|
MUSTARD OIL: A GEM OF COOKING OIL |
Chances of
heart disease drop by nearly 70% on use of Mustard oil as a
cooking medium. The study done jointly by Harvard School
of medicine, AIIMS, Delhi and St. John Hospital, Bangalore
found the Mustard oil was “one of the healthiest edible
oils”.
Health experts recognize the mustard oil as having the
best fatty acid ratio. When mustard oil is compared to other
oils, mustard oil has : |
|
-
lowest level of saturated fat (8%)
In today’s world dietary guidelines require a
reduction of saturated fat. Research studies have shown
a link between saturated fat and increased serum
cholesterol which, in turn, is associated with increased
coronary heart disease risk. Mustard oil has the lowest
level of saturated fat ( 8%) compared to all other oils.
-
Is
relatively high in MUFA (70%),
Mustard oil has high mono-unsaturated fatty acid (MUFA)
(70%). MUFA has been shown to reduce serum cholesterol
levels and LDL cholesterol levels. MUFA does not affect
levels of HDL cholesterol.
-
Moderate level of PUFA (Linoleic 12% and alpha-linolenic
10%)
N3 and N6, two classes of Polyunsaturated fatty acid
(PUFA) are essential for human-being, as they cannot be
synthesized in the body and must be supplied through the
diet. Mustard oil contains a moderate level (12%) of
linoleic acid and an appreciable amount (10%) of alpha-linolenic
acid. Alpha-linolenic serum triglyceride levels as well
as in reducing platelet aggregation and increasing blood
clotting time. These anti-blood clotting effects play an
important role in the reduction of coronary heart
disease.
-
Excellent Source of natural Anti Oxidants found in form
of Vitamin E
Anti-oxidants are found in the form of Vitamin “E” (tocopherol)
in the mustard oil. Vitamin “E” is very important for
normal growth and development of human beings. It
prevents the free radical reaction, which in turn stops
untimely ageing process. It helps in the rejuvenation of
skin. It also gives good texture to the human skin. It
also helps in the improvement of fertility and muscular
development.
-
Pungent flavour
Mustard oil is used without refining because of the
traditional liking of its flavour by consumers. Mustard
oil contains significant amount of Glucosinlolate which
has anti bacterial, anti fungal and anti-carcinogenic
properties.
|
|
BACK |
| |
|
