Mustard oil (especially pure or cold-pressed) is extremely helpful in keeping the heart healthy, controlling cholesterol, improving digestion, and reducing body inflammation [1, 5, 7]. It contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, which help lower blood pressure and fat [1, 4]. However, excessive consumption may lead to digestive issues, allergies, or lung risks [9, 14].
Main benefits and effects of consuming mustard oil:
Heart and Cholesterol: Mustard oil helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL), reducing the risk of heart disease [4, 7, 12].
Digestion and Inflammation Reduction: It aids digestion by increasing bile secretion, and its anti-inflammatory properties reduce body inflammation or pain [3, 6, 11].
Relief from Cold and Cough: Massaging mustard oil on the chest or inhaling its scent helps relieve congestion and cold symptoms [5].
Nutritional Value: It is rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for health [7].
Precautions: Consuming too much mustard oil can cause allergies, skin irritation, or stomach problems [9]. Additionally, due to high erucic acid content, consuming it in very large quantities can be harmful to the heart in the long run [14].
It is best to use pure mustard oil in moderation, especially for tempering food or in 'bhorta' [12, 14].