Mustard oil is one of the most popular cooking oils in India, used in every third or fourth household. Known for its beneficial fats, this oil also possesses therapeutic properties that benefit hair and skin, along with other health advantages. India’s mustard oil market hit USD 1.3 billion in 2025 and is set to reach USD 1.8 billion by 2034, expanding at a steady 4.03% CAGR from 2026 to 2034.
Let us explore more health benefits of mustard oil
Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties
Mustard oil offers strong antibacterial properties due to allyl isothiocyanates, natural compounds from its seeds that break down the cell walls of harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. These germs often cause food poisoning and stomach issues common in Indian households, especially during monsoons when food spoils easily. Studies show mustard oil works better than many other oils to keep food fresh and fight infections, making it perfect for daily cooking or applying on minor cuts to prevent bacterial growth.
On the antifungal side, the same allyl isothiocyanates stop fungi that lead to skin problems like ringworm, athlete’s foot, or nail infections, which thrive in India’s humid climate. Just a few drops in warm water for foot soak or direct massage with cold-pressed sarson ka tel can clear these up naturally, just like our elders used it in Ayurvedic remedies for quick healing without chemicals.
May help Heart Health
Mustard oil qualifies at par with olive oil when it comes to health benefits, especially heart health. Consumption of cold-pressed kachi ghani mustard oil is better as it retains natural properties, helpful for overall health. This traditional oil contains low saturated fats, no harmful trans fats, and good levels of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats with the perfect omega-3 to omega-6 balance. The cold-pressed grade of mustard oil is recommended by physician and cardiologists as it contains rich monounsaturated fats and alpha-linolenic acid, helpful in combating against inflammation and oxidative stress. Further, the cardiologist vouch on the composition of mustard oil – balanced MUFA & PUFA, including omega-6 fatty acids and alpha-linolenic acid, as these hold the potential to reduce the risk of heart disease. Cold-pressed mustard oil is one of the best cooking oils in India that can be used in daily meal preparation, but in moderation.
Also Read: Top 6 Healthy Cold-Pressed Oils for Heart Health in India
Helpful in Joint Pain and Inflammation
Mustard oil is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce joint pain and inflammation. It fights inflammation through allyl isothiocyanate (AITC) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), powerful compounds that help calm swelling and stiffness. Allyl isothiocyanate has warming effects that impart a strong smell and heat. When applied on skin and massaged gently, it helps reduce joint stiffness, improve blood circulation, and ease pain. Omega-3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid) in mustard oil help reduce joint swelling, soreness, and support joint lubrication when used regularly in the diet.
Warming Properties
In India, mustard oil use is not just limited to cooking, it has more uses than we think. In winter season, mustard oil is used to treat cold symptoms. Mustard oil contains allyl isothiocyanate, which generates heat and stimulates blood flow, helping the body stay warm in cold conditions. This makes it suitable for cooking winter meals or massages to combat lethargy from low temperatures. It is a popular winter care oil known to improve blood circulation because of the presence of balanced omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Further, mustard oil contains antimicrobial properties which helps fights infections and acts as a natural shield against coughs and congestion when used in steam inhalation or chest rubs.
Also Read: The Ultimate Guide to Using Cold-Pressed Mustard Oil in Winter for Health and Skin
May benefit Skin and Hair Health
Mustard oil is considered a natural remedy for improving skin and hair health. It contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that soak deep into the skin to hydrate and repair it, while also strengthening hair shafts. The vitamin E in mustard oil plays an important role in shielding against free radical damage and reducing inflammation.
Its antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds help fight bacteria, fungi, and oxidative stress. The oil locks in moisture to prevent skin dryness and cracking, while vitamin E soothes irritation and fades scars or dark spots by boosting collagen production. It combats dandruff with its antifungal properties, smooths frizzy hair, repairs split ends, and makes strands more flexible. Regular warm scalp massages enhance these benefits by increasing blood flow to the roots. Mustard oil contains natural fats and acts a good moisturizer, helpful in keeping your skin and hair healthy.
Things don’t happen in a day. The health benefits of mustard oil mentioned above depend on your consumption levels and individual health condition. Moreover, the type of mustard oil you use matters a lot. Buying any mustard oil won’t benefit you in the long run—you need to choose the best mustard oil in India wisely. Cold-pressed kachi ghani mustard oil is produced naturally; it is either wooden-pressed or mechanically pressed to extract the oil. This type of mustard oil is considered healthy because it retains its natural nutrients.
Also Read: How Do Cold-Pressed Oils Preserve Nutrients Better than Refined Oils in India
May be Helpful in Cancer
Mustard oil contains trace amounts of phytonutrients like glucosinolates, which exhibit anti-cancer properties. Myrosinase, an enzyme, hydrolyzes glucosinolates to form isothiocyanates—cancer-protective compounds that help prevent tumor growth, reduce inflammation, and protect against carcinogens, particularly in colon cancer, lung cancer, and breast cancers. Cold-pressed mustard oil retains higher levels of these phytonutrients than refined varieties.
