Amazing Health Benefits and Uses of Mustard Seeds

Mustard seeds are tiny little seeds with a warm, nutty, and earthy aroma. These tiny seeds are the second most-used spice in the United States and are equally popular in other parts of the world. Belonging to the brassica nigra family, mustard seeds are native to the Middle East where they are used whole and ground into powder. 

They have been a common ingredient in world cuisines since ancient times because of their versatility and benefits. The benefits of mustard seeds go far beyond just enriching the taste and texture of dishes. These tiny, aromatic seeds are naturally loaded with vitamins, minerals, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Even just chewing a handful of mustard seeds daily provides tremendous benefits to your health in the long term. 

Health Benefits of Mustard Seeds

Mustard seeds are one of the most wholesome and nutritious spices out there. These tiny seeds are a powerhouse of essential nutrients and help prevent and manage diseases – from a common cold to more serious illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis. Here are some of the health benefits of mustard seeds. 

Relief from Headache and Migraines

Mustard seeds are an excellent source of magnesium which is known to soothe the nervous system and provide relief from headaches and migraines. 

Supports Cardiovascular Health

The benefits of mustard seeds are known to aid people with cardiovascular problems. The magnesium and selenium present in these seeds are known to reduce bad cholesterol, regulate cholesterol levels, and support heart health. 

Helps Strengthen Bones 

Mustard seeds are packed with selenium, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties that are known to help strengthen bones, gums, and teeth. 

Prevents and Fights Diseases

The minerals present in mustard seeds are known to help ward off infections and prevent asthma attacks. 

Provides Respiratory Relief

Mustard seeds are known to be a decongestant and help clear mucus in the air passageway and cure sinus problems. 

Uses of Mustard Seeds 

Mustard seeds are a popular ingredient in world cuisines. They’re used to make condiments in both Europe and North America. If you’re a fan of dijon mustard, you’ll be happy to know that it’s made from none other than mustard seeds. In France, it’s one of the main ingredients used to make Tapenade – a spread, and a dip that is typically made of pureed olives, capers, and anchovies. In Asian cuisines, mustard seeds are used to pickle food, and to add texture and spice to curries and sauces. In South Indian cuisine, mustard seeds, known as kadugu, are used at the beginning of most recipes. Usually, mustard is added to the oil and left to splutter before adding the main ingredients. These nutrient-rich seeds are also used to make Kachhi Ghani mustard oil. 

The uses of mustard seeds extend beyond the kitchen. Mustard seeds have been used in traditional medicine as a remedy for diseases, back pain, fever, and muscle pain. Consuming mustard seeds regularly is also known to prevent infections and diseases in general. Mustard seeds and oil are known to provide numerous benefits for hair and skin. The vitamins, calcium, protein, and fatty acids present in mustard seeds work together to strengthen and deep condition hair to make them extra shiny, silky, and voluminous. 

These multi-purpose seeds can also be used to remove odor from mason jars. All you need to do is fill your jar up halfway with warm water, crush the mustard seeds into a paste form, add the mustard seed paste to the jar, shake it well, and pour it out. The smell will be gone in seconds. 

How to Eat Mustard Seeds

If you’re confused about how to eat mustard seeds, you’re in luck. These versatile seeds can be incorporated into almost any recipe and they don’t require much thought. Of course, the most popular recipes containing mustard seeds are mustard and other condiments. But you can mix it with your salad dressing and drizzle it on your salads and bowls. You can also eat mustard seeds by adding them to stews, soups, and stir-fries, just like how they do it in India. 

If you’re a make-ahead kind of person, making pickled mustard seeds are a great way to make use of the seeds you have hanging in your pantry and to boost your body with nutrients. Pickled mustard seeds are extremely versatile and you can layer them on your meats, sandwiches, toast, salads, and all sorts of dishes. It’s also a great way to use up vegetables like cucumber, and radishes. You can add these veggies to your pickled mustard seeds and spread them on a baguette for a warm and nutritious snack. 

Since the benefits of mustard seeds extend beyond the kitchen, these seeds are increasingly gaining popularity among people worldwide. However, mustard seeds’ benefits are only as effective when they’re produced from the best quality seeds using sustainable methods. Nature has already given us so many incredible products with incredible benefits. At Danfe Foods, we recognize just how incredible nature’s bounty is, so we don’t alter it in any way. Our mustard seeds are carefully dried, extracted, and sorted without any use of GMOs, pesticides, chemicals, or additives. When you buy from Danfe, you get the full health benefits of mustard seeds – as Nature intended it to be. Next time you’re whipping up a delicious meal, add a spoonful of Danfe’s mustard seeds, and reap the benefits!