This Fiery Homemade Horseradish Is in a League of Its Own (2024)

FAQs

What does horseradish do to your body? ›

Horseradish, like other members of the mustard plant family, contains a chemical compound called sinigrin. Sinigrin has been shown to help reduce inflammation by blocking or changing the parts of the immune system that cause inflammation.

Kidney problems: There is concern that horseradish might increase urine flow. This could be a problem for people with kidney disorders. Avoid using horseradish if you have kidney problems.

Stomach or intestinal ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, infections or other digestive tract conditions: Horseradish can irritate the digestive tract. Don't use horseradish if you have any of these conditions. Thyroid disorders: Horseradish might make this condition worse.

However, since horseradish is very pungent, it's likely best to use it sparingly. Too much of this spicy root may irritate your mouth, nose, or stomach. It may be especially bothersome to people with stomach ulcers, digestive issues, or inflammatory bowel disease.

Horseradish may decrease blood pressure, but little clinical (human) data exists to support this claim. 1 However, because its action is similar to that of anti-hypertensive drugs, you should speak with your healthcare provider before using horseradish while taking them.

Since it's spicy, too much of it can irritate one's nose, mouth, stomach lining, and digestive tract. It can also cause vomiting, diarrhoea, burning in the stomach, and sweating if consumed too much. Patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism, peptic ulcers, or gastritis must avoid its intake.

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.

Horseradish contains enzymes that stimulate digestion, regulate bowel movements and reduce constipation. Bile helps rid the body of excess cholesterol, fats and other wastes, as well as support a healthy digestive system.

Potassium present in horseradish helps to take care of your heart by lowering blood pressure and regulating the flow of fluids and nutrients.

Is horseradish good for arthritis? ›

Horseradish root has been traditionally used to treat respiratory and urinary tract infections, muscle aches, joint inflammation and pain, and many other conditions. Horseradish for medicinal use is available over the counter (OTC) as dried roots, capsules, or as topical applications.

Horseradish is best used freshly grated and raw. Scrub with a stiff brush and peel off the dark skin before using horseradish. In larger roots, the core may be fibrous and bitter. Remove and discard the core, along with any green spots.

Yes, horseradish is healthy! This root vegetable is low in calories and packed with nutrients, including vitamin C, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. It also contains glucosinolates, compounds that have been linked to various health benefits, such as cancer prevention and immune system support.

Fresh horseradish boosts circulation, helping to promote hair growth and thickness. Horseradish belongs to the Brassicaceae family, alongside zingy companions such as mustard and wasabi. Although native to southeastern Europe and western Asia, the root is now grown across the globe due to its popularity in cooking.

As we eat wasabi or horseradish, allyl isothiocyanate vapors travel through the back of the mouth and up into the nasal cavity. This triggers a nerve response in the nose and sinuses, explains Dr. Dawn Chapman, project leader for sensory research at the National Food Laboratory, causing the familiar nose-tingling burn.

The chemical responsible for this effect is a sulfur compound called allyl isothiocyanate, which also puts the kick in horseradish.