A dietitian sounds off on if mustard oil is safe to cook with.

Plus, see three mustard oil benefits to working it into your beauty routine.

The FDA Just Banned Red Dye No.

alt

3: The Future of Processed Foods

Is Red Wine Any Healthier for You Than White Wine?

Proffee Is the Hottest New Beverage Trendbut Should You Really Be Adding Protein to Your Coffee?

Our editors independently select these products.

alt

registered dietitian nutritionist, healthy cooking expert, public speaker, and author ofFrom Burnout to Balance

What is mustard seed oil?

In countries including India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, mustard oil is a commonly used cooking oil.

As you probably guessed from its name,mustard oil is sourced from mustard seeds.

An image of four wine glasses on a wooden surface

First, the mustard seeds are dried, cleaned, and heated.

Then the oil gets machine-extracted from the seeds.

Last, the oil is filtered to remove any impurities before being bottled and sold.

Young woman mixing ice coffee

Mustard dressings and sauces are commonly used to enhance the taste of salads, roasted veggies, and meat.

Dont worry, were about to get into it.

But just because cooking with mustard oil isnt recommended, that doesnt mean its not worth buying.

Cropped shot of young woman shopping in the dairy section of a supermarket. She is reading the nutrition label on a container of fresh organic healthy natural yoghurt

registered dietitian nutritionist, healthy cooking expert, public speaker, and author ofFrom Burnout to Balance

As mentioned, its a valuable beauty staple.

Bannan explains that erurcic acid is linked to causing a heart condition calledmyocardial lipidosisat least in lab rats.

This heart condition is temporary and reversible, but its still not great for overall health.

Two cups with coffee and green tea on a beige background.

During myocardial lipidosis, lipids accumulate in heart muscle fibers which weakens the heart.

In other words, the benefits arent enough to outweigh the warning.

But not all studies have had these same results.

red pigment in a wooden spoon

Clearly more research needs to be done on this controversial oilat least when it comes to consumption.

Here are three to consider:

1.

It can be used to help skin heal.

Scientific research has shown thatmustard oil can help strengthen the skin barrier.Its also antimicrobial.

Just avoid doing so on an unclean or open, exposed wound.

It is good for scalp health.

If you have a dry scalp, topically massaging mustard oil could help.

This is because the oil moisturizes while also working to soothe irritated skin.

By nourishing the scalp in this way and decreasing dryness,it can cut down on dandruff, too.

It may promote hair growth.

This is because the compounds in mustard oil stimulate hair follicles.

Theres certainlyno shortage of oils to cook withthat have much stronger science connected to benefit the whole bodyheart included.

You look like someone who loves free workouts, discounts for cutting-edge wellness brands, and exclusive Well+Good content.

Sign up for Well+, our online community of wellness insiders, and unlock your rewards instantly.

Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.