Functions of mustard that have been unknown till recent researches

Several recent studies have determined several positive effects of mustard. Everybody knows that it is a good remedy which adds pleasant flavor to food. Furthermore, it has been discovered that mustard may help to lose fat and improve physical appearance.
A study connected with mustard has been conducted by Debora Esposito and his colleagues at North Carolina University in Kannapolis (USA). It has been reported under results of the study that a compound that is named “homobrassinolide” found in mustard and other related herbs can increase lean muscle mass and energy in mammals.
28-Homobrassinolide is a brassinosteroid. It is a type of steroid which is contained in plants which are included in Brassica family. It has been known that it may promote growing plants. But nobody has been aware about its role in mammals. The experts have discovered that homobrassinolide has ability to lead to anabolic effects in mammals. It promotes increasing synthesis of protein, stimulates appetite and enhances muscle size through enhancement of number and size of muscle fibers in animals.
Healthy rats have been enrolled in the study. They have been given oral homobrassinolide during 24 days. Dual-emission x-ray absorptiometry analysis has been used in order to check changes in weight, food consumption and composition of rats’ bodies. It has been determined that animals who have been given homobrassinolide have acquired significantly more muscle mass than those that have not received this compound.
Increase of muscle size indicates about a higher basal metabolic rate. Enhanced BMR is associated with great caloric burning that helps to stay lean.
So, the research has clearly shown that homobrassinolide increases protein synthesis, enhances size and number of muscle fibers which play a great role for increase of endurance.
Experts think that such plants, as mustard, can be applied for more enhanced brassinosteroid content. It can help to have lean muscle mass, increase it and prevent some health problems.
It is suggested that future supplement and medicine industry will elaborate products that will be efficacious in case of certain diseases connected with muscle wasting. Such preparations can be used as alternative products to synthetic steroids because the first ones will probably cause minimal or no undesirable results.
Leaves of mustard are low-calorie. They are rich in antioxidants. Leaves of mustard have anti-inflammatory features. Moreover, they represent a brilliant source of iron, magnesium, fiber, selenium and phosphorous.
Mustard can be used for preparing salads, curds and tempering. It would be useful to consume at least one teaspoon of mustard with water or food in order to receive several benefits.