There are a lot of things to love about horseradish, including its impressive health benefits.
Using horseradish for medicinal purposes dates back thousands of years, with new research emerging regularly to back up some of these claims. We’re taking a look at nine exciting discoveries about the health benefits of horseradish below. Of course, be sure to talk with your doctor or healthcare professional before using horseradish for health reasons.
1. Nutrients Galore
Horseradish packs a nutritional punch well above its weight! This small root is naturally rich in many key nutrients, including:
- Calcium
- Dietary fibre
- Folate
- Manganese
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Vitamin C
- Zinc
These nutrients all play important roles in maintaining good overall health.
2. Naturally Antibacterial
Studies have shown that the horseradishhas an antibacterial component called allyl isothiocyanate. In recent studies, this has been shown to kill harmful bacteria and microbes that result in infections.
Moreover, horseradish could be helpful to treat urinary tract infections. This is because it has both antibacterial and diuretic properties.
3. Boosts Circulation and Clears Mucus
Everyone’s favourite subject: mucus! Just kidding.
But really, if you feel a cold or sinus coming on, horseradish could be your best friend. Its high sulfur levels have been shown to help clear sinus passages and clear out mucus. In addition, the biocompounds in horseradish can assist with facial circulation and can promote drainage.
4. Weight Loss Aid
Horseradish is low in calories and high in fibre, making it a safe addition to recipes. So, if you want to add flavour without adding more calories, horseradish is the answer. We love adding it to salad dressings and sauces to bring out a ton of flavour, so the amount of dressing or sauce needed is reduced.
5. Speeds Up Metabolism
Another great health benefit of horseradish is that it contains natural chemicals called isothiocyanates. These assist in weight loss by naturally revving up your metabolism.
6. Helps with Digestion
Along with the taste we love, horseradish helps promote healthy digestion. For instance, it aids in liver function. Horseradish is part of a group called cholagogues because it triggers the gallbladder to release bile, a key aspect of the digestive process that helps keep your whole system healthy.
7. Supports Immunity
In addition, the nutrients in horseradish have strong antioxidant properties, which promote a healthy immune system. Along with the high vitamin C content in horseradish, its antioxidants help produce and stimulate white blood cell activity, which are crucial to a strong immune system.
8. Anti-Cancer Properties
Studies published in the 2016 medical journal Molecules as well as research in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Industry found encouraging results regarding horseradish and cancer.
There are bioactive compounds, including one called sinigrin, that may help your body fight off cancer. For instance, studies show that it helps slow the spread of cancer cells, particularly in the liver. More research is needed to confirm the findings, but it’s positive to note that additional studies are ongoing.
9. Diuretic Qualities
Horseradish has some diuretic properties, which means it helps promote urination. This is important for regularly expelling toxins from your body, as well as helping to keep your liver clean.
Hot Horseradish Television Segment
Mark Healy (CEO) spoke briefly about some of the health benefits mentioned in this article during Episode 07 of Hot Horseradish Television. You may find a link to the full episode here and a shortened version below.
Healthy Advice
Be sure to let your doctor or healthcare professional know about any changes to your health or diet, including any supplements you are taking. Doctors and health care professionals can help guide your decisions and keep you informed about what you need to do to protect your health.
What we know for sure about horseradish? It tastes delicious. Shop now or learn more about horseradish with these 7 surprising facts.
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