Originally published January 5 2011
Pass the mustard and those health benefits please
by Christine Roberts
(NaturalNews) Pass the mustard please is a familiar request heard around the modern dinner table as its versatile culinary uses have become greatly appreciated. Beginning around 5000 years ago people were passing the mustard by the way of seeds and discovering their vast health advantages and nutritional benefits.
Mustard seeds are high in antioxidants and are nutrient dense with selenium, which is known to have anti-inflammatory properties. One teaspoon of white mustard seed, which is the kind used for the yellow condiment, is packed with 87.1mg of omega-3 fatty acids, 84.2mg of omega-6 fatty acids, 22.2mg of potassium, 27.3mg of phosphorous, 9.7mg of magnesium and 16.9 mg of calcium. These high amounts of body beneficial substances in the seeds when consumed encourage the body to speed up metabolism, lower blood pressure and prevent atherosclerosis.
Mustard seeds have antiseptic as well as anti-fungal properties. This makes them very useful for purging the digestive system and increasing the body's natural defence system.
Mustard seeds consumed on a regular basis have been found to be beneficial for reducing the frequency of migraines.
Mustard pastes and seeds can be found in grocery stores, health food shops and farmer's markets. Products with the least amount of fillers and preservatives are likely to have more health benefits. Mustard can also be prepared from scratch by blending mustard seeds and vinegar, macerating them into a paste and then adding spices. Mustard seeds and powders should be stored in a cool dry dark place within a sealed container. Mustard oil and prepared pastes should be kept refrigerated.
Mustard can be used in preparations of hot compresses to help reduce the impact of strains and sprains in the body, or they can be used in poultices and plasters which can be massaged onto the chest to encourage the decongesting of blocked sinuses and lungs.
Throughout history mustard seeds have been used around the home to ward off evil spirits, in hair tonics to reduce hair loss and sewn into garments to encourage feelings of security; they have also been consumed as an aphrodisiac.
Use more mustard daily by consuming sauces and dips with mustard as the main ingredient. Use mustard oil as part of a daily scalp conditioning practice or try simmering mustard oil in a burner for some spicy aromatherapy.
Adding more mustard into daily life should at the very least tantalize the taste buds and warm the body aches.
Sources:
http://homecooking.about.com/od/foodhealthin...
http://guide2herbalremedies.com/health-benef...
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foo...
About the author
Christine Roberts is a certified Natural Health Consultant who enjoys yoga, healing arts, heirloom gardening and writing. She provides resources, inspiration and support to those seeking holistic guidence. She offers help in person as well as through her online site http://www.holisticambtions.com in a means to encourage everyone to live their best lives naturally. She also works full time as an eco friendly cleaning technician.
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