Mustard oil is popular in Indian cuisine and is also essential for some other uses, such as for hair and skin care. The safety of mustard oil has, however, been of concern for some consumers, and you may also seek to know if mustard oil is safe for cooking.
No. Mustard oil is not safe for cooking, because it is said to contain erucic acid, which causes nutritional deficiencies, and also heart-related diseases. The FDA has also banned the use of mustard oil for cooking in the United States, and this regulation is also upheld in some other parts of the world.
Can You Use Mustard Oil For Cooking?
Asides from the erucic acid in mustard oil, it also has a very high smoke point, which can make the good compounds in the oil become dangerous once they exceed the smoke point.
The mustard oil is produced from the seeds of the mustard plant, and it can either be expressed oil, which is directly gotten from the plant, or essential oil, which has gone through some form of distillation and can still be considered safe for skin care, massage oil, and hair care, but not advised for food.
Traditionally, mustard oil was used as a condiment while cooking, but because of the dangerous compounds contained in it, it has been banned from usage in some countries. The essential oil is, however, approved as a flavoring agent.
Facts About Mustard Oil
Here are some of the benefits people have associated with using mustard oil.
Research is yet to prove any of these facts, so you should be wary of using mustard oil until it is otherwise stated by a recognized agency.
- It is suggested that mustard oil be used as a form of pain relief.
- Mustard oil has been said to help slow down the growth of cancer cells.
- Due to some of the nutrients contained in it, it is said to help reduce respiratory issues and also inflammation diseases.
- Mustard oil may block the growth of some harmful bacteria and fungi.
Alternative vegetable oils that can be used for cooking
- Olive oil
- Coconut oil
- Avocado oil
- Canola oil
- Peanut oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Safe To Use Mustard Oil For Cooking?
No. It is not safe to use mustard oil for cooking, because it contains erucic acid that is dangerous for the health.
Is Mustard Oil Good for Your Health?
No. Mustard oil is not good for your health. Although there have been attestations to the fact that mustard oil is good for your health, there has been no verified research that proves that mustard oil is good for your health.
What Is The Benefit Of Cooking With Mustard Oil?
Mustard oil may be a good flavoring agent when cooking and can be a popular choice when cooking with high heat, such as grilling, baking, frying, and roasting.
Can I Cook With Mustard Oil?
Yes. You can cook with mustard oil, but it is advised not to cook with this vegetable oil to avoid health complications.
What Are Mustard Oil’s Other Applications?
The essential mustard oil can be used n skin care products, pain relief gel, hair care products, and the like. However, constant and unregulated use of this oil can cause adverse effects.
In Conclusion
Given that mustard oil contains several potentially harmful acids, using it in your cooking may not be safe for you. There is no verified source that endorses the use of this oil for cooking, despite the claims that it has some other fantastic benefits for the skin and hair.
However, the article mentions additional vegetable oils that are safe to use in cooking.
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