The Food and Drug Administration banned mustard oil for human consumption because of its high erucic acid content. Mustard oil sold in the U.S. must be labeled “for external use only.”
Early research suggested that high concentrations of erucic acid could cause a heart condition called myocardial lipidosis in mice. Myocardial lipidosis is temporary and reversible. Although the effects on humans haven’t been studied.
In contrast mustard oil is one of the most popular cooking oils in Asia, particularly in India where it is recommended as a heart-healthy oil by the Lipid Association of India.
High levels of monounsaturated fats, and low concentrations of saturated fats make mustard oil heart-healthy. Anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antifungal and analgesic properties, make mustard oil useful in cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations.
