Many love mustard and cannot imagine aspic, borscht, or sausages without this condiment. How beneficial is this product for health, and is it possible to eat mustard every day?
There are many myths about mustard. It is claimed that it has antibacterial and antiviral properties, promotes wound healing, and even helps in the fight against cancer, reports Doctorpiter.
Gastroenterologist Ekaterina Kashukh shares her opinion on whether this spicy condiment can strengthen health.
Made from seeds
Mustard seeds, from which the popular condiment is made, contain antioxidants such as isothiocyanates and sinigrin. These substances strengthen the body by increasing its resistance to free radicals (unstable molecules that can damage cells and tissues), have anti-inflammatory properties, and promote faster healing of injuries. Scientists even suggest that these components may have antitumor effects.
“However, mustard should not be considered a medicine: the concentration of active substances in one serving is too low for a quick and significant effect. Nevertheless, regular consumption of mustard will certainly benefit the body,” explains the doctor.
Low in calories and fat
Moreover, mustard is considered one of the best condiments for maintaining health. One teaspoon contains only 3 kilocalories, as well as minimal amounts of fats and carbohydrates. It also contains no trans fats or “bad” cholesterol.
“This makes mustard an excellent choice for those who monitor their diet, aim to reduce the calorie content of dishes, and improve their nutrition,” says Ekaterina Kashukh. “In comparison, a tablespoon of mayonnaise, depending on the brand and recipe, can contain from 50 to 100 kilocalories, as well as a significant amount of fats, including harmful saturated fats for blood vessels.”
Promotes digestion but increases appetite
Mustard can improve digestion by stimulating the production of gastric juice. This is especially relevant for high-protein dishes, such as meat and fish, which are more difficult to digest.
This condiment also enhances appetite due to its ability to activate taste receptors. Dishes with mustard become richer in flavor and aroma. By irritating the mucous membrane, mustard causes increased saliva and gastric juice production—this is how the digestive system signals the brain that it is ready for food intake.
“These properties of mustard are especially beneficial for the elderly, whose appetite is often reduced due to chronic diseases, prolonged medication use, or natural aging processes such as a slowed metabolism,” explains the doctor.
Young people may also face similar issues after illness or prolonged medication use. Mustard can gently help improve appetite and restore nutrition.
Who should avoid mustard
However, caution should be exercised: for some people, mustard components may cause allergic reactions, as well as irritation of the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines.
“Patients with gastritis or peptic ulcer disease need to be vigilant. Due to its sharp taste and potential to irritate mucous membranes, mustard should be consumed with caution by children and pregnant women,” warns the medic.
If a person experiences heartburn or discomfort in the stomach or intestines after consuming a small amount of mustard, it indicates that the condiment is too aggressive for their gastrointestinal tract, and it is better to refrain from it.
Potential side effects
Overall, mustard is considered a safe condiment and rarely causes undesirable effects.
In addition to culinary use, mustard is widely used in folk medicine, for example, in the form of plasters to relieve muscle pain and improve blood circulation. However, doctors consider such methods unsafe.
“When applied externally, mustard can cause burns or severe allergic reactions,” notes Ekaterina Kashukh.
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