Mustard Seeds for health benefits

Mustard seeds have been around since 5000 years ago. Mustard (Rai) is small round seeds of mustard plant.  They range from yellowish white to dark brown in color.

 Earliest reference to mustard seeds is from Buddha’s time.  Legend is when a mother lost her only son; she took his body to Buddha to find a cure to make him alive again.  Buddha asked her to bring a handful of mustard seeds from a home that has never lost a child, husband, parent or friend.  When the mother was unable to find such a house in the village, she learned that death is common to all and no one can escape it.

The French have used mustard seeds as a spice since 800A.D.  Jewish texts compare the Universe to the size of a mustard seed to demonstrate the world’s insignificance and to teach humility.  During the middle ages, surgeons disinfected their hands with a paste of mustard.  Mustard seeds are used in pickles and many savory dishes all over India.  Mustard oil is used in cooking and for body massage.

Mustard grows well in temperate regions.  Major producers of mustard seeds include Canada, Hungary, Great Britain, India, USA and Pakistan.

Mustard seeds are known to be anti microbial agents as they can destroy all the food borne pathogens quite effectively.  It is believed that mustard seeds have a compound called Isothiocyanates which can stop the growth of cancer cells.  These seeds contain high amount of selenium that helps in the occurrence of asthma.  Mustard seeds contain magnesium, iron, calcium, zinc, protein, niacin and omega 3 fatty acids: all the nutrients that are needed for healthy living.

 There are three varieties of mustard seeds available.  Black mustard seeds have a very strong and distinct flavor so used most often in Indian dishes. Brown mustard seeds originated in the Himalayan region.  They are used for garnishing but only after they are toasted or fried a little.  White mustard seeds are light tan and slowly turn bright yellow.  They are used in pickles and many savory dishes in South India.

Mustard seeds belong to the Cruciferae family and other members of this family are cabbage.  The botanical name of mustard seeds is Brassica juncea.