Mustard Oil Side Effects
The mouth-watering fish curry cooked in mustard oil can lead to some side effects too! Check out the major side effects of mustard oil usage:
1. Contains Erucic Acid
Several researches have proved that mustard oil contains a huge amount (approximately between 42% and 47%) of erucic acid (1). It is a bizarre fatty acid compound (monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid), which is known to be highly toxic in nature. Due to the presence of such copious amounts of erucic acid in mustard oil, it can pose serious health risks to us. Intake of a high dosage of mustard oil is associated with cardiovascular issues, respiratory issues, diarrhea, anemiai , cancer, coma, and even death in the most severe cases .
2. Influences Heart Health
3. May Increase Lung Cancer Risk
Apart from increasing cardiovascular risks, erucic acid in mustard oil distresses our lungs too. At the initial stage, it can simply affect the upper part of our respiratory system (especially the respiratory tract), causing troubled breathing and so on. But the long-term intake of mustard oil can make us prone to lung cancer, which is absolutely fatal. However, limited studies are available to prove this claim.
4. Leads To Dropsy
5. Causes Irritation
6. May Result In Skin Damage
Long-term topical application of mustard oil can affect the skin in a number of ways. Studies have shown that it interrupts the skin barrier function and increases water loss through the epidermis, altering the structure of epidermal keratinocytesi considerably. It can even cause minor to major skin blisters. That is why modern medical science suggests avoiding the use of mustard oil for massaging infants and kids. However, limited studies are available in this regard.
7. Gives External Eruptions
External application of mustard oil can lead to certain eruptions on the skin too. These are similar to the rashes ‘pityriasis roseai ’ and are benign in nature (8). However, if ignored, these eruptions can turn out to be the reason for substantial discomfort.
8. Can Lead To Allergic Reactions
9. Causes Rhinitis
Excessive consumption of mustard oil can cause rhinitis in which the mucous membrane tends to get inflamed (10). It is characterized by coughing, sneezing, stuffy nose, watery nose, and post-nasal drip. Hence it is better to reduce its consumption to get rid of this one of the strange mustard oil side effects.
10. Affects Pregnancy
Giving up something that is not just a part of one’s daily food, but is also a traditional and cultural symbol is not easy. Don’t worry, you don’t need to chuck out all that mustard oil either. But you can limit its consumption to prevent these side effects. Health matters, after all!