Mustard Greens also called the “Sarson Ka Saag” is
a very popular diet among the Punjabis of India. As the Punjabis have spread
across the world, so have spread their “Sarson Ka Saag”. As the mustard
greens spread to the West, the research related to its health benefits have
also reached its peak. No doubt that this particular green leaves have
tremendous health benefits but the Indians consume it unknowingly.
The Mustard greens
are one of the most nutritious green-leafy vegetables. They are
highly rich in vitamin A, carotenes, vitamin K, and flavonoid anti-oxidants. Mustard greens are generally cultivated
in the sub-Himalayan plains of Indian sub-continent during the winter season,
i.e. from November until March. The mustard
greens are most flavourful at that time of the year. The mustard seeds are
used in various recipes and the seeds are also used for oil production in many
parts of the South-Asian region.
Health
Benefits:
Mustard Greens are a healthy option of
leafy vegetables. Mustard greens
have many Phyto-nutrients which help
in the prevention of various
dangerous diseases and promote good health of human beings.
Increases protection
from Bacterial and Viral Infections
Consumption of mustard
greens in regular diet helps in increased protection from bacterial and
viral infections. Vitamin C is a powerful natural anti-oxidant present in the
mustard greens, provides protection against toxin injury and flu-like
infections.
Increased Immune
Function
Regular intake of mustard
greens helps to develop a stronger immune system. The levels of Vitamin C
in mustard greens are almost the same as oranges. So, it is great for keeping
the immune system healthy so it does not easily hurt.
Reduced Cancer
Risk
The high fibre content of the mustard greens helps in smooth bowel movements and thereby reduces
the risk of colon cancer. Daily intake of mustard greens in diet has proven
benefits against prostate-cancer, breast-cancer, colon-cancer and ovarian-cancers
due to inhibition in their cancer cell growth and also for their cytotoxic
effects on the cancer cells.
Protection against
Heart Disease
The high vitamin K content makes mustard greens a heart-healthy food. Mustard greens are low in
calories and very high in dietary fibre. As a result they are recommended in cholesterol
controlling and weight reduction. Its green leaves contain excellent amount of
dietary fiber that can help control cholesterol level as well as help protect
against hemorrhoids.
Regulating Blood
Sugar Levels
The mustard greens
high fibre, low calorie and no sodium content helps to reduce the blood sugar
level. Lower sugar levels help to maintain a healthy heart.
Slowing the
progression of AIDS
Mustard greens slow the progression of AIDS.
Slowing Aging
The anti-oxidants present in mustard greens helps to slow down the aging process. Vitamin A
which is found in the leaves is essential nutrient for maintaining healthy
mucus membranes and skin.
Protection
Against Conditions of Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Severe conditions of Dementia and Alzheimer’s can be
protected by regular consumption of mustard
greens.
Alleviation of
Cardiovascular Disease
Steamed mustard greens
help inhibits the oxidation of LDL and HDL thereby
ensuring alleviation of cardiovascular disease.
Alleviation of Hypertension (High
Blood Pressure)
Prevention of High Blood Pressure can be done by daily
consumption of mustard greens.
Promoted Eye Health
Mustard leaves are a rich
source of vitamin A which is
an essential nutrient for maintaining healthy mucous membranes and skin and is
required for good eyesight.
Osteoporosis Protection
Vitamin C rich food such as mustard greens provides defence
against inflammatory polyarthritis. These leaves contain Vitamin k. Vitamin K supplement
has found to have potential role in bone mass building function and osteo-trophic
activity in the bone. Daily intake of mustard greens can help reduce the
chances of osteoporosis from occurring.
Antioxidant Protection
Mustard greens are a very good source of
anti-oxidants which stimulate liver detoxification.
Stroke Prevention
High vitamin C content in mustard greens helps in prevention of stroke.
Other ailments which can be helped with mustard greens are risk of type II diabetes, the frequency of
migraine headaches, prevention of alopecia (Spot Baldness), inflammation and
epileptic seizures. The use of mustard
greens in daily will not only help us remain healthy but also will help us
control the conditions of our prevailing ailments. Not only mustard greens, any
leafy vegetables help us to get relief from constipation. Nowadays doctors also
refer regular intake of leafy vegetables to pregnant women due to high iron and
other vitamin and mineral content
