Mustard Seeds (Rai)

• Mustard seeds contains a higher proportion of the volatile mustard oil and strongest flavor.
• Perceived as health benefiting spice, exotica mustard seeds are indeed very rich in a phyto-nutrients, minerals, vitamins and anti-oxidants.
• It’s spicy, peppery flavor goes well with other pungent spices like garlic ans chillies. Mustard seed, one of the oldest old spices, adds warmth and heat to your dishes.
• Mustard seeds are rich in minerals (selenium) & vitamins. Rai seeds may help to strengthen your nails, hair & teeth. Mustard seeds contain antioxidant & anti-inflammatory properties.
• Small Rai Seeds / Sarso Seeds are very commonly used in Indian Househoulds for tadka to dal, curries etc. Small Mustard seed- Aavaalu are also used in pickles. Rai Whole seeds are used in salads.

Benefits of Mustard Seeds

1. Prevent Cancer: Exciting research shows that mustard seeds could help prevent cancer growth due to their unique compounds. These seeds contain glucosinolates and myrosinase, which studies indicate may inhibit the formation and spread of cancer cells.

2. Relieve Headaches: If you suffer from pounding headaches or migraines, mustard seeds could help provide relief. These seeds contain high levels of magnesium, a mineral known for its ability to relax the nervous system. When consumed, the magnesium in mustard seeds may have a calming effect that can ease tense, and tightened nerves and muscles contributing to headaches. By relaxing blood vessels and relieving inflammation, the magnesium in mustard seeds can diminish headache pain and frequency.

3. Improve Digestion: Indigestion and constipation can be uncomfortable, but mustard seeds may help get your digestive system back on track. These seeds are packed with fibre, a nutrient that adds bulk to stool and stimulates regular bowel movements. The fibre in mustard seeds can relieve constipation by promoting gastrointestinal motility. Mustard seeds also contain enzymes that aid digestion and relieve gas and bloating. By optimising digestion and bowel habits, mustard seeds can effectively treat indigestion.

4. Boost Heart Health: The beneficial compounds in mustard oil can lower LDL cholesterol while raising HDL levels. This improves your cholesterol ratio, supporting a healthy heart and circulation. By regulating cholesterol, mustard oil prevents fatty plaque buildup in arteries that can lead to heart disease and stroke. Making mustard oil a part of your regular diet may significantly reduce your risk of cardiovascular problems.

5. Helps Make Bones, Teeth, and Gums Stronger: Mustard seeds strengthen bones, teeth, gums, hair, and nails due to their selenium content. Selenium is a mineral that enhances bone density and tooth enamel strength. The anti-inflammatory substances in mustard seeds also decrease gum swelling and dental pain. Using mustard oil to massage your gums can stimulate circulation and relieve inflammation.

6. Promotes Healthy Skin: In addition to internal benefits, topical use of mustard seed oil hydrates and nourishes the skin. The oils moisturise dryness while clearing dirt and bacteria from pores. Mustard seeds have compounds that reduce acne redness and irritation. With consistent use, mustard seed oil leaves the skin looking revitalised, even-toned, and vibrant.

7. Makes You Look Younger: Mustard seeds provide anti-ageing effects through vitamins A, C, and K. These antioxidant vitamins counteract wrinkle-causing free radicals. Vitamin C boosts collagen production for firmer skin, and vitamin A repairs sun damage. The antioxidant activity helps slow visible ageing for a more youthful appearance.

8. Provide Antioxidant Effects: Mustard seeds are packed with powerful antioxidants that protect your cells. They contain phenolic compounds that neutralise free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage DNA and cell membranes. The phenolics in mustard seeds scavenge these harmful free radicals before they cause oxidative stress and chronic disease. Mustard seeds also contain antioxidant vitamin E. With regular consumption, the antioxidants in mustard seeds can boost immunity, slow ageing, and reduce your risk of illness.

9. Lower Blood Sugar: For people with type 2 diabetes, incorporating mustard seeds into your diet could help lower blood sugar levels. One study found that taking mustard seed extract supplements along with diabetes medication reduced blood sugar more than medication alone. The compounds in mustard seeds may help regulate insulin and glucose levels. Adding mustard seeds to meals or taking extracts could potentially improve blood sugar control and reduce complications in those with diabetes.

10. Exhibit Antimicrobial Properties: Compounds such as sinigrin and sinalbin in mustard seeds possess antimicrobial effects against various bacterial strains. This is attributed to their ability to inhibit bacterial enzymes and damage cell membranes.

11. Potential for Treating Psoriasis: Early research indicates that mustard seeds may aid in alleviating inflammatory skin conditions, such as psoriasis. One study discovered that certain compounds in mustard seeds exhibited anti-inflammatory effects that reduced inflammation associated with psoriasis.

12. Enhance Hair Health: Mustard oil, derived from pressed mustard seeds, contains beneficial nutrients that can strengthen and improve hair health. The fatty acids, antioxidants, and proteins in mustard oil nourish hair follicles, promoting shine, growth, and strength. Gently massaging mustard oil into your scalp may help prevent premature greying and hair loss.