Mustard is one of the condiments people have today. It is usually mixed with salt, wine, lemon juice, vinegar, and water to yield a past or sauce that adds flavor to food people eat. The following are the health benefits of mustard, along with a sample recipe.
Health Benefits
Anti-Cancer
One health benefit of mustard is its ability to combat cancer. According to Organic Facts, the plant contains phytonutrients called glucosinates, which are capable of fighting various types of cancer like colon, bladder, and cervical. As per the publication, these phytonutrients break down to produce isothiocyanates with the health of the enzymed called myrosinase. As per studied, as cited by the publication, such agents have the ability to inhibit cancer cell growth and check formation of malignant cells. In addition, the seeds help regain glutathione levels in the body and trigger apoptosis without involving normal health cells.
Anti-Inflammatory
Another health benefit of mustard is it anti-inflammatory property. According to The Health Site, the plant is rich in selenium and magnesium, which relieves arthritic, rheumatoid, and muscle pan. As per the publication, mustard paste heats up the affected area and helps loosen the muscles, alleviating the pain. Selenium also helps protect cells from damage due to stress and internal agents like toxins and free radicals. To relieve pain, as per the publication, small bundle of seeds are placed in a muslin cloth and is added to warm bath water. Then, the feet or body is soaked during bath for instant relief.
Bone and Teeth Strength
Mustard also promotes the strength of teeth and bones with calcium, in addition to maintaining regular heart contraction. According to Live Strong, each tablespoon of yellow mustard contains nine milligrams of calcium. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, as cited the publication, adult men need 1,000 mg per day while adult women need 1,000 mg of the mineral per day until 50 years old.
Vitamins
Mustard also has a complete set of vitamins – A, B, C, D, E, and K, as per World’s Healthiest Foods. Vitamin A helps promote vision and skin and mucus membrane integrity while vitamin B promotes brain functions like cognition, memory, sensation, and perception. Then, vitamin C promotes the function of the immune system, keeping the body in defense mode against microorganisms and illness. It also improves the function of collagen, a substance that acts as cement to bind loosely connected cells and tissues. It also has vitamin D, which assists in calcium absorption, and vitamin E, which promotes skin health. Vitamin K also helps in blood clotting, preventing too much bleeding in the body.
Sample Recipe
According to Foot Network, the ingredients of a mustard recipe include one-fourth cup of dry mustard powder, two teaspoons of light brown sugar, a teaspoon of Kosher salt, half teaspoon of turmeric, one-fourth teaspoon of paprika, one-fourth teaspoon of garlic powder, half cup of sweet pickle juice, one-fourth cup of water, half cup of cider vinegar, and one-fourth cup of mustard seed.
To prepare, as per the publication, the mustard, sugar, garlic powder, paprika, turmeric, and salt are mixed in a microwave bowl. Next, the water, cider vinegar, and pickle juice are mixed in a separate container. Then, the mustard seed is placed into a spice grinder and is ground for about a minute, stopping to occasionally pulse. Once done, the mustard is immediately added to the bowl with the dry ingredients and the liquid mixture is added. The bowl is placed into the microwave and is heated for a minute. After that, the bowl is removed from the microwave and the ingredients are pureed with a stick blender for a minute. The output is poured into a glass jar or container and is allowed to cool. Once done, it is covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Mustard is a nutritious food ingredient and several health benefits allow its inclusion in various meal recipes to promote a person’s health and well-being.
