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Known for their healthy, low calorie and nutritious property, mustard seeds form a popular spice in many cosines around the world. They are grinded to make oil too, which can be applied on the body in winters, as it provides warmth. Of all the three types of mustard seeds, the white ones are less yielding than their two counterparts. They are also the mildest and ones used to make American yellow mustard. The black mustard seeds have the most pungent taste. Brown mustard has a pungent, acrid taste and is used to make Dijon mustard. Owing to their high nutritional value, mustard seeds have been associated with a number of health benefits, adding to their popularity. Today, they are amongst the popular spices traded in the world, with India, Canada, Hungary, Great Britain and United States being the chief producers.

Health Benefits of Eating Mustard Seeds

Mustard Seeds can be regarded as a wholesome package of health. Let us explore their benefits in detail.


* Mustard seeds are a good source of selenium, which is known for its anti-inflammatory effects. Selenium is a nutrient that helps in reducing the severity of asthma, certain symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and even cancer.
* The oil extracted from mustard seeds has an incredible property of lowering high blood pressure
* Mustard oil also helps prevent heart attacks and diabetic heart disease, thus making it the most preferred oil, recommended by doctors and dieticians alike.
* Mustard seeds have proven to be helpful in reducing the frequency of migraine attacks.
* Consuming these seeds is known to help women suffering from distorted sleep patterns, associated with symptoms of menopause
* Mustard seeds contain a lot of phytonutrients called glucosinolates. They also boast of myrosinase enzymes, which can break glucosinolates into other phytonutrients called isothiocyanates, known to have anti-cancer properties.
* The seeds prove to be a good source of omega--3 fatty acids, iron, manganese, zinc, protein, calcium, dietary fiber and niacin.
* Mustard seeds are a good source of magnesium, which helps reduce the severity of asthma, lower high blood pressure, and prevent heart attack in patients suffering from atherosclerosis or diabetic heart disease.
* The magnesium in mustard seeds also helps in speeding up the metabolism of the body, hence improving digestion.
* Mustard seeds are known to have antibacterial, antiseptic as well as antifungal properties.
* Consuming black mustard seeds can help people with a lack of appetite, when taken with milk, 15 minutes before the meal.


Mustard Seeds Nutrition Facts

Amount of Mustard Seeds: 2 tablespoon
Total Weight of Mustard Seeds: 7.48 grams

Nutrients
Basic Components

Protein - 1.88 g
Carbohydrates - 2.60 g
Water - 0.52 g
Ash - 0.32 g

Calories

Total Calories - 35.04 KJ
Calories From Fat - 19.32 KJ
Calories From Saturated Fat - 1.0 KJ

Carbohydrates

Dietary Fiber - 1.08 g

Fats

Total Fat - 2.16 g
Saturated Fat - 0.12 g
Mono Fat - 1.48g
Poly Fat - 0.40 g

Vitamins

Vitamin A IU - 4.64 IU
Vitamin A RE - 0.48 RE
Retinol Activity Equivalent - 0.00 RE
Beta Carotene - 2.76 mcg
Niacin - 0.60 mg
Betaine - 0.00 mg
Choline - 0.00 mg
Vitamin C - 0.24 mg
Vitamin E (Gamma Tocopherol) - 0.20 mg
Folate - 5.68 mcg
Vitamin K - 0.36 mcg

Minerals

Calcium - 38.92 mg
Copper - 0.04 mg
Iron - 0.76 mg
Magnesium - 22.28 mg
Manganese - 0.12 mg
Phosphorus - 62.76 mg
Potassium - 50.96 mg
Selenium - 9.96 mcg
Sodium - 0.32 mg
Zinc - 0.44 mg

Saturated Fats

16:0 Palmitic - 0.04 mg

Mono Fats

18:1 Oleic - 0.44 mg

Poly Fats

18:2 Linoleic - 0.20 mg
18:3 Linolenic - 0.20 mg

Other Fats


Omega 3 Fatty Acids - 0.20 mg
Omega 6 Fatty Acids - 0.20 mg

Amino Acids

Alanine - 0.08 g
Arginine - 0.12 g
Aspartate - 0.16 g
Cystine - 0.04 g
Glutamate - 0.36 g
Glycine - 0.08g
Histidine - 0.04 g
Isoleucine - 0.08g
Leucine - 0.12 g
Lysine - 0.12 g
Methionine - 0.04 g
Phenylalanine - 0.08 g
Proline - 0.16 g
Serine - 0.08 g
Threonine - 0.08 g
Tryptophan - 0.04 g
Tyrosine - 0.04 g
Valine - 0.08 g


Caution

* Mustard seeds are not categorized among allergic foods, however carelessly-eaten strong seeds can have a strong and painful effect on the nasal membranes.


Buying & Storing Tips


* Different varieties of mustard seeds are available in market, in both whole and powdered form.
* It is advisable to buy the seeds from a local grocery store, like other spices, as they offer more original, unadulterated and fresh seeds.
* Purchasing whole mustard seeds will also ensure that you are buying unadulterated mustard, which has not been mixed with any other spice.
* While buying mustard seeds, ensure that they are organically grown and not exposed to any form of radiatios. Radiations causes decrease in the level of the vitamin C present in the spice.
* The ideal way of storing mustard seeds is by keeping them in a tightly sealed container, in a cool, dark and dry room.
* You should refrigerate both prepared mustard and mustard oil.



Cooking Tips

* Mustard seeds add an aromatic effect to the food, when fried in oil.
* Dijon mustard sauce, which is prepared from brown mustard seeds, can be used for dressing. Combined with honey, it results in deliciously sweet dipping sauce.
* The seeds of white, black and brown mustard can be sprinkled on rice, vegetables and salads, to add color and flavor.
* Non-vegetarians can rub bottled mustard on their meat, to give it a distinctive flavor.
* Mustard powder can be used in salad dressings, pickles, egg dishes and vinaigrettes.