The Serious Dangers of Drinking Mustard Oil Daily
Despite its widespread use as a cooking oil in parts of Asia, drinking pure mustard oil daily carries significant health risks, primarily due to its high concentration of a fatty acid known as erucic acid. While often touted for its topical benefits, ingesting large, regular quantities can lead to severe health complications. The following sections explore the specific dangers and contraindications associated with this practice.
Erucic Acid: The Primary Concern
Pure mustard oil contains substantial levels of erucic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid that has raised alarm among health authorities. In studies performed on laboratory animals in the 1970s, researchers observed that prolonged, high intake of erucic acid led to a heart condition called myocardial lipidosis, or "fatty degeneration of the heart". This condition involves the accumulation of fat in the heart muscle and can lead to severe cardiac damage, or even heart failure, in animal models. Although human studies on this specific effect are limited, the potential risks are significant enough for regulatory bodies like the FDA to ban its use as a cooking oil. The ongoing controversy surrounding erucic acid's effect on human hearts remains a key reason for caution.
Other Internal Health Complications
Beyond the cardiac risks, drinking mustard oil every day can trigger other internal health problems due to its potent, irritant nature. The compound allyl isothiocyanate, which gives mustard oil its pungent flavor, can cause inflammation and irritation when ingested in high amounts.
- Gastrointestinal Distress: Excessive consumption can lead to inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and intestines, resulting in stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and other digestive issues. People with existing conditions like gastritis or ulcers may be particularly vulnerable.
- Rhinitis: Overindulgence can cause rhinitis, an inflammation of the mucous membrane, leading to symptoms such as nasal congestion, a runny nose, sneezing, and coughing.
- Thyroid Issues: Mustard oil also contains goitrogens, substances that can interfere with the normal function of the thyroid gland. Consuming large quantities might exacerbate existing thyroid problems or contribute to the development of goiters.
- Anemia: In some cases, consuming too much mustard oil has been linked to anemia, though this is less common.
External and Allergic Reactions
For those who attempt to drink mustard oil, there is also the risk of severe allergic reactions and external irritation, even if contact is minimal.
- Allergic Reactions: Some individuals are sensitive or allergic to mustard seeds or the oil itself. Ingesting it can trigger a severe allergic response, known as anaphylaxis in extreme cases. Symptoms can include hives, swelling, itching, dizziness, and difficulty breathing, requiring immediate medical attention.
- Oral and Skin Irritation: The strong irritant nature of allyl isothiocyanate can cause a burning sensation and inflammation in the mouth and throat upon consumption. If the oil comes into contact with the skin around the mouth or eyes, it can cause redness, itching, and general irritation.
Comparison of Pure Mustard Oil and Safe Edible Oils
To highlight the distinction, a comparison of pure mustard oil, often restricted to external use in some regions, with regulated edible oils is essential. This table illustrates why one should never drink the former as a dietary supplement.
| Feature | Pure Mustard Oil | FDA-Approved Edible Oils (e.g., Olive, Canola) |
|---|---|---|
| Erucic Acid Content | High (often 30–50%) | Low (less than 2% in Canola oil) |
| Regulatory Status (US) | Not approved for consumption, labeled "For External Use Only" | Approved for consumption, widely sold as food |
| Primary Health Risk | Myocardial lipidosis and heart damage based on animal studies | Generally safe, but excessive intake can contribute to high calories or unhealthy fats |
| Other Health Concerns | Gastrointestinal and respiratory inflammation, rhinitis, thyroid issues | Minimal when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet |
| Recommended Use | Topical application (massage, hair treatment) | Cooking, frying, salad dressings |
Conclusion: Prioritize Safety Over Anecdotal Claims
The idea of drinking mustard oil daily is extremely dangerous and potentially life-threatening. While mustard oil is a traditional ingredient in some cuisines and has a long history of external and medicinal use in certain cultures, the regulatory warnings and scientific evidence against ingesting large quantities are clear. The high erucic acid content poses a significant risk for heart damage, and its irritant compounds can cause severe internal inflammation. For safe consumption, choose oils explicitly approved for culinary use and rely on topical applications for other purposes. Any decision to ingest mustard oil should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional, not based on anecdotal evidence or misinformation. The science is definitive: drinking pure mustard oil is a high-risk activity that should be avoided. Consult your physician before making any significant dietary changes, especially involving substances with known contraindications.
Potential Health Benefits and Topical Use
It's important to distinguish between ingesting mustard oil and its legitimate external uses and potential health benefits when used appropriately. When applied topically or cooked in a regulated manner, its profile changes.
- Topical Anti-Inflammatory Effects: For centuries, mustard oil has been used topically as a massage oil to relieve muscle aches, joint pain, and arthritis symptoms due to its anti-inflammatory properties. The warming effect is often soothing.
- Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties: Studies show that compounds in mustard oil can inhibit the growth of certain harmful bacteria and fungi, making it useful for treating minor skin infections and conditions like dandruff when applied externally.
- Hair and Skin Health: Rich in fatty acids, vitamins A and E, and antioxidants, it is often used for skin hydration, to reduce fine lines, and for promoting hair growth and shine.
- Respiratory Relief: Inhaling steam with mustard oil is a traditional remedy for clearing nasal and chest congestion from colds. A massage of the chest with warm oil and garlic is also commonly practiced.
This evidence highlights the difference between safe external application and the high-risk, unregulated internal consumption that this article advises against.
Navigating the Controversy and Safe Usage
The conflict between traditional cultural practices and modern scientific warnings surrounding mustard oil can be confusing. While some populations have consumed mustard oil in food for centuries with no apparent ill effects, this is often due to regulated production processes that reduce erucic acid levels or by only cooking it to a high smoke point to alter its composition. However, pure, unprocessed mustard oil remains a risk. It is crucial for consumers to read labels carefully and only purchase food-grade varieties where legally permissible, and to strictly avoid drinking pure, unregulated versions intended for topical use.
What happens if you drink mustard oil every day?
This is a highly dangerous practice with severe health risks, most notably heart damage from its high erucic acid content, as well as gastrointestinal and respiratory inflammation. Regulatory bodies in some countries explicitly forbid its sale for internal consumption.
Can a small amount of mustard oil be consumed safely?
While moderate use in cooking with regulated, food-grade varieties is common in some cuisines, drinking any amount of pure mustard oil as a dietary supplement is unsafe and not recommended.
What is erucic acid and why is it harmful?
Erucic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid present in high levels in pure mustard oil. Animal studies have linked excessive intake to myocardial lipidosis, a condition involving fat accumulation in the heart.
What are the short-term side effects of drinking mustard oil?
Short-term side effects can include severe gastrointestinal distress, such as nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps, due to the oil's potent and irritating compounds. Allergic reactions and respiratory irritation are also possible.
Is mustard oil banned for consumption everywhere?
No, it is widely used in certain regions like India and Bangladesh. However, in the US, Canada, and parts of Europe, its sale for consumption is banned or heavily regulated, and it is labeled for external use only due to high erucic acid levels.
How can I use mustard oil safely?
For cooking, use a food-grade, low-erucic-acid variety, if available and legally sold. Otherwise, limit use to topical applications like hair treatments and massage, and always perform a patch test first.
What are safer alternatives to mustard oil for cooking?
Healthier cooking oils with a better fat profile and lower erucic acid content include olive oil, canola oil (low-erucic acid rapeseed oil), and sunflower oil.
Who should avoid mustard oil consumption completely?
Pregnant women, children, and individuals with heart or liver conditions should strictly avoid consuming mustard oil. Anyone with a known mustard allergy should also stay away from both topical and oral use.
