Explained: Why consumption of mustard oil is banned in the US and Europe
Mustard oil, a staple in Indian cuisine, is banned in the US, Canada, and Europe due to its high erucic acid content. Erucic acid, a fatty acid, is linked to health issues such as memory impairment and fat accumulation, leading to its prohibition in these regions.
Indian cuisine is full of aroma and flavours. From spices to oils, traditional Indian kitchen celebrates all things healthy that have medicinal properties too. One such item that is used in most Indian homes is mustard oil. A cooking oil, known for its pungent aroma and sharp flavour. It is an Indian staple used in raw and cooked form to enhance the taste of many dishes. While we continue to enjoy the aroma of this oil, sadly it is banned in the US and many other countries. Scroll down to know why.
Why is mustard oil banned in the US?
According to the US Food And Drug Administration, the amount of erucic acid in mustard oil is quite high. It is a type of fatty acid and is detrimental to health purposes. It is not metabolised properly and harms the brain cells as well. Erucic acid is also associated with many mental disorders like memory impairment. It also leads to the increased accumulation of fat in the body. Keeping in mind these purposes, the USA, Canada, and Europe have banned the consumption of mustard oil.
What is erucic acid?
Erucic acid is a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid commonly found in oils such as mustard oil, rapeseed oil, and wallflower seed oil. As per studies, higher consumption of erucic acid can lead to several potential health side effects which are explained below.
Cardiotoxicity: High levels of erucic acid have been linked to the development of myocardial lipidosis, a condition characterized by the accumulation of fat in heart muscle cells, which can impair heart function.
Liver damage: Excessive intake of erucic acid may lead to liver enlargement and the development of fatty liver disease, which can disrupt normal liver function.
Growth retardation: In animal studies, high levels of erucic acid have been associated with growth retardation and reduced weight gain, raising concerns about its effects on growth and development in humans, especially in children.
Reproductive issues: Some animal studies suggest that high levels of erucic acid might adversely affect reproductive health, although more research is needed to fully understand these effects in humans.
Gastrointestinal distress: Consuming large amounts of erucic acid might cause gastrointestinal issues, including diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea.
Potential carcinogenicity: While not conclusively proven, there is some concern about the potential carcinogenic effects of long-term consumption of high levels of erucic acid.
What is the current status?
As per reports, the countries that have banned the use of mustard oil are trying to address the safety measures. Ad per Anderson International Corp, research and development are underway to reduce the erucic acid content in this oil. Also, as per Canadian researchers, they developed a low-erucic acid cultivar of rapeseed in the 1950s, and they named it Canola, which is a short acronym for Canadian oil with low acid. The FDA has approved one brand of edible mustard seed oil. This brand is produced from a cultivar bred explicitly for its low levels of erucic acid.
Is there any other side effect of mustard oil?
Consuming large amounts of mustard oil can lead to digestive issues like stomach upset, diarrhea, and indigestion due to its strong and pungent nature. Also, mustard oil contains goitrogens, substances that can interfere with the function of the thyroid gland. Consuming large quantities of mustard oil may contribute to the development of goiters or exacerbate existing thyroid problems.
What’s the solution?
As per experts, whether it’s oil or any packaged food item, one should be careful and should always read the label and nutritional content of the item before adding it to their pantry. Here are some of the practical solutions that people can adhere to while buying mustard oil from their nearest store.
Read the labels carefully: It is suggested to opt for processed mustard oil that has undergone low-erucic acid treatment, which is safer for human consumption.
Source wisely: As per experts, one should invest time in buying any item and look for reputable brands that ensure freshness and control over ingredients.
Moderation is key: Whether it is oil or any spice, it is suggested to consume them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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