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From dadis to nanis, now our moms have been cooking with mustard oil or sarson ka tel for ages. But as time turned to a healthier approach, olive oil grasped a bit of the highlight. Cooking is said to be very therapeutic for many people. With so many cuisines to try and so many flavours to add, it is just too much fun. But when it comes to cooking oil, think twice before using one.
All the flavour, consistency, and even our health are all significantly impacted by the cooking oils. The debate over which oil is better has been going on for quite some time. And it looks like this tug-of-war between olive and mustard oil will never end.
Olive Oil vs. Mustard Oil
Olive oil is a well-known food oil made from the fruit of the olive tree. According to a study by Front Pharmacol, 2021, It is known to have a lot of healthy monounsaturated fats, which can help lower cholesterol and reduce the chance of heart disease. Olive oil also has a lot of antioxidants, which protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals.
On the other hand, India, Pakistan, and other South Asian countries use mustard oil as a traditional cooking oil. It comes from the seeds of the mustard plant and has a strong, sharp taste. As per a study by J Clin Lipidol, 2022, Mustard oil has a lot of heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
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Olive Oil Benefits:
Inflammation
Olive oil contains antioxidants that act as ibuprofen. It acts as an anti-inflammatory drug and can help reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to many chronic diseases.
Improved Brain Function
Olive oil is used in the Mediterranean diet. A study from 2006 and 2018 shows that regular consumption of the Mediterranean diet can slow the development of Alzheimer’s and other brain diseases. It also helps in improving cognitive function.
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Skin
The antioxidants present in olive oil can help prevent wrinkles and act as an anti-aging oil. Olive oil is also a great source of hydration and can be directly applied to the skin. It has other potential benefits such as being anti-acne, protecting from the sun by acting as SPF, and more. However, doing a skin test before applying any product directly on the face is always safe.
Reduced Risk of Stroke
One study found that people who consumed olive oil regularly had a lower risk of stroke than those who did not. However, one has to prevent consuming food with fatty acids, such as beef, cheese, eggs, and more.
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Mustard Oil Benefits:
Pain
Mustard oil is widely used in some Asian households. It can be massaged on your joints or muscles to relieve pain and inflammation.
Improved Digestion
Mustard oil is known to be a very potent stimulant. It helps in digestion. Therefore, food cooked in mustard oil is healthy, helps digestion, and increases metabolism.
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Low Cholesterol Levels
Mustard oil had a high level of mono as well as polyunsaturated fatty acids. This helps in balancing cholesterol levels.
Antibacterial Properties
Mustard seeds have antibacterial properties, which can fight off infections. Therefore, mustard oil can be directly applied to an infected area or consumed if the infection is internal.
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Olive Oil vs. Mustard Oil: Which One To Choose?
Several factors must be considered when choosing between olive oil and mustard oil. Here are some of the main differences between the two oils:
Flavour
Olive oil has a mild and nutty flavour, which works well with baking or as a salad dressing oil. Mustard oil, on the other hand, has a very strong flavour; it works well in frying, sauteing any pickle, or general cooking.
Smoke Point
The smoke point is essentially the temperature when the oil is ready to cook. It is called the smoke point because when it is reached, the oil appears to produce smoke. Olive oil has a very low smoke point and hence cannot be used for cooking or frying on high heat. Mustard oil has a high smoke point, making it preferable for frying and cooking.
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Nutritional Benefits
Both oils have their nutritional benefits, and one helps with neurological problems while the other helps with digestive issues. One thing to note is that olive oil contains just monounsaturated fatty acids, while mustard has monounsaturated along with polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Cultural Preferences
Different cultures and regions prefer to use different types of oil in their cooking. Mustard oil is commonly used in many Asian cuisines, such as curries and flavourful salads. Extra virgin olive oil is a commonly used and much-loved pantry staple in the Middle East and parts of Europe. Many of the most popular Gulf and GCC breakfasts, such as ful medames and zaatar w zeit, would be incomplete without olive oil.
Which one is better? The answer depends on your individual cooking preferences and requirements. For light baking or dressing, olive oil might be a better choice but if you are looking for something with strong flavour or can be used for frying or cooking, choose mustard oil.
