Mustard oil is an important part of our diet. It is extracted through mustard seeds.  As it contains monounsaturated fatty acids, it is helpful against cardiovascular diseases. Its smell is very strong.  It has got ample benefits. Mustard oil is considered to be beneficial in joint pain or ear pain. Mustard oil is highly used in the Ayurveda system of medicine in preparing medicines. Despite all this, its excessive use can also cause harm. Let’s know the advantages and disadvantages of mustard oil. 

Advantages of Mustard Oil 

Continuous massage with mustard oil can cure joint pain. 

Mustard oil is also useful in relieving gum pain. For this, salt is added to mustard oil and applied over gums for doing massage. This helps in quick relief from gum pain. 

Mustard oil contains an element called allyl isothiocyanate, which can protect you from the risk of developing fungal infections. Allyl isothiocyanate shows some anti-inflammatory effects also.

The problem of gas or indigestion can be avoided by consuming food made from mustard oil. 

Disadvantages of Mustard Oil 

Many people may get Rhinitis by consuming mustard oil, due to which the mucus membrane gets inflamed. This is followed by coughing, sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose, etc.

Some people are allergic to mustard oil, applying mustard oil to the body of such people may cause itching or swelling. Allergic people should avoid the consumption of mustard oil.

Mustard oil should not be consumed by pregnant women in excess quantity. Mustard oil contains some chemical compounds that can be harmful to the health of the baby.

It contains a high level of erucic acid that can risk health conditions. Hence in many countries, mustard oil is not generally preferred for cooking purposes.

However, topical application of mustard oil to the skin is recommended. Always restrict the consumption of oil to not more than 3-4 tsp per day. Mustard oil is best stored in the refrigerator because it will easily go rancid.