By Chisom Ibemere
Brassica juncea, also known as brown mustard, Chinese mustard, Indian mustard, leaf mustard, Oriental mustard and vegetable mustard, is a specie of mustard plant. The cultivars can be grouped into four subgroups: integrifolia, juncea, napiformis, and tsatsai.
Mustard plant has been cultivated for years across countries for its edible seeds. The seeds are grounded and processed into condiment or used to produce oil.
Mustard greens (Brassica juncea), belong to the Brassicaceae family, which includes cabbage, broccoli, and brussels sprouts etc. They are seasonal vegetables with a peppery flavour. It has different varieties of the leaf size, shape, and colour (green and red to purple).
Mustard greens have loads of powerful antioxidants. It contains Vitamins A, C, K, Manganese, Folate, and Vitamin E which help destroy free radicals that damage the cell membranes which may lead to serious, chronic conditions like heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Mustard greens are good for the eye health. They are rich in vitamin A.
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Vitamin A is extremely important for eye health.
Vitamin A deficiency disrupts the production of essential pigments for the photoreceptor cells in the retina to work appropriately, which may lead to night blindness.
Mustard greens contain lutein and zeaxanthin, amazing compounds that give protection to the retina from oxidative damage and clears potentially harmful blue light. It is rich with flavonoids, beta_carotene, Vitamin C which helps prevent heart related diseases.
Consuming mustard greens has helped to reduce the risk of certain cancers, including prostate, colon, stomach, nasal, and oral cancers. They are rich in glucosinolates, a group of beneficial plant compounds which shield the cells against damage and prevent cancer cells growth.
Mustard greens help improve mental function. It prevents skin related problems like acne and strengthens the skin tissues. Vitamin A content reduces excess sebum production.
Mustard green are essentially healthy for pregnant women because of it’s nutritional constituents. It consists of vitamin K and vitamin B6 which reduces pregnancy-related sickness such as nausea and vomiting.
Vitamin A rich mustard greens help to prevent urinary calculi formation by disrupting the accumulation of calcium phosphate in the body. They have anti inflammatory properties thereby preventing pains, injuries and stiffness of arthritis.
