Mustard seeds

Mustard seeds are derived from mustard plant that is a cruciferous vegetable related to cabbage, Brussels sprouts and broccoli.



Mustard seeds have been used traditionally in various folk medicine treatments in Asia, Greece and Egypt. The products of mustard seeds are believed as a constant source of bioenergy that radiates in the muscles helping them to heat up and relax, increase blood circulation and oxygen and also boosts the immunity. Thus a person wakes up in the morning with full of energy, vitality and rested.



Based on this concept they were used in the treatment of various ailments, for example internally for indigestion and externally for skin problems and joint pains. The activation of biochemical process by this bioenergy encourages the healing process in human body.
Besides its medical use, mustard seeds are used liberally for various culinary purposes.



The aromatic flavor, fragrance and rusty taste of mustard seed is relished by most of the people. Mustard seeds are available either in whole form or in powdered form.

Nutritional benefits -

Mustard seeds are known as a very good source of omega 3 fatty acids and selenium. They also provide good amounts of manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, niacin, zinc, protein and dietary fiber. The healing property for which mustard seeds are well known is generally attributed to brassica foods and the compounds found in cruciferous family.

Gastrointestinal cancer -

Glucosinolates are the phytonutrient compounds found in mustard seeds. They also contain myrosinase enzymes which help in the breakdown of glucosinolates into isothiocyanates which is believed to have anti-cancer effects. In many studies involving colorectal cancer and gastrointestinal tract isothicyanates have been proved to have a protective effect and also inhibit the growth of existing cancer cells.

Anti – inflammatory effects –

Selenium from mustard seed is a well known antioxidant and helps to reduce the symptoms of asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer.



Magnesium is also been proved to reduce the symptoms of asthma, reduce migraine attack frequency, help control high blood pressure, prevent heart attack and restore the sleeping pattern in women with menopause.

Goitrogens –

Mustard seeds are among the other naturally occurring substances which contain goitrogens that are known to interfere with the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. People with untreated or existing thyroid problems can avoid mustard seeds according to the severity of the problem. Cooking may be the solution as it may inactivate these goitrogens compounds; however the percent by which they are reduced on cooking is not known.