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Mustard oil has long been a staple in Indian kitchens, celebrated for its distinctive flavour and impressive health benefits. On this Doctors' Day, let's explore the multifaceted health benefits of mustard oil, endorsed by medical professionals for its heart health benefits, cholesterol management, traditional therapeutic uses, skin and hair health, and more.
Mustard Oil for Heart Health
Cardiovascular Wellness
According to Dr. T.S. Kler, Chairman of Fortis Heart and Vascular Institute, “Mustard oil is one of the healthiest edible oils available. It contains low amounts of saturated fatty acids and high amounts of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). These fats are beneficial for heart health, reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) and increasing good cholesterol (HDL).”
Comprehensive Heart-Friendly Profile
“A heart-friendly oil should be cholesterol- and trans-fat free, low in saturated fats and high in monounsaturated fat (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fat (PUFA), it should have an ideal N6 to N3 acids ratio and a high smoking point. Mustard oil meets all these criteria and that’s why it is the best cooking oil,” said Dr. S.C. Manchanda, senior consultant cardiologist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.
Mustard Oil for Managing Cholesterol
Dr. Arvind Das, Head of Cardiology at Max Hospital, emphasizes, “Home-ground mustard oil contains essential fatty acids that play a crucial role in reducing bad cholesterol levels, aiding heart health and overall wellness.”
Mustard Oil for Pain Relief and Inflammation
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, a specialist in Ayurveda, highlights mustard oil’s traditional use: “When applied to the skin, it causes a warming sensation that increases blood flow to the area, potentially alleviating pain. This makes mustard oil a valuable component in traditional massages and pain relief therapies.”
Mustard Oil for Gut Health
Dr. Manjari Chandra, a specialist in Therapeutic Nutrition, views cold-pressed mustard oil as a powerful detoxifying agent: “Cold-pressed mustard oil, especially when combined with vegetables loaded with healthy phytochemicals like beta carotene, lycopene, flavonoids, and isothiocyanates, acts as a potent detoxifying agent.”
Mustard Oil for Skin Benefits
Dr. Sirisha Singh, a dermatologist, notes, “Mustard oil helps decrease the growth of certain bacteria and fungi. Application of mustard oil may reduce the chances of some skin infections. Mustard oil is high in vitamin E and alpha-linolenic acid. It is very good for hydrating the skin. It can slow down the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and hydrate the skin.”
Mustard Oil for Hair Benefits
Dr. Saurabh Shah, a dermatologist and hair transplant surgeon, explains, “Mustard oil stands out for its rich content of alpha fatty acids. These acids play a crucial role in locking moisture into the hair, providing a natural conditioning effect that spans from the roots to the tips.”
Conclusion
The consensus among medical experts is clear: mustard oil is a powerhouse of health benefits. Whether it's reducing the risk of heart disease, managing cholesterol levels, offering traditional therapeutic uses, or supporting skin and hair health, mustard oil proves to be an invaluable addition to our diets. On this Doctors' Day, let's celebrate the multifaceted benefits of mustard oil and acknowledge the medical professionals who advocate for its use.
