mustard seed provides 508 kcal, which corresponds to 25% of the total caloric needs per day (2,000 kcal).
- Among its benefits we find that it favors the functioning of the cardiovascular system, stimulates good blood circulation, reduces migraines, decreases muscle and joint pain, stimulates appetite, helps eliminate fluid retention, combats respiratory disorders, improves skin conditions. , among others.
- The mustard seed, apart from its famous preparations in sauces, homemade recipes are made for the treatment of some conditions. One is the infusion, which is used for pain and throat infections. And another way is a mustard seed poultice that is used to treat skin conditions.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.