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What's The Word, Mustard?

The Condiment Extraordinaire

By Ashley TerrellPublished about a year ago 5 min read
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What's The Word, Mustard?
Photo by Pedro Durigan on Unsplash

I don't know about everyone else, but mustard is a condiment that stays on my grocery list.

Whether it's because I'm in the mood for my Mustard Fried Chicken recipe or atop my grilled beef hotdogs, I can't get enough of the condiment!

Mustard has an interesting influence on ancient medicine as well as Indian cooking.

In first-century Rome, mustard was used for its medicinal benefits. In traditional folk medicine, it was used as a chest rub to relieve cold and congestion. As an Ayurvedic medicine, mustard improved digestion, eased aches and pains, and reduced stiffness. In traditional medicine, mustard was used as a remedy within Greek and Roman civilizations.

Also known as chinese mustard or indian mustard.

Mustard plants grow annually to bright yellow flowers. The bright flower grows to about three feet and upwards of nine feet in height. Mustard hails from the same cruciferous plant family as cabbage, Brussel sprouts, and broccoli. In general, mustard seeds possess a light aroma. The intense mustard flavor is produced when activated by water.

There are three main types of mustard. Sinapis alba, known as yellow mustard. Brassica junlea, known as brown mustard. Brassica negra, which is known as black mustard.

White mustard, commonly known as yellow mustard, is most familiar to Westerners. Brown mustard, which carries a bit of a bitter taste in flavor. Native to the Mediterranean region, known as Brassica nigra or black mustard, which is more aromatic than brown and yellow mustard.

One mustard seed pod equals six to 12 seeds.

Growing up, my parents use to eat teaspoons of yellow mustard whenever they were sore or had muscle spasms. As I've gotten older, I find myself using the same remedy because the rubefacient properties found in mustard relieve all types of muscle spasms. The rubefacient properties contain analgesic effects that can help muscle relief.

One teaspoon of yellow mustard provides potassium and calcium that helps strengthen bones and joints.

[Yellow] mustard is a superfood. It's high in protein, fiber, vitamin C, and many B complex vitamins. You can count on the "ballpark famous" condiment as a source of magnesium and the phosphorous characteristics that aid the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in the body. The mineral found in mustard can also soothe the nervous system.

Mustard seed oil is packed with beta-carotene, protein, iron, and calcium which promotes healthy hair development.

Here are a few "in general" health benefits mustard provides us to live our best life!

Guard your cardiovascular system.

Mustard is packed with monosaturated and polyunsaturated fats which help balance cholesterol levels.

Studies suggest taking blood sugar-lowering medicines with mustard could lower blood sugar levels.

Studies published in The Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis showed that administering mustard oil can help lower the levels of blood sugar in the body.

Other studies published in The Clinical Trials Journal show participants with serious heart ailments and at risk for heart attacks were administered mustard oil in reasonable amounts. Results proved positive results of decreased risks of arrhythmia, ventricular enlargement, and related chest pain.

Mustard is filled with glucosinolates, sulfur-filled compounds, and is scientifically proven to combat various cardiovascular ailments, and bladder, cervical, and colon cancers.

Mustard is rich in carotenoids, isorhamnetin, and kaempferol, flavonoid antioxidants that protect against Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other cancers.

The isothiocyanates found in mustard possess anti-cancer capabilities for breast, lung, digestive, and prostate cancers.

Studies published in The Nutrition Research showed cruciferous vegetables can bind bile acids in the digestive tract. Bile acids consist of cholesterol.

By Nisuda Nirmantha on Unsplash

Guard your immune system.

Healthy immunity helps us function throughout the day. It's imperative we eat the right foods, exercise, and take care of ourselves to avoid the risks of cold and flu, fatigue, and declining hygiene practices.

The antioxidant activity found in mustard seeds can combat bacteria and fungi.

Studies in The Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology showed mustard seeds can contribute to reducing the damage caused by oxidative stress in chronic diseases.

The mustard seeds and leaves contain isothiocyanates, which are derived from glucosinolates, and sinigrin, glucosinolate-derived compounds that offer sharp flavor and anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-cancer, and wound healing properties.

Research shows sinigrin shows anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties.

Mustard oil aids in treating colds and coughs by clearing the nasal passages and chest congestion.

Choose wisely.

Mustard seeds are available in whole seeds, cracked seeds, or ground.

Mustard oil is extracted from mustard seeds that are rich in Vitamin A and Omega-3 fatty acids - perfect for healthy hair as well.

Cracked or coarse mustard seeds can be used in rubs for grilled and roasted proteins.

I like to use dry mustard with certain recipes because the ground flavor acts as a flavoring agent, yet flexible with earthy herbs.

The mustard leaves are packed with vitamins and minerals like calcium, copper, and vitamins A, C, and K. The [mustard] leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. The mustard seeds are packed with fiber, selenium, magnesium, and manganese. The mustard seeds can be steeped in warm milk, warm meals, or as a mustard paste.

Avoid mustard greens with brown spots or uncolored leaves. You can store mustard greens in storage freezer bags and refrigerate them for up to three days. Use the crisper drawer at the bottom of the refrigerator for extended use.

I like using powdered form mustard because it lasts upwards of six months pantry-wise.

Which ways do you love to use mustard?

Which mustard do you prefer; white, brown, or black mustard?

Leave your favorite mustard down below!

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About the Creator

Ashley Terrell

Bestselling author. Entrepreneur. Seasonings and spices saved my life. Where sheep and angels share the same color. Newport News, VA. Conqueror and lover of all things Fine Arts.

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