Top 5 Health Benefits of Using Cold Pressed Mustard Oil Daily

Introduction: The Golden Oil of Indian Kitchens

Mustard oil has long been a staple in Indian households — from cooking to massages, from home remedies to religious rituals. But not all mustard oils are created equal. The purest form is cold pressed mustard oil, especially when extracted through the wooden kolhu (wood-pressed) method. This traditional process retains the maximum nutrients and therapeutic properties of mustard seeds.

At Matrika Natural Foods, we extract our mustard oil using age-old techniques that honor tradition and support wellness. Let’s explore why adding a spoon of cold-pressed mustard oil to your daily life can be a game-changer for your health.

What Makes Cold Pressed Mustard Oil Different?

Before diving into its benefits, it’s important to understand the difference between cold pressed mustard oil and its refined counterpart.

1. Cold Pressed Mustard Oil:

• Extracted at room temperature using wooden churners
• No external heat or chemicals
• Retains omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, antioxidants, and minerals
• Strong, natural aroma and deep yellow color

2. Refined Mustard Oil:

• Made using chemical solvents and high heat
• Stripped of nutrients
• Artificially deodorized and bleached
• Lacks medicinal properties

In short, cold pressed = food + medicine, while refined = neutral calories with low nutrition.

Top 5 Health Benefits of Using Cold Pressed Mustard Oil Daily

1. Boosts Heart Health Naturally

Mustard oil contains a healthy balance of monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6, which are essential for cardiovascular well-being.

How it helps:

• Regulates cholesterol levels
• Lowers bad cholesterol (LDL)
• Increases good cholesterol (HDL)
• Reduces the risk of hypertension and atherosclerosis

Real Science:

Studies show that diets rich in cold pressed oils (like mustard or flaxseed) significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and blood clot formation.

Tip:

Use 1–2 teaspoons of mustard oil in your daily cooking — whether in tadka, sautéing veggies, or drizzling over salads.

2. Strengthens Immunity & Fights Infections

Mustard oil is naturally antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral. When extracted through the wooden cold-pressed method, it retains allyl isothiocyanate — a compound with potent immunity-boosting properties.

How it helps:

• Fights respiratory infections, coughs, colds
• Kills harmful microbes in the gut
• Protects against seasonal illnesses
• Acts as a natural decongestant

Traditional Use:

In many households, mustard oil steam is used to clear sinuses, and mustard oil massages help warm the body and boost circulation during winter.

3. Improves Skin Health and Hair Growth

Cold pressed mustard oil is rich in vitamin E, zinc, selenium, and beta-carotene, which work together to nourish skin and promote hair strength.

How it helps:

• Keeps skin soft, hydrated, and blemish-free
• Delays signs of aging and wrinkles
• Strengthens hair roots and reduces hair fall
• Prevents dandruff and itchy scalp

Skin & Hair Rituals:

• Use as a night massage oil for glowing skin
• Mix with coconut oil and apply to scalp for thick, strong hair
• Ideal for baby massage due to its warmth and purity

4. Enhances Brain Function and Mental Clarity

Mustard oil contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) — an omega-3 fatty acid linked to improved brain performance, reduced inflammation, and better memory retention.

How it helps:

• Supports nervous system function
• Improves memory and concentration
• Reduces oxidative stress in brain cells
• Helps manage symptoms of depression and anxiety

Regular intake of cold-pressed oils like mustard has been shown to reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Fun Fact:

In Ayurveda, mustard oil is believed to energize the mind and keep the body’s vata dosha in balance — which is associated with creativity, clarity, and calmness.

5. Aids Digestion and Boosts Metabolism

Mustard oil improves bile production and supports gut movement. Its natural detoxifying effect helps eliminate toxins and improves nutrient absorption.

How it helps:

• Stimulates digestive enzymes
• Prevents constipation and bloating
• Improves metabolism and fat breakdown
• Keeps the gut microbiome healthy

How to Use:

• Add to daily lentils, sabzis, or use as a salad dressing
• Combine with ginger and garlic for a digestion-friendly tadka

Additional Benefits of Cold Pressed Mustard Oil

While these top 5 are the most powerful, mustard oil offers many other day-to-day wellness perks:

• Natural insect repellent (apply to skin or corners of home)
• Relieves joint pain when massaged regularly
• Ideal for baby massage (with coconut oil mix)
• Used in oil pulling for oral detox
• Improves appetite and body warmth in cold weather