Is Mustard Good for You? 8 Health Benefits Explained

Does mustard have health benefits? Why is this popular condiment considered a superfood? Read on to learn if mustard is good for you and when to use it.

Mustard, a common condiment, comes in multiple forms and is used in a variety of dishes. The mustard seed (from the mustard plant) forms the basis of all mustards and is mixed with other ingredients such as vinegar, lemon, salt and others to create a wide range of flavors. Mustards are rich in fiber, protein, and vitamins B and C; however, depending on the type of mustard, it can also have other health benefits.

Health Benefits of Yellow Mustard

One of the most common types of mustard is known as yellow mustard. This spicy superfood can fight multiple health ailments, such as:

1. Arthritis and muscle pain – mustard contains properties that can relieve pain; however, more research is still needed to confirm these findings.
2. Inflammation – high in antioxidants, mustard can protect against inflammation in the body. 
3. Liver damage – according to some studies, mustard’s turmeric content can help protect your liver.
4. Bacteria – mustard contains oil that is considered a natural antimicrobial. These oils may be effective against a wide range of bacteria. 
5. Congestion – mustard contains oil that relieves congested sinuses when ingested in small doses. This can help break up mucus and drain sinuses.
6. Heart health – mustard contains good fatty acids that can decrease cholesterol levels and improve heart health.
7. Scalp and skin – mustard oil can be used as a natural remedy for dry scalp and skin.
8. Sleep – mustard contains magnesium which helps aid sleep. However, research does not confirm if mustard on its own can actually improve sleep quality.

Other Types of Mustard

While yellow mustard is a superfood, other variations of mustard may not have as many health benefits and should be treated with caution if trying to maintain a healthy diet. Mustards that contain sugar (such as honey mustard) can have adverse effects on a healthy diet, particularly on blood sugar levels, and should not be ingested in large quantities. Furthermore, mustards often contain high amounts of sodium which can be detrimental to heart health and should therefore be consumed with water, decreasing the risk of dehydration. However, eating moderate amounts of mustard should not disrupt your diet. 

Read more:

• Bavarian Sweet Mustard: Base Recipe & Spicy Variations
• Wasabi Mayo: An Easy (and Vegan) Recipe 
• Edible Weeds: 9 Common Weeds You Can Eat 

Important Information regarding Health-related Topics.

** Links to retailers marked with ** or underlined orange are partially partner links: If you buy here, you actively support Utopia.org, because we will receive a small part of the sales proceeds. More info.

Tags: Food Guide Superfoods Vegan