A new study has found that one daily heaped teaspoon of a cheap condiment can reduce cholesterol and blood glucose levels.
The study was led by Dr Ruth Fairchild of Cardiff Metropolitan University and was published in early November at the European Federation of Food Science and Technology (EFFoST).
Scientists hypothesise that the findings could help up to 525,000 people in the UK.
Read more: Everyday food could be causing 90 per cent of cancers, according to study.
Scientists found that a heaped teaspoon of wholegrain mustard each evening before bed can help reduce blood glucose and cholesterol levels.
The study, which was funded by Tracklements, investigated the effects of consuming a daily heaped teaspoon of wholegrain mustard over a 12-week period.
From a total of 42 participants, 86% saw a significant drop in their blood glucose and/or cholesterol level, compared to only 14% who showed no positive response.
All participants, who were aged between 40-70 years old and either overweight or clinically obese, consumed the mustard either on a small cracker or by itself before bed each evening.
The reduction in blood glucose and cholesterol levels were found to be more significant in the three participants who were pre-diabetic at the time of the study.
This caused scientists to hypothesise that 525,000 British people could benefit from this approach, with around seven million people in the UK thought to be in a pre-diabetic state.
Dr Ruth Fairchild, Senior Lecturer at the Zero2Five Food Industry Centre at Cardiff Metropolitan University said: "Whilst more recent studies have focused on using wholegrain mustard as a nutraceutical to reduce blood glucose and cholesterol levels, this is the first time that research of this type has been carried out, opening up the possibility for further research into the health benefits of wholegrain mustard amongst pre-diabetic patients.
"However, until further scientific evidence is presented, we advise caution with regards to those who are already being treated for diabetes, who should remain on any prescribed medication."
For news straight to your inbox, sign up for our newsletters.
