The root vegetable, Horseradish, is indigenous to Russia. Horseradish Benefits Health in various aspects and it belongs to the mustard family and is popularly used as a condiment in dressings and sauces because of its rich spicy flavor.
It contains the compound isothiocyanate that emanates heat when tasted or crushed. The fresh roots of it are sold in sections of 2 inches and are firm and devoid of mold, shriveled parts, and spots.
The roots consist of glucosinolates like sinigrin and gluconasturtiin that make it strongly flavored. Besides being of culinary use, horseradish is rich in medicinal values. It benefits health in numerous ways, some of which are discussed here.
Nutrition Facts
The horseradish uses and benefits are primarily attributed to the vegetable’s high content of nutrients. The nutritional composition of horseradish includes dietary fiber, folate, vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, calcium, manganese, and zinc. It consists of a potent blend of oils and enzymes and powerful glucosinolates like sinigrin and gluconasturtiin. The composition of Horseradish calories is about 48 in 100 grams of the vegetable.
16 Horseradish Benefits for General Body Health:
Horseradish is beneficial for health owing to its healthy nutritional composition. A few health benefits of it are discussed below.
1. Prevention of Cancer
The presence of glucosinolates in the vegetable makes the body resistant to cancerous attack. Horseradish is especially effective in the prevention of breast cancer(1) and colon cancer by protecting the cells from oxidative damage inflicted by free radicals. A processed preparation of horseradish is rich in anti-cancer properties and can effectively prevent cancer.
2. Antioxidant Reaction
Free radicals are toxic in nature and inflict great damage upon the body including cancer. The best way to counteract free radicals is the ingestion of food rich in antioxidants. Horseradish is rich in phyto compounds that are known for their antioxidant nature. The phyto compounds destroy free radicals and protect the body from oxidative damage.
Horseradish is anti-mutagenic in nature. This property helps to protect the body against mutagenic damage. Horseradish extract can even reduce the risks of damage caused by zeocin to the DNA.
3. Antimicrobial Properties
Horseradish contains an oil named allylisothiocyanate. This oil is rich in antimicrobial properties which help to protect the body against a wide range of pathogens. It counteracts a number of infections and illnesses by the inhibition of microbial growth.
4. Maintenance of Respiratory Health
Horseradish is rich in antibiotic properties and has been in use since ancient times for the natural treatment of respiratory disorders like bronchitis, acute sinusitis, and the common cold. The pungent odor of horseradish aids in the expulsion of mucus from the respiratory system and thus protects the body against the risks of infection.
Consumption of horseradish paste or just inhaling its pungent odor can instantly relieve you of the symptoms of respiratory problems, the constant dry coughing, and running nose. Horseradish is antitussive in nature which helps to suppress coughing while its expectorant property assists the riddance of unhealthy phlegm. Horseradish also aids in relieving the patient from congestion in the chest.
5. Improvement in Digestive Health
Horseradish is rich in enzymes that enhance the digestive capability, reduce the risks of constipation and regulates bowel movement. The root is also known for the stimulation of secretion of bile.
Horseradish is a cholagogue that stimulates the gallbladder to secrete bile. This bile is known for its ability of elimination of unhealthy fats and bad cholesterol through excretion. The fibrous content of horseradish aids in proper digestion.
6. Relief from Pain
Horseradish is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and is a natural and potent analgesic that helps to relieve pain and cure inflammation. The vegetable helps to establish healthy blood circulation, which in turn is responsible for the alleviation of pain in cramped muscles and painful joints.
- Make a fine paste of horseradish
- Massage the affected body parts with the paste for slow and guaranteed relief
Horseradish is especially effective in the natural treatment of chilblains, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis.
[Get More: Best Tips to Cure Arthritis]
7. Prevention of Skin Discoloration
Hypersecretion of melanin or ceroid in the skin triggers problems like discoloration of the skin, spots, and blemishes.
- Grate a root of horseradish
- Add the grated pieces to ¼th a cup of apple cider vinegar
- Mix the contents and then store it in an airtight glass jar
- Allow the mixture to blend and react for about two weeks
- Shake the contents daily and strain it out
- Refrigerate the strained mixture
- Soak a cotton swab in the mixture
- Dab the soaked cotton to the discolored parts of your skin thrice a day on a daily basis.
- Normal coloration of skin will be restored in just a couple of weeks or so.
8. Cure of Sinus Infections
Accumulation of excessive mucus in the sinus makes it a breeding ground for bacteria. This disorder is termed as a sinus infection. The volatile compounds contained in horseradish can do away with the accumulation with the thinning down of old and fermenting, bacteria-infected mucus.
Regular consumption of half a teaspoon of spicy horseradish sauce can cure sinus infections. Take the sauce thrice a day and make sure that you do not eat or drink anything within 10-15 minutes of ingestion. The root can also provide relief from headaches that accompany a cough and cold, nasal congestion and influenza(3).
