You might have often heard your grandparents talk about the goodness of mustard oil as they used it on a daily basis. Kachi Ghani Mustard oil is a popular ingredient in Indian households. This one ingredient is a holy grail that has multiple purposes. From cooking food to using it as hair oil or even applying it to the body before taking a bath, this oil enjoys preference for a variety of instances.
Kachi Ghani Mustard oil is best used for traditional dishes because it is this process of heating the oil that brings out the authentic flavours of every ingredient used. Bengali dishes such as Macher Jhol, Paturi, and Spiced Gobhi Sarson are particularly cooked in Mustard oil. This is because the pungent and aromatic taste of mustard oil works as a taste enhancer.
The goodness of mustard oil has been underrated and the benefits were questioned. In fact, the West was not in favour of this oil, particularly for consumption. It almost seemed like the benefits of cooking in mustard oil did not stand a chance compared to other refined oils. But times seemed to have changed and so has the perception of experts who now believe differently.
Mustard oil has now made a comeback and this time it is making its various health benefits known. Northern Indian and Eastern Indian households swear by Kachi Ghani Mustard oil and use it almost regularly. But should you use it too? Are its benefits really real? In particular, does it really benefit your heart?
Let’s clear your doubts with a few hard facts.
Facts About Mustard Oil
- There are several methods to extract mustard oil from mustard seeds. Yet the best and healthiest method is to cold-press the oil from the mustard seeds. ‘Kachi Ghani’ Mustard oil gets the name from this method which helps retain maximum nutrients as it is not lost to heat.
- Mustard oil is made from black mustard seeds, brown Indian mustard seeds and white mustard seeds.
- Mustard oil also carries the status of Eastern India’s olive oil.
- One tablespoon of mustard oil contains 126 calories according to USDA.
- Mustard oil is said to be warm in nature. According to Ayurveda, it prevents coughs and colds.
- Mustard oil appears to be reddish-brown or amber in colour and it has a sharp aromatic and pungent smell
How Mustard Oil Can be a Healthy Edible Oil While Benefiting the Heart
It may reduce blood pressure
High blood pressure leads to an increase in cardiovascular risks. This can be deceased through foods that are rich in monosaturated fatty acids. Therefore, mustard oil containing monosaturated fatty acids (MUFA) may help keep blood pressure in check. Cooking in mustard oil can also benefit by probably reducing the possibility of cardiovascular risks.
It can reduce coronary heart diseases
Mustard oil contains high levels of monosaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and low levels of saturated fatty acids. The very minimal presence of saturated fatty acids may help in decreasing the risk of coronary heart diseases.
It is free from trans fat
Trans fat leads to the hardening of the arteries and also build up cholesterol in the arteries. This, in turn, can lead to the possibility of heart diseases and stroke. Cooking meals in mustard oil benefits your health because mustard oil is free of harmful radicals and trans fat. Instead, the presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) benefits your health and is a healthy option.
It is an anti-inflammatory oil
A phytochemical compound known as Allyl Isothiocyanate is known to be present in mustard oil. This compound offers strong anti-inflammatory characteristics that may help fight and reduce inflammation in the colon. It may also help decrease oxidative stress and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
It has an ideal ratio of omega fatty acids
What makes mustard oil a healthy edible oil is the ideal ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3. Contemporary diets are very unhealthy for the human body. This, in turn, creates a major imbalance in terms of the required levels of Omega-6 and Omega-3. Mustard oil can rectify this as it provides an ideal ratio of Omega-6 and Omega-3.
It is minimally processed
Mustard oil, in most cases, does not use heat or the addition of chemicals in its extraction process. This makes mustard oil good for cooking as its natural nutrients remain stable and intact. In fact, this is how mustard oil gets its name as ‘Kachi Ghani’ as it is minimally processed. Therefore, it is safe to say that mustard oil is one of the healthiest cooking oils.
It has a high smoking point
Indian cooking requires high-flame heating over an extended period of time in some instances. Therefore, these dishes require a healthy edible oil that can withstand high temperatures and also keep the nutrients intact. This is where mustard oil is useful because it has a high smoking point of around 250 degrees Celcius.
It has a unique strong flavour
One of the benefits of cooking in mustard oil includes the flavour and aroma it adds to your dishes. Although this is not a factor that benefits the health of the heart, it is worth mentioning due to the major difference it makes to a dish. Mustard oil has a flavour that is similar to wasabi – it is strong, pungent and its own way, aromatic. This staunch aroma is the secret ingredient that makes traditional Indian dishes stand out when compared to other meals.
Which Brand’s Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil Should You Use?
Use mustard oil that is cold-pressed, free from harmful pesticides and chemicals. This will bring the goodness of mustard oil into your diet. But we would particularly recommend Doctors Choice – Kachi Ghani Mustard oil. This is because their mustard oil contains Omega-3 Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acid (Omega-3 PUFA). It also has in it the benefits of Alpha-linolenic acid. This is an essential fatty acid that contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels. Doctors Choice Kachi Ghani Mustard oil also packs Tocopherols into your diet, which is a natural antioxidant.
Bring home the benefits of Kachi Ghani Mustard oil and let its goodness keep you and your loved ones in good health.
*Disclaimer – Information for this article has been gathered through extensive research on the internet and then compiled. Doctors Choice as a company is not liable for the claims of all pointers mentioned herein.
