Can a condiment such as mustard be good for your health? Many people might assume that mustard is just an ordinary condiment with no significant nutritional value but that is not true.

Mustard has a range of health benefits and can be a healthy addition to your diet. In this article, we will take a closer look at whether mustard is good for your health or not.

What is Mustard?

Mustard is a condiment that is made from mustard seeds, vinegar, and water. It is popularly used as a compliment to other foods such as sandwiches, hotdogs, and hamburgers. The pale yellow color of mustard comes from its main ingredient, the mustard seed.

Mustard is available in various forms such as powder, paste, and sauce. Varieties of mustard include Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, and brown mustard.

Health Benefits of Mustard

Contrary to popular belief, mustard is not just an ordinary condiment with no significant nutritional value. Mustard has a range of health benefits which makes it a healthy addition to your diet. Here are some of the health benefits of mustard:.

Rich in Antioxidants

Mustard seeds are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants protect your body from harmful free radicals that can cause damage to your cells. Including mustard in your diet can help fight and protect your body against oxidative stress.

Excellent Source of Selenium

Selenium is a mineral that is essential for your body. Selenium plays a crucial role in your immune system, metabolism, and thyroid function. Mustard seeds are an excellent source of selenium.

Including mustard in your diet can help increase your selenium intake.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Mustard has anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is your body’s natural response to injury and infection. However, chronic inflammation can lead to a range of health problems such as arthritis, heart disease and cancer.

Including mustard in your diet can help reduce inflammation in your body which may reduce your risk of chronic diseases.

Low in Calories

If you are trying to lose weight, mustard is a good condiment choice. Mustard is low in calories and can be used as a healthy substitute to high-calorie condiments such as mayonnaise or ketchup.

May Improve Digestion

Mustard seeds have been found to improve digestion. Mustard seeds contain a compound called mucilage which can help soothe the lining of your digestive system.

Including mustard in your diet may help reduce symptoms of digestive problems such as bloating, constipation, and indigestion.

May Help Lower Cholesterol

Mustard has been found to have cholesterol-lowering properties. Studies have shown that mustard seeds can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Including mustard in your diet may help reduce your risk of heart disease.

May Help Protect Against Cancer

Mustard seeds contain a compound called sulforaphane which has been found to have cancer-fighting properties.

Studies have shown that sulforaphane can help inhibit the growth of cancer cells and may help protect against colon, breast, and bladder cancer. Including mustard in your diet may help reduce your risk of cancer.

Conclusion

Mustard is not just an ordinary condiment. It has a range of health benefits which makes it a healthy addition to your diet.

Mustard is rich in antioxidants, an excellent source of selenium, has anti-inflammatory properties, is low in calories, may improve digestion, may help lower cholesterol, and may help protect against cancer. So, the next time you think of using mustard, remember the health benefits it brings.