Horseradish is widely used as a spice in a variety of cuisines all over the world. But it has some beneficial effects on your health too. These include helping you to lose weight, fighting respiratory problems, lowering blood pressure, making your bones stronger and even boosting your immune system.
In addition, including horseradish in your diet can be good for your heart, lower the chances of neural defects in infants and even help to fight cancer due to high concentration of glucosinolates.
Horseradish
Horseradish, a perennial plant of the Brassicaceae family, is a root vegetable which is native to Russia or Hungary. It is actually a member of the mustard family which also includes kale, cauliflower and Brussel sprouts.
Horseradish widely used as a condiment, either by itself or as an ingredient in sauces and dressings. The plant grows up to a height of 1.5 meters and it is mainly grown for its large, white and tapered root. Horseradish contains the compound isothiocyanate which gives off the heat which can be felt n eating or cutting it.
Nutritional Value of Horseradish
Horseradish is rich in a number of essential minerals and nutrients that are extremely beneficial for our body. It is rich in dietary fiber, Vitamin C, folate, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc and manganese.
It also contains a powerful organic chemical composition of enzyme and oils, like sinigrin, which is a powerful glucosinolate.
Nutritional facts Per 100 Grams
48
Calories
0.7 g
Total Fat
420 mg
Sodium
246 mg
Potassium
11 g
Total Carbohydrate
1.2 g
Protein
Vitamins and Minerals
Health Benefits of Horseradish
This amazing spicy sauce of Horseradish can make your food tastier. Horseradish offers medicinal uses it contains antibiotic and anti-fungal properties which are good for the immune system and wound healing.Mentioned below are the best health benefits of eating horseradish. We also disucss how differnt horseradish part such as root and leaves can be used in various ways.
Horseradish good for your immune system
Horseradish contains various forms of isothiocyanate and sinigrin that have antioxidant effects and help to strengthen your immune system. It is also very rich in Vitamin C which is also a powerful antioxidant and is effective against viral infections. Horseradish acts against the harmful free radicals and thus prevents inflammation and infection.
Horseradish helps to relieve pain
Horseradish helps to stimulate blood flow to both the surface of the skin and beneath it and, thus, helps to alleviate pain. You can treat the symptoms of gout, arthritis and chilblains by applying horseradish over the affected areas. It brings relief to swollen joints and muscles.
Horseradish good for urinary tract infections
Horseradish has diuretic and antibiotic properties due to the presence of certain chemicals and help in the production of urine. The enzymes present in it prevent toxins from getting accumulated and facilitates their removal.
Sinigrin is a glycoside present in horseradish that has a stimulating effect on blood capillaries and, in this process, helps to prevent urinary tract infections and even minimizes the chances of developing kidney stones.
Horseradish powder for cancer prevention
Sinigrin is a glucosinolate present in horseradish that prevents the growth of cancerous cells. This is because this chemical prevents free radicals in our body to transform the healthy cells into cancerous cells. Thus you can include horseradish in your diet as it will help you to fight off cancer and delay the spread of metastasis of cancerous cells.
Benefits of horseradish in blood pressure
Potassium is essential to maintain our blood pressure as it regulates the flow of cellular fluids and also the tension in our blood vessels. Horseradish is rich in potassium and incorporating it in your diet will reduce the risks of cardiovascular diseases and heart conditions like atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes. Potassium present in horseradish helps to take care of your heart by lowering blood pressure and regulating the flow of fluids and nutrients.
Horseradish treats sinus infections
When mucus gets accumulated in the sinuses, harmful bacteria tend to thrive there and it finally leads to sinus infection. Horseradish has volatile compounds that help to thin out the mucus and prevent this painful condition from developing. Furthermore, intake of horseradish also provides relief from influenza, colds and congestion.
Horseradish good for digestion problems
The horseradish plant has elements that act as gastric stimulants and helps in digestion and facilitates easier absorption of nutrients. The salivary, gastric and intestinal glands are stimulated by the phytochemicals in horseradish.
Horseradish also helps to normalize bowel movements and occurrence of irritable problems like constipation and diarrhea by stimulating the peristaltic motion of the smooth intestinal muscles.
Good for your teeth
Horseradish has intense stimulating effects that help to treat paradontosis. The roots of the plant, when chewed, act as a natural medicine for curing toothache, strengthening gums and also treating scurvy.
Horseradish safe in pregnancy
Horseradish contains high levels of folate which helps to protect mothers and infants from any complications that may develop during pregnancy. It also helps the foetus to develop properly and eliminates the chances of neural tube defects.
Horseradish helps in metabolism
Horseradish contains essential proteins, vitamins and minerals. The protein ingested can be metabolized into useful energy that can be used to repair and strengthen defenses again various diseases. Thus it helps you to gain energy and perform your daily tasks more easily.
Uses of Horseradish
In the United Kingdom and Poland, horseradish sauce made from grated roots of horseradish and vinegar is used as a condiment. Moreover, it is also served with roasted beef as it is a popular part of traditional Sunday lunches. It can also be used to enhance the taste of sandwiches and salads. The leaves of horseradish are also edible and it can be consumed both raw and cooked.
Side-Effects & Allergies of Horseradish
Horseradish has a number of beneficial effects and it is mostly safe for most people when taken in optimum quantities by mouth. However, it contains mustard which can irritate the lining of the mouth, throat, nose, digestive system and the urinary tract.
Consumption of horseradish can also cause some other side effects such as stomach upset, diarrhea and vomiting. People suffering from kidney problems and hypothyroidism also should refrain from consuming this vegetable.
Cultivation of Horseradish
It is believed that horseradish has been cultivated since ancient times and is probably indigenous to temperate Eastern Europe. It has been used by the Greeks as an aphrodisiac and also for treating lower back pain as early as 1500 B.C. The recent applications of horseradish have been traced back to Central Europe. It is still by Jews during Passover Seders as one of the bitter herbs.
Horseradishes are tough and persistent plants and can be cultivated in a wide range of climates. After the leaves of the plant are killed with the first frost of autumn, the root is dug and divided. Then, the main root is harvested and one or more of its offshoots are planted for next year’s harvest. It can be grown in gardens as well as in pots.
