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BabaRa
4th February 2014, 04:19
The mustard plant comes from the genus of plants (Brassica) that contains such potent and nutritious members as horseradish, cress, kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. This genus is loaded with amazing plants that are great for your health. This may be why mustard was long considered a medical plant (Hippocrates commonly used it in the fashion) before we turned it into the yellow stuff we put on our hot dogs. Here are some amazing benefits of mustard you may not have known.

Cancer fighting powers

Mustard seeds (like other members of Brassica) have been found to contain isothiocyanates which have been demonstrated to suppress and prevent the growth of cancerous tumors. A 2010 study published in the journal Carcinogenesis demonstrated that when this compound is delivered in a specialized manner had the ability to inhibit the growth of cancer in the bladder!

Anti-inflammatory benefits

Mustard seeds are known to be a great source of antioxidants and in fact have a very high content of selenium and magnesium which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. It also contains a powerful dose of potassium, calcium, phosphorus, omega3, and omega-6s to help keep your body running smoothly.

Increases lean muscle mass

A compound in mustard seeds, homobrassinolide, has been found to help increase lean muscle mass. This steroid-like compound can increase your appetite and food intake while helping to develop muscle growth. This can be very important for people trying to gain muscle or older people that are worried about wasting muscles. One Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology study found that the anabolic effects of homobrassinolide are enough to increase strength and lean muscle mass.

Medicinal uses

As stated earlier, mustard has long been thought to have medicinal powers and is still used for such purposes to this day. Mustard has been implicated in being able to alleviate headaches, cold, and flu symptoms. Likewise, some people have used mustard as an external paste to alleviate aching muscles and joints and even to help fight against pneumonia.

Besides using the seeds in cooking you can also get some of these benefits through the condiment form of mustard. The condiment form of mustard is only as good as the seeds that go in it. Gourmet mustards can be loaded with nutrients and anti-oxidants that can help you achieve some of the amazing benefits listed above.

Sources for this article include:

http://www.herbreference.com/mustard_seeds.html

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-09/foas-lwe092911.php

http://www.naturalnews.com/033810_mustard_muscle.html

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/043772_mustard_seed_cancer_prevention_medicinal_he rbs.html#ixzz2sKN46w30

nicoleallenB
4th February 2014, 04:35
That was interesting. I would think that these benefits are really of great help to improve health.

PurpleLama
4th February 2014, 17:19
Having developed a habit of eating raw mustard greens, straight out of the garden, I can believe it. It really opens the head up. In my experience, it is the easiest brassica to grow. As for the condiment, such will also contain tumeric, a very healthful spice that is used in ayurvedic medicine.

BabaRa
4th February 2014, 19:00
I have to admit, I love mustard in every form.

Perhaps my body knows it needs it.

modwiz
4th February 2014, 19:03
Mustard is a very helpful herb, especially around being joyful.

Here is a brief description of the Bach flower remedy for Mustard:

Mustard
Melancholy, gloom, unexplained depression.
Becoming: Serenity, joyfulness.

PurpleLama
4th February 2014, 19:18
Mustard is a very helpful herb, especially around being joyful.

Here is a brief description of the Bach flower remedy for Mustard:

So, maybe it's all that mustard keeping me happy, and not all that beer I drink.... :hilarious:

Calabash
4th February 2014, 22:33
It's supposed to draw out boils and spots if used as a poultice (mustard powder/water/flour)

Seikou-Kishi
9th February 2014, 03:58
Mustard is one of the herbs I like to take daily. Cinnamon and turmeric are among the others. When I have rice, I like to make a powder of cumin, turmeric, cayenne pepper, and so on. It makes the rice very tasty independently of anything the rice accompanies and the herbs/spices are all good. Another good spice to take daily is ginger — it synergises quite well with mustard. A third spice combination I find both tasty and confirming is paprika and onion and garlic powders — add to some mashed potato and make latkes. Lovely. They taste gorgeous too. I buy these herbs in bulk because I use so much so quickly. If you're buying your herbs and spices in quantities any less than 100 grams, such as from a supermarket, you're probably being ripped off.

Calabash
9th February 2014, 10:34
Don't stop there SK - invite us to dinner! I LOVE latkes (but then, who doesn't?)