Clinical studies show mustard oil may be best for your heart: experts

New Delhi: If you want to be healthy in the midst of the pandemic, choosing the right oil should be the first step, as Covid-19 is an inflammatory disease and therefore we should focus more on anti-inflammatory diets and the right cooking oil. , the best health experts. said.

Prominent physician and cardiologist and former president of Indian Medical Association KK Aggarwal is favorably inclined to cold-pressed mustard oil not only because it is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), but it also contains large amounts. omega-3 fatty acids and alpha-linolenic acid which has been shown to decrease oxidative stress and inflammation.

“The composition of mustard oil is a delight for cardiologists – which is why a growing number of doctors are recommending mustard oil for reducing the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and other related health problems. “said Dr Pragya Gupta, senior scientist and director of Mustard Research Promotion Consortium (MRPC), the R&D wing of Puri Oil Mills Limited (the makers of P Mark Mustard Oil). “Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil in its pure, natural, extra virgin, cold-pressed form offers such a wide range of health benefits that our company has been dedicated to making this wonderful oil for over 85 years.

According to renowned cardiologist Dr. TS Kler, President of Fortis Heart and Vascular Institute, Gurugram and Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj, mustard oil has several advantages over other oils. “Mustard oil is considered one of the healthiest edible oils because it contains a low amount of saturated fatty acids and a high amount of monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are good for the body. health, ”Kler said. “The alpha-linolenic acid present in mustard oil reduces the tendency for blood platelets to stick together, which decreases the risk of heart attack. Several clinical studies have also shown that mustard oil may be the better for heart health, ”Kler added.

Mustard oil also contains a phytochemical called Allyl Isothiocyanate (AITC) which offers strong anti-inflammatory characteristics. A study published in the Journal of Cellular & Molecular Medicine shows that it helps fight and reduce inflammation in the colon and gastrointestinal tract.

Here is another interesting benefit that is becoming particularly relevant in the context of the current pandemic. “COVID-19 is a fatty virus and mustard oil is an anti-obesity oil,” Aggarwal recently said in a webinar. A study published in the Asian Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicates that regular consumption of mustard oil can lead to poor body weight gain, less visceral fat accumulation, and better glucose and lipid homeostasis.

“Mustard oil is considered to be rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). They help increase good cholesterol (HDL) and lower bad cholesterol (LDL). In addition, its consumption may reduce the risk of coronary artery disease, heart disease and aid in weight loss, ”said Dr Amrendra Kumar Pandey, Consultant, Cardiologist, Dharamshila Narayana Superspecialty Hospital, New Delhi.

Worst of all, Aggarwal says, is trans fat – he calls it “killer fat” because it causes heart disease and strokes by building up cholesterol in the arteries.

Mustard oil is a healthy option because it does not contain trans fat, does not go rancid, and does not lead to the production of harmful free radicals. Eating too much trans fat can raise unhealthy LDL cholesterol and lower healthy HDL cholesterol. This imbalance can increase your risk of high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), heart attack and stroke.