How to check the purity of Cold-Pressed Kachi Ghani Mustard Oil
To identify the best and high-quality cold-pressed kachi ghani mustard oil, you need to follow standard tips as mentioned below.
Spot Pure Mustard Oil by Its Strong Aroma
The Mustard Aroma or Smell and Taste test:
- Pure cold-pressed kachi ghani mustard oil releases a sharp pungent aroma as soon as you open the bottle.
This strong smell comes from allyl isothiocyanate preserved during wooden pressing.
Refined or mixed oils give off a weak or flat scent. - Next, Taste a small drop to confirm a bold clean flavour that marks its purity.
Indian families use this quick aroma and taste check when buying oil for cooking or massage. Trusted brands always deliver this distinct smell and taste every time. This test takes seconds at the store or home.
Check Colour Texture and Label Details
The Mustard Oil Color Test
- Authentic cold-pressed kachi ghani mustard oil has a deep golden yellow or amber colour with thick texture when you pour or rub it.
Thin pale or overly clear oil points to refining or cheaper blends. - Read labels for exact terms like cold-pressed kachi ghani or wood-pressed with only mustard seeds listed.
- Look for FSSAI license batch number and expiry date plus glass bottle packaging.
These signs guide Indian buyers to pick genuine quality. Clear details confirm no additives or processing chemicals. Check every pack before purchase.
Run Fridge Test and Water Check
Do this test:
- Take one teaspoon of mustard oil and keep it in the fridge for 30 to 60 minutes.
- Pure cold-pressed kachi ghani oil turns cloudy forms white patches and partly solidifies.
Fake or refined oil stays fully liquid. - Next drop a few drops in a glass of water;
genuine oil sinks straight down without spreading or dissolving.
Indian shoppers use these home tests to spot adulteration before use. Simple reliable steps work for any household purchase. Results show clear difference in minutes.
Test Finger Feel and Brand Background
- Put one drop of cold-pressed kachi ghani mustard oil between your thumb and finger then rub gently.
Pure oil leaves a light sticky textured feel while fakes feel smooth and slippery. - Check brand websites for proof of wooden ghani process using quality seeds at low temperatures.
Real brands share extraction details certifications and customer feedback.
Indian homes combine this touch test with brand research to buy genuine oil. Verification ensures quality every purchase.
Also Read: Is Your Mustard Oil Pure? 7 Simple Tests to Spot Fake Mustard Oil
Buy from Trusted Cold-Pressed Cooking Oil Brand
With so many oil brands in the market, it becomes quite challenging to identify the best cold-pressed kachi ghani mustard oil. But there are some reputed brands like Jivo that exclusively offer cold-pressed oils. Jivo is a leading cooking oil brand in India, also known to offer healthy products like wheatgrass juice and natural mineral water. It is the only brand in India that has a large and wide distribution of cold-pressed canola oil. Not just canola oil, Jivo also offers cold-pressed oils like olive oil, groundnut oil, sunflower oil, and kachi ghani mustard oil. Jivo cold-pressed kachi ghani mustard oil contains monounsaturated fats (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fats (PUFA) in a balanced proportion. This oil is fortified with vitamins A and D, and is free from argemone oil and chemical additives. With a high smoke point, Jivo cold-pressed mustard oil is suitable for deep-frying, high-heat cooking, and can also be used for topical applications.
FAQs
1. What are the health benefits of mustard oil?
Mustard oil offers antibacterial, antifungal, heart-healthy fats, joint pain relief, and warming effects for winter wellness.
2. Is cold-pressed mustard oil good for heart health in India?
Yes, cold-pressed kachi ghani mustard oil’s MUFA, omega-3 ALA balance reduces inflammation and cholesterol for better cardiovascular support.
3. Why use mustard oil in winter cooking?
Allyl isothiocyanate in mustard oil generates internal heat, improves circulation, and fights colds—perfect for Indian winter meals and massages.
4. Does mustard oil help with joint pain and inflammation?
Mustard oil’s AITC and omega-3s reduce swelling, stiffness, and soreness when massaged into joints regularly.
5. How does mustard oil benefit skin and hair?
Rich in omega-3/6, vitamin E, and antioxidants, mustard oil hydrates skin, fights dandruff, repairs split ends, and boosts collagen.
6. What makes mustard oil antibacterial and antifungal?
Allyl isothiocyanates break down bacteria like E. coli and fungi causing ringworm, ideal for monsoon food safety and skin infections.
7. Can mustard oil prevent cancer?
Trace glucosinolates form isothiocyanates that may inhibit tumor growth in colon, lung, and breast cancers.
8. How to check purity of kachi ghani mustard oil?
Test pungent aroma/taste, golden color, fridge solidification, water sinking, and finger stickiness for authentic cold-pressed quality.
9. What is India’s mustard oil market size?
India’s mustard oil market reached USD 1.3 billion in 2025, projected to hit USD 1.8 billion by 2034 at 4.03% CAGR.
10. Which is the best cold-pressed mustard oil brand in India?
Jivo’s kachi ghani mustard oil stands out with balanced MUFA/PUFA, vitamins A/D, high smoke point, and no additives for cooking/massage.