9. Enhancement of Body Immunity
Horseradish is rich in essential minerals and phytochemicals. The phytochemicals act as antioxidants that in turn aid in the stimulation of WBCs and prevent illnesses. The root is rich in vitamin C that enhances the functionality of the immune system.
A healthy immunity can protect the body against numerous attacks and ailments. The antioxidants contained in horseradish protect the cells of the body from oxidative damage inflicted by free radicals and prevent premature aging and degeneration.
10. Weight Loss
Horseradish is an amazing agent of losing excess body weight. Here’s how you prepare horseradish syrup that is highly effective in shedding the excess fat.
- Take three fresh and juicy lemons
- Put them in a jar that contains a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar
- Let this sit for a while
- Put 15 grams of horseradish in a blender and blend the roots into a fine paste
- Now cut the soaked lemons and remove its seeds
- Add the lemon pieces into the blender with the horseradish paste
- Blend again until the mixture is even
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of honey to the paste to sweeten its flavor
- Store the mixture in an airtight jar and refrigerate it
- Eat a teaspoon of this paste twice a day
- Daily consumption for about three weeks for noticeable loss in weight
11. The cure for Infection of the Urinary Tract
The antibiotic properties of horseradish make the vegetable highly effective in the treatment of infection in the urinary tract. Horseradish contains the glycoside compound sinigrin that helps to retain water and is an essential diuretic that prevents infection in the urinary tract and kidneys. Horseradish acts as an anti-carcinogenic agent of the gallbladder by its action of an expulsion of allylisothiocyanate through urination.
[Read More: Natural Remedies for UTI ]
12. Maintenance of Cardiac Health
Cardiac diseases often result from hardening of arteries, which puts pressure on cardiac functioning as the heart has to work harder to pump blood through the stiffened arteries. Horseradish gets rid of bad cholesterol from the body which helps to decrease the stiffness of arteries. The vegetable is also known for the stabilization of blood pressure.
Horseradish is rich in magnesium. This mineral aids in the prevention of cardiac diseases by ensuring healthy circulation of blood throughout the body. It is magnesium that is highly effective in the prevention of deposition of cholesterol in blood vessels. This protects the individual from atherosclerosis. Regular consumption of Horseradish helps to lower cholesterol naturally and prevent cardiac disorders.
13. As an Anti-Inflammatory Agent
Horseradish is rich in anti-inflammatory properties that make it highly beneficial for osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis. The vegetable helps to heal the pain, reduces swelling and cures the inflammation.
14. Maintenance of Renal Health
Horseradish is known for its detoxifying and diuretic properties. Regular consumption of horseradish syrup promotes healthy renal functioning. It prevents the kidneys from excessive secretion of harmful components like uric acid and creatinine. Horseradish also aids in the dissolution of kidney stones.
15. Benefits for Hair
Horseradish is rich in antifungal properties that fight against harmful dandruff quite effectively. Horseradish also possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that make it one of the best remedy for dandruff and lice, the two agents of damaged hair and hair loss.
- Mix a tablespoon of coconut oil and horseradish powder to make a smooth paste
- Smear your flaky scalp with the paste and leave it on for an hour or so
- Rinse your hair with good quality shampoo after the paste gets dry
- Do this daily until dandruff disappears completely
[Know More: Hibiscus Benefits For Hair loss]
16. Treatment of Nausea
Horseradish is extensively used to treat nausea naturally. It is the pungent odor that drives out the feelings of nausea. Soak a clean cloth in horseradish paste and hold it to your nose. The strong smell can cure nausea.
Horseradish Recipe:
The simplest way to take horseradish is to prepare a spicy sauce dip to be taken with sautéed veggies or occasional junk. Horseradish benefits health in a number of ways.
Here’s how you prepare horseradish sauce, which is a simple and savory dip that will help you secure the horseradish benefits in a fun way:
- Take one cup of sour cream
- One-fourth cup of grated horseradish
- One teaspoon of white wine vinegar
- Half a teaspoon of kosher salt
- One tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- One-fourth teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- Mix all the ingredients in a medium bowl
- Refrigerate for about 4 hours or overnight for the flavors to blend
- You can store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 weeks.
Side Effects
In spite of the horseradish benefits for health, it has its fair share of side effects. Horseradish can produce a burning sensation in the throat and inflame the lining of mouth, nose, throat and digestive and urinary tract because of its pungency. A few generic horseradish side effects include stomach trouble, nausea, and diarrhea.
FAQs
1. Is Horseradish Good for Sinuses?
Regular consumption of half a teaspoon of spicy horseradish sauce can cure sinus infections. Take the sauce thrice a day and make sure that you do not eat or drink anything within 10-15 minutes of ingestion.
2. Is Horseradish Vegan?
Yes. Horseradish is a vegan food.
3. Is Horseradish Gluten Free?
Horseradish is absolutely gluten-free.
4. Is Horseradish Spicy?
It has a pungent taste and gives off heat when in contact with taste buds which makes it seem spicy.
