Mustard flower and its exotic benefits

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https://www.boldsky.com/health/mustard-flower-and-its-exotic-benefits-145114.html

Mustard greens - an overview

Seeds originate from the flower, so why ignore the origin? The internet is flooded with content on mustard seeds, the benefits of mustard seeds, and recipes that use them, but mustard greens and their medicinal uses remain under-researched.

The name “mustard” originated from the Latin phrase “mustrum ardens,” meaning something that gave a burning peppery flavour to wines. Greeks renamed it "Sinapis,” and since they botanically belonged to the family of cabbages (cabbages are called brassica in Latin), science named the various varieties of mustard as Brassica juncea L., Sinapis alba L., and so on.

While mustard sauce is a famous table condiment and mustard seeds are an indispensable Indian kitchen spice, the benefits of mustard greens and their flowers also go a long way. They have antibacterial, antiviral, and antiparasitic properties, and they also reduce inflammation in the body.

Let’s read further to learn about these magical flowering plants.

What are the types of mustard plants?

Young and tender mustard greens are the most succulent. Flowers and seeds can both be consumed. Spring through summer is the flowering seasons.

Here are a few points to help you distinguish between white, brown, and black mustard:

1. White mustard: these produce intense yellow colour flowers, but have a mild flavour.

2. Brown mustard: it is known as Indian mustard or Chinese mustard. The flowers and leaves from these plants are used as herbs. The seeds that are harvested from the pods are used to produce oil. The brown mustard has a robust pungent flavour.

3. Black mustard: These are rarely harvested for commercial reasons. But they are known to have a sharp flavour.

Mustard flower benefits:

Both the flower and the mustard leaves (mustard greens) are high in fibre and low in calories. They are a powerhouse of micronutrients. Some of the essential nutrients include:

• Vitamins A, C, E, K and B6

• Minerals like copper, calcium, potassium, manganese, zinc and phosphorous

• Fibres

• Minimal protein and carbohydrates

There is very little research on its applications, but some of the health advantages of mustard flowers and greens are known:

1. Heart health

Mustard plant greens and flowers contain copious amounts of vitamin K. This vitamin plays a major role in the cascade of reactions during blood clotting. By helping the clotting process, it also keeps the heart and the blood circulation in the body healthy.

1. Boosts immunity

Vitamins C and A assist in the production of white blood cells, namely, T cells. These are active in fighting infection and inflammation in the body.

1. Antioxidants

Vitamin B-complex is effective in the production of antioxidants like flavonoids and lutein, which scavenge free radicals and maintain body health. This curbs all signs of inflammation like redness, swelling, and pain.

1. Great for eye health

Zeaxanthin and lutein, which are found in mustard greens, may protect against age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness worldwide. These two substances specifically aid in preventing oxidative damage to the retina and blocking the harmful blue light.

How can you include mustard greens and mustard flowers in your diet?

Their pungency is the flavour! Like all derivatives of the mustard plant, its greens also have a strong and sharp flavour. There are several ways to incorporate them into your daily Indian meals. Let’s look up a few of them:

• Washed and freshly cut mustard greens can be added to a salad. Make sure to use adequate pink salt, olive oil and pepper as a dressing to tone down the pungency.

• Stir-fried mustard spinach, or shorshe shaak bhaaja, is a Bengali favourite. Toss the freshly chopped mustard greens into hot oil with some nigella seeds and lots of garlic. Stir them with a pinch of turmeric and salt. Voila! It's ready to be served with some steamed white rice. A creamy version of a similar fry is a delectable dish from the northern part of India, called sarson ka saag.

• Pickled mustard greens with some salt, vinegar, chillies, and garlic is a scrumptious meal accompaniment in many countries.

Take –home

The mustard plant remains largely unexplored in our urban lives. The peppery leaves and flowers have amazing benefits. From eye health to immunity, it encompasses all aspects of overall health. However, like all other things, overusing mustard greens can lead to gas, bloating, and possibly kidney stones. It is advisable to wash and blanch them before adding them to salads. So, this winter season, do not shy away from picking up a bunch of mustard greens from the market and exploring new delicacies with them.