The mustard oil mystery: Why is it banned in the US and Europe?
The underrated mustard seed, better known as strong and spicy condiment, has a valuable oil hidden inside. While many nations, such as Thailand and India, use edible mustard oil in their cooking, the US and Europe have expressed concern and outlawed its use in food for human consumption. Let’s explore the controversy surrounding mustard oil, including its unique properties, rich history, and the reasons it was outlawed in the West.
An ancient spice that dates back to the Stone Age, mustard has been incorporated into many different cultures. Mustard has developed with human civilization, starting with the Romans who created tart sauces and continuing with the French who created Grey Poupon Dijon. Beyond their reputation as a condiment, mustard seeds contain an oil with a unique composition that can be used for a wide range of purposes, including cosmetics and cooking.With its high proportion of monounsaturated fats, balanced amounts of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fats, and low levels of saturated fats, mustard seed oil has a heart-healthy composition. Its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and analgesic qualities make it a star in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations, even outside the kitchen. But the same substances that provide these advantages also give rise to worries about possible toxicity at larger concentrations.
Erucic acid and glucosinolates were found to be the cause of mustard oil’s strong flavor during research conducted in the 1950s. Although the mustard plant uses these substances as natural defenses, elevated erucic acid concentrations raised concerns about possible cardiac problems in mice. Despite the lack of clarity surrounding the effects on humans, regulatory bodies such as the FDA acted and prohibited edible mustard oil due to its high erucic acid content.
The FDA reclassified mustard oil as “for external use only” in the US due to health concerns, limiting its use to products for skincare and haircare. While some nations still use mustard oil in their cooking, the West has shifted to using soybean oil instead, which is high in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids and promotes collagen, flexibility, and general skin health.
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