Mustard

This week I MUSTARD up enough energy to clean on HomeHaven. It was needing it so badly. The main floor got some much needed attention. Wanted to get the diningroom floor swept and washed before a friend of mine came to visit.

Victory! Mission accomplished. Had a nice visit.

Speaking of mustard...did my homework and found out all this good stuff!

Mustard is seen as a cure-all and was imported to the United States through Spanish Missionaries. There are three varieties of mustard...black, brown and white. It's part of the cabbage family. The mustard plant grows to be tall and has bright yellow flowers. It's one of the most popular and widely used spices and condiments in the world.

Mustard is a condiment made from seeds of the mustard plant (white or yellow mustard, Sinapis hirta; brown or Indian mustard, Brassica juncen; or black mustard, Brassica nigra).

Mustard has four powerful qualities:

antibacterial,

antifungal,

antiseptic,

anti-inflammatory properties.

Because of its antibacterial properties it does not require refrigeration;

it will not grow mold, meldew or harmful bacteria. Unrefridgerated mustard will lose pungency more quickly, and should be stored in a tightly sealed, sterilized container in a cool, dark place. Though it may dry out, lose flavor, or brown from oxidation...can last indifinitely.

BASIC MUSTARDS are the most commonly consumed and often simplest of the mustard varieties, including mustard seed, dry mustard powder, deli style mustard, Dijon mustard, stone-ground/whole ground mustard, and yellow mustard.

Mustard seeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids as well as calcium, dietary fiber, iron, manganese, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, selenium and zinc. The selenium in mustard is a nutrient that has been shown to help reduce asthma, arthritis and certain cancers. The magnesium in mustard reduces asthma and lowers blood pressure.

The spices that give yellow mustard its health benefits is turmeric believed to have ancient healing properties. Anti cancer agent Curcumin is thought to be the primary pharmacological component in turmeric. Curcumin's anti-inflammatory effects are comparable to hydrocortisone as well as over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs such as motrin. Clinical trials of curcumin based regimen of foods posesses strong antioxidant effects and destroys free radicals, positive effect on arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, even cystic fibrosis.

STRONG anti-cancer effects of curcumin has reduced the size of tumors.

In cultures where curcumin consumption is high, such as India, there's less incidents of colon, breast and prostate cancers.

Mustard is one of most popular and widely used spices/condements in the world. This low calorie food as a condiment averages about 5 calories per teaspoon, is helpful for digestion, can speed up your metabolism, stimulates appetite and clears sinitis. She soothes sore throats, bronchitis, asthma and pnuemonia. She increases blood circulation!

The whole, ground, cracked, or bruised mustard seeds are mixed with water, vinegar, or other liquids and sometimes other flavorings and spices, to create a thick paste ranging in color from bright yellow to dark brown. Mustard often has a sharp, pungent flavor, as mixing the ground seed with cold liquid causes the release of enzyme myrosinase, responsible for mustard's characteristic HEAT!!!

Let's not forget what the Bible says about mustard seeds.

In the New Testament of the Amplified Bible in the Book of Matthew Chapter 17 says:
verse 18) And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him (the boy), and the boy was cured instantly.

verse 19) Then the disciples came to Jesus and asked privately, Why could we not drive it (demon) out?

verse 20) He said to them, Because of the littleness of your faith [that is, your lack of firmly relying trust]. For truly I say to you, if you have faith [that is living] like a grain of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, MOVE FROM HERE TO YONDER PLACE, and it will move;

and nothing will be impossible to you.

verse 21) BUT THIS KIND DOES NOT GO OUT EXCEPT BY PRAYER AND FASTING.

God richly bless you today.

I think I need to eat a whole jar of delicious mustard to increase my energy level.

Thank you LORD...it's the week-end and a Day of rest is coming.

How many times I have ignored a day of rest. Not good.

Need refreshed? Rest and pray,

~Deanna~

PS Remember Mary Poppins...just a spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go D o w n...
perhaps I need a spoonful of mustard to fight cancer.

Think the color of mustard will be a popular Autumn COLOR this year!

MUSTARD served with some style...A Victorian MUSTARD CUP