Mustard oil is a common ingredient in Indian homes. People have used it for cooking and healing for hundreds of years. In Ayurveda, it's famous for making you healthier.
Today, we'll talk about cold-pressed mustard oil. It's a special kind that can help your immune system stay strong.
Cold-pressed mustard oil is becoming popular. It's different from the usual refined oil. It's made in a natural way that keeps all the good stuff inside.
This article will tell you why it's great for immunity. We'll look at what it's made of, how it helps your body, and how you can use it every day.
What is Cold-Pressed Mustard Oil?
Cold-pressed mustard oil comes from mustard seeds. The seeds are pressed at a low temperature. No heat or chemicals are used. This keeps the oil pure. It still has its pungent smell, taste, and nutrients.
Making it this way takes more time. But it's worth it. The oil stays natural and healthy. Refined mustard oil is different. It's made with high heat and chemicals. That process takes away a lot of the good things. Cold-pressed is the better choice if you want real benefits.
Why is Cold-Pressed Better Than Refined?
Refined mustard oil goes through many steps. It's heated a lot and cleaned with chemicals. This makes it look clear and last longer. But it loses nutrients. Sometimes, harmful stuff from the chemicals stays in the oil.
Cold-pressed mustard oil skips all that. It's just pressed and filtered naturally. You get all the vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. It's closer to how nature made it. That's why it's better for your health.
What's Inside Cold-Pressed Mustard Oil?
Cold-pressed mustard oil has lots of good things for your body. Here’s what’s in it:
- Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fats: These are healthy fats. They help your body fight swelling and keep your immune system working well.
- Vitamin E: This protects your cells. It stops damage and helps your body fight germs.
- Selenium: A tiny mineral that makes your immune system stronger.
- Magnesium: Helps your body do many jobs, including staying healthy.
- Zinc: Needed to make immune cells that fight sickness.
It also has other things like glucosinolates. These can help stop cancer. There is erucic acid too, which is good for your heart. All these work together to keep you strong.
How Does It Help Your Immunity?
Cold-pressed mustard oil does a lot for your immune system. Let's break it down.
1. Reduces Swelling
Swelling happens when your body fights germs or gets hurt. But too much swelling can make you weak. Mustard oil has a natural compound called allyl isothiocyanate. It calms swelling down. The healthy fats help too. This keeps your immune system ready to protect you.
2. Fights Germs
Mustard oil can kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This stops infections before they start. You can use it in your mouth to clean germs. Or put it on cuts to keep them safe. It’s like a natural shield for your body.
3. Cleans Your Body
Your liver cleans out bad stuff from your blood. A healthy liver means a strong immune system. Mustard oil helps your liver work better. It makes digestion easier, too. Plus, it warms your body. This makes you sweat and get rid of toxins.
4. Full of Antioxidants
Antioxidants stop damage from free radicals. Free radicals are harmful particles that hurt your cells. They can make your immune system weak. Mustard oil has vitamin E and selenium. These antioxidants protect your cells and keep you healthy.
5. Helps Your Gut
Your gut has lots of bacteria. Good bacteria help your immune system. Mustard oil feeds these good bacteria. It’s like a prebiotic. A happy gut means better digestion and stronger immunity.
What Does Science Say?
Scientists have studied mustard oil. They found proof it’s good for you. One study showed it can kill germs like E. coli and Staphylococcus. These are bacteria that make you sick.
Another study looked at allyl isothiocyanate. It said this compound lowers swelling in the body. Research also found that the healthy fats in mustard oil help your immune system. These studies back up what people have known for a long time.
How to Use Cold-Pressed Mustard Oil?
It's easy to add mustard oil to your life. Here are some ways:
- Cooking: Fry veggies or make curries with it. It gives food a bold taste.
- Salad Dressing: Mix it with lemon juice and salt. Pour it over your salad.
- Marinades: Rub it on meat or tofu before cooking. It adds flavor and goodness.
- Oil Pulling: Swish it in your mouth for 10 minutes. Spit it out to clean your teeth.
- Massage: Warm it up and rub it on your skin. It feels good and helps your body.
Mustard oil is great for hot cooking. It doesn’t break down easily. You can use it in lots of recipes.
A Little History
Mustard oil has been around forever. In India, it's been used for thousands of years. Ayurveda calls it a healing oil. People rubbed it on their bodies or ate it to feel better.
In some festivals, it's special. During Makar Sankranti, people use it before bathing. They say it cleans the body and brings good luck. It's also big in Bengali and Punjabi food. The strong taste makes the dishes yummy.
How It's Made
Making cold-pressed mustard oil is simple. First, they pick good mustard seeds. Then, the seeds are cleaned. Next, they press them with a machine. No heat is used—just pressure.
After pressing, the oil is filtered. This takes out any bits of seed. Then it's put in bottles. The whole process is natural. That's why it keeps all the healthy stuff inside.
Extra Benefits for Skin and Hair
Mustard oil isn't just for immunity. It's good for your skin and hair too. Your skin protects you from germs. Healthy skin helps your immune system.
For Skin
- It keeps skin soft and moist.
- It fights skin infections.
- It calms red, itchy spots.
- It slows down wrinkles.
For Hair
- It helps hair grow thicker.
- It stops dandruff.
- It makes hair shiny and smooth.
Using it on your skin and hair keeps you healthy all over.
Tips for Buying and Storing
Want to buy cold-pressed mustard oil? Here's what to check:
- Colour: It should be golden or dark brown.
- Smell: It should smell strong, like mustard.
- Label: Look for “cold-pressed” or “pure.”
- Bottle: Get it in dark glass or steel.
To keep it fresh:
- Store it in a cool, dark spot.
- Close the lid tightly.
- Use it within six months.
This way, it stays good and healthy.
Things to Watch Out For
Mustard oil is safe for most people. But be careful:
- Some people are allergic. If you itch or swell, stop using it.
- It has erucic acid. Too much might not be suitable for your heart. Use a little at a time.
- Pregnant? Ask your doctor first.
Start small. See how your body likes it.
Why Nutrients Matter?
Let's look at what the nutrients do:
- Omega Fats: They help your body make things that fight swelling.
- Vitamin E: It keeps your cells safe from harm.
- Selenium: It helps your body make germ-fighting cells.
- Magnesium: It turns on other vitamins for immunity.
- Zinc: It helps stop colds and keeps you strong.
These all team up to protect you.
Conclusion
Cold-pressed mustard oil is fantastic for immunity. It fights swelling and germs. It cleans your body and helps your gut. It's full of nutrients that keep you healthy. You can cook with it, rub it on, or use it in many ways.
If you want the best mustard oil, try Olixir Oils. They make pure, cold-pressed oil from top-quality seeds. No chemicals, just natural goodness. Add Olixir mustard oil to your life. You will feel stronger and better every day.