Mustard and its properties used in cooking and cosmetology. The benefits of mustard and harm to the body.

In history, the mention of mustard dates back to the 3000s BC and this happened in India, in whose cuisine mustard seeds were already used then. But one of the first popular recipes even today dates back to the 40s AD. In the 9th century, mustard production became very popular in France. To put it in modern terms, this was one of the main “businesses” that brought good income. In those days, mustard was sold by weight and became increasingly popular in kitchens.

Mustard includes some types of annual herbaceous plants of the cruciferous family. Most often, only seeds are used, which are ground into powder and mixed with water and other spices.

As mentioned above, mustard contains a number of vitamin groups A (prevents visual impairment, fights dermatological problems), B (positively affects the functioning of the nervous system, calms, improves mood), D (strengthens bone tissue) and E (preserves youth, helps smooth out wrinkles, fights diseases in the cardiovascular system), contains components such as Fe (iron), K (potassium) and P (phosphorus).

When mustard powder comes into contact with water, a light yellow paste with a piquant taste and pungent odor is formed. And mustard essential oil, which is contained in seeds up to 47%, is widely used in cooking for canning.

Due to its composition, mustard has found wide use in cooking. It is used as a seasoning and flavoring for hot and cold dishes, especially sausages and fatty meats. It successfully extends the shelf life of products. It is used as one of the important ingredients in savory sauces and dressings. Mustard goes perfectly with honey and acts as an excellent emulsifier, it prevents juice secretion and adds a deep aroma. Therefore, before baking, it is used to cover both meat and fish dishes. If you want to get juicy meat, add mustard, even a small amount will have a positive effect on the frying process; if you want to make the salad more vitamin-rich, add young mustard leaves.

The benefits and harms of mustard

Let's consider the benefits and harms of mustard for the human body and its use in folk medicine.

The effect of mustard on the body is such that the body’s protective properties are awakened. For colds, this is the number one aid; it is used both internally and externally.In the absence of high temperature, feet are hovered in mustard powder or mustard plasters are applied to the chest. This relieves severe coughs and other unpleasant symptoms of a cold. When doing such procedures, it is important to be careful - excessive use of mustard lotions can lead to burns. In addition, mustard oil reduces the risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

Perhaps one of the most important benefits of mustard is that it helps the stomach. Every fatty meat dish, especially fried meat, should be taken with mustard. It perfectly “settles” problems with any meat. With her, the most satisfying dinner will never become a “nightly” problem.

But, like other useful plants, mustard has contraindications. It is strictly contraindicated for ulcers and gastritis. You shouldn’t make your stomach problems worse, you just need to stop using it internally. Also, drinking mustard is not advisable before bedtime (internal use), because it has a stimulating effect and can contribute to insomnia.

In a word, the main thing to remember is that moderation is needed in everything. If you follow this rule, then benefit will never turn into harm.

Mustard in cosmetology

The composition of mustard gives it the opportunity to take its rightful place among the so-called “homemade cosmetics”. Today, a wide variety of expensive store-bought creams have filled our home and cosmetic bags, and the properties of mustard, suitable for use in cosmetology, have undeservedly faded into the background. But in vain, because mustard is affordable and will easily help you achieve great results in the fight for ideal skin and a slim figure.The fatty acids contained in mustard have a beneficial effect on metabolism, which helps with losing extra pounds. It has rejuvenating properties. Its fans have long been convinced that mustard improves skin color, eliminates oily sheen, and helps in the fight against the appearance of cellulite.

With mustard, as with any drug, before use you should do a test to identify allergic reactions. After pinning the mustard mask, apply a small amount of it to the inner (tender part) of the hand and wait a couple of minutes. No allergies have been identified - we can safely proceed to the procedures. Let's look at some of them.

1. The most common way to tidy up your face.

For the mustard mask you will need:

1 teaspoon mustard powder;

1 tablespoon water;

2 tablespoons olive oil (warm slightly).

Dilute all components. Apply to face, avoiding the area around the eyes and lips. Leave for 5 minutes and rinse with warm water. Repeat the procedure weekly: 1 mask per week, but no more than 10 masks in a row.

2. Lightly lubricate cleansed facial skin with olive oil. Dilute a tablespoon of powder in a glass of water, apply to a cotton towel and place on your face. Place an additional terry towel on top to create a “bath” effect. Leave for 5 minutes. Rinse off with warm water.

3. When fighting cellulite, you should also seek help from mustard. Wraps using it are a huge success.

Combine mustard powder with honey in a 2:3 ratio. Apply to problem areas and massage thoroughly with a massager. If there is none, then just use your hands. We apply cling film or cellophane and wrap ourselves in a warm blanket. After half an hour, take a warm shower.Wraps should be done no more than every 1-3 days throughout the month.

ATTENTION: This wrap is contraindicated for people suffering from varicose veins!

We end the post with a video from which you will learn why mustard is called the flower of happiness and health.

And in this video there is information about the beneficial properties of mustard leaves, which we did not write about in the article.