Five health benefits of mustard seeds

Health benefits of mustard seeds made it a very popular superfood centuries ago. Actually, it had been called "superfood" even before this term was coined. The potent medicinal properties of mustard seeds made this ingredient popular with the ancient Greek and Roman civilisations. They used the seeds to treat various diseases. There are also up-to-date studies and research activities proving usefulness of mustard seeds.

1. Mustard seeds are great for the digestive system
Mustard seeds are rich in mucillage and packed with fiber (12 grams of fiber per 100 grams of mustard seeds). They also enhance production of saliva, improve bowel movements and help relieve constipation, which makes them simply excellent for our digestive system.

2. Mustard seeds are great for skin, bones and nails
Minerals (phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc) and vitamins (B1, B9, B3, B6, E) that are present in mustard seeds are crucial for our immunity and healthy skin, bones and nails.

3. Mustard seeds can help in treatment of psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease with undefined aetiology. According to a study published in 2013 in The Journal od Dermatology, mustard seeds were found to be a promising intervention option in the treatment of psoriasis.
Yang R, Zhou Q, Wen C, Hu J, Li H, Zhao M, Zhao H. Mustard seed (Sinapis Alba Linn) attenuates imiquimod-induced psoriasiform inflammation of BALB/c mice. J Dermatol. 2013 Jul;40(7):543-52. doi: 10.1111/1346-8138.12119. Epub 2013 May 19. PMID: 23682616.

4. Mustard seeds can be useful for weight loss
As published in the 1980s in Human Nutrition: Clinical Nutrition, the thermic effect (i.e. an increase in metabolic rate caused by ingestion of food in animals and people) is profoundly affected by certain minor consitutents of the diet, such as spices. A study conducted at the Oxford Polytechnic Institute (currently Oxford Brookes University) proved that consumption of mustard seeds boosts our metabolism.
Henry CJ, Emery B. Effect of spiced food on metabolic rate. Hum Nutr Clin Nutr. 1986 Mar;40(2):165-8. PMID: 3957721.

5. Mustard seeds can reduce the risk of cancer
As there is a strong correlation between diet and cancer, the dietary constituents that inhibit mutagenesis and / or carcinogenesis are of paramount importance for the prevention of human cancer. Results of a study published in 2005 in Human & Experimental Toxicology strongly suggest that mustard seeds can enhance the antioxidant defence system and provide protection against the toxic effects of carcinogens. The authors state that it is likely that the use of mustard seeds in the diet may contribute to reducing the risk of cancer incidence.
Gagandeep, Dhiman M, Mendiz E, Rao AR, Kale RK. Chemopreventive effects of mustard (Brassica compestris) on chemically induced tumorigenesis in murine forestomach and uterine cervix. Human & Experimental Toxicology. 2005;24(6):303-312. doi:10.1191/0960327105ht526oa.