The parable of the mustard seed was the first glimpse into the might of this tiny food.
Now modern science has shown that size doesn’t matter when it comes to food and proves that something so small can have large implications for human health.
Used often in a variety of cuisines, mustard seeds add a little zip to other foods. The mustard plant is a member of the cruciferous family of vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale. These have been clinically shown to have cancer-fighting properties as well as an aid to digestive health.
The nutrient content of the mustard seed is impressive, with vitamins A, B1 (thiamine), C, and K; minerals calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, and selenium; and phytonutrients such as allyl isothiocyanate, which has been found to inhibit cancer in rats.[1] Other phytonutrients like beta carotene in mustard seed help to stimulate hair growth and reduce loss.
Health Benefits & Treatment
Mustard seeds can be used medically in various forms, depending on the treatment–powder, oil, or whole seed.
Mustard seed powder has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to improve circulation and detoxify when used topically (maybe you’ve heard your grandmother talk about applying a mustard plaster to relieve muscle and joint pain).
Soaking in a mustard bath can do the trick for your whole body at once, leaving you relaxed and soothed; if your water is chlorinated, add a tablespoon of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) to balance its effects: