The unknown properties of mustard

When mentioning mustard, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the sauce on hamburgers and hot dogs. However, mustard plants and their seeds have a long history as culinary and medicinal elements. The Greeks already recorded its medicinal and culinary use and it continues to be used to this day, being one of the most used species in the world.

There are about forty different varieties and two are the most used for their seeds: white mustard and black mustard. If you are convinced that mustard is much more than just a hot dog sauce, in our online store you can buy mustard online and make a large number of recipes with mustard.

It is a plant that can be consumed in large part and there are different ways of using its seeds: whole or ground and it can even produce oil. It is native to the Mediterranean area and belongs to the cruciferous family such as cabbage, broccoli or Brussels sprouts.

In this post we are going to show you the many benefits of mustard for the body and as food.

Properties and benefits of mustard

Its health benefits have been known since ancient times as a medicinal remedy and culinary potential. However, there are numerous studies that indicate that mustard has a health benefit against diseases and infections. Mustard contains vitamins C, A and K and has magnesium, potassium and calcium.

Mustard Orlando 290 gr.€2.42Mustard Diáfana al estragón Louit 115 gr.€3.12Mustard Prima 265 gr.€3.78

Nutritional properties

Mustard is made up of mostly water. To a lesser extent, it is composed of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Because it is rich in vitamin A and minerals such as sodium and iron, it helps speed up the transfer of nutrients and keep muscles in good condition and strong. In addition, the presence of calcium, phosphorus, manganese and magnesium in mustard are essential for the teeth and the rest of the bones in the body.

Omega 3

In addition to the above nutritional properties, it is important to highlight the high content of Omega 3 that this seed has. We usually associate the main sources of Omega 3 with fish such as sardines, salmon or anchovies, however, there are other foods that also have high levels of this compound, and mustard is one of them.

Omega 3 reduces triglycerides, which means that it helps our heart and blood vessels, due to the fact that they reduce the levels of fat in the blood.

Useful in flu and cold processes

You should always see a doctor for any symptoms of illness. However, mustard has been and is used as a home remedy for headaches and is one of the oldest natural remedies used to treat colds and pulmonary congestion. It can be used in mustard baths or by consuming the seeds in small quantities.

help sleep

Mustard contains melatonin, a hormone that the brain produces at night and that allows us to enjoy a deep sleep. If we eat or dine on foods with melatonin, as is the case with mustard, we will activate the production of this hormone, and therefore we will rest more and better.

stimulates the appetite

In general, all spicy foods will stimulate the appetite, but mustard is especially effective in this regard. One of the advantages of increasing appetite is that the digestive system begins its activity immediately, and therefore digestion is much more efficient.

mustard contraindications

Despite the great benefits of mustard, the truth is that in some cases or situations it is not indicated. It is always advisable to consult a doctor in such a case.

Although its consumption is safe in most cases, if it is ingested in large quantities it can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain or inflammation of the intestine. In addition, in cases of pregnancy, lactation or if you suffer from digestive problems, its consumption should be avoided. Its external use should also be avoided as it can cause skin irritation or skin conditions.

Another case of contraindication has to do with allergies, and it is possible to develop intolerances and allergic reactions due to its consumption.

Mustard in gastronomy

In the culinary field, the aerial part of the plant, that is, what is seen is the attractive part for the kitchen. The root is not used due to its low culinary value. There are many recipes to make with mustard, however, there are some types that are the best known and the most consumed.

Currently the variety of mustards is immense and changes a lot from one country to another since each one has managed to create its own specialty. In fact, there are so many types of mustard and they change so much from one end of the world to the other that we are going to highlight three types above other varieties:

* English mustard. Made in England, it is the one that has a stronger flavor and a darker color since it is made up of ground black and white mustard grains with a pinch of turmeric. It is usually used as an accompaniment to roast meats and even with a spicy touch.
* American yellow mustard: it is the most widespread since it is the one offered by most fast foods such as hot dogs or hamburgers with an intense yellow color, a spicy touch and sugar.
* Dijon mustard: French mustard and the hottest you can find. It is usually used in stews and is ideal for preparing vinaigrettes. However, it is one of the healthiest since not a single gram of sugar arrives.

Today, mustard is used both in haute cuisine recipes and in restaurants and fast foods. It is a perfect complement for meats and some fish, stews, stews and cold meats. In addition, it is one of the foods that is sold the most in supermarkets and can be found in multiple formats in any food center within everyone's reach.

Some of the most representative dishes to highlight are the baked pork loin with mustard sauce, the pork tenderloin with dijon mustard, the salmon marinated with honey and mustard or as an accompaniment to the baked rabbit.

Currently the variety of mustards is immense and changes a lot from one country to another since each one has managed to create its own specialty with completely different flavors from each other.