10 Amazing Benefits of Horseradish

The numerous advantages of horseradish may persuade you to include it in your diet. Horseradish is a strong-flavored condiment that is widely used. It is a South-East European herb with numerous health benefits. It includes bioactive chemicals that may have cancer-fighting potential. It’s also high in antioxidants and may help with respiratory issues like sinusitis. The advantages of horseradish, as well as its nutritional profile and hazards, are discussed in this article. Scroll down to find out more.

What Are the Health Benefits of Horseradish?

The component allyl isothiocyanate, which is known to prevent various types of cancer, is one of the most important components of horseradish.

Other chemicals in horseradish, such as glucosinolate and sinigrin, have chemopreventive properties as well. Other antioxidants found in the root treat respiratory problems like mucous and sinusitis. They also aid in the treatment of bacterial infections, such as those of the urinary tract.

And, as previously said, horseradish can benefit your health in a variety of ways.

1. Is A Powerhouse Of Antioxidants

Horseradish root contains several phytocompounds, which are antioxidants that are incredibly good for human health. Other antioxidants found in horseradish are antimutagenic, meaning they can protect the body from mutagens that would otherwise cause serious injury.

Horseradish has also been shown to reduce DNA damage induced by oxidative stress in studies.

2. Helps with digestion

The root contains enzymes that can help with digestion and bowel motions. Horseradish root is also a cholagogue, which means it promotes bile synthesis in the gallbladder, making digestion easier.

The root’s small amount of fiber can also help with digestion.

However, some studies suggest that horseradish can help with digestive problems. As a result, it is essential to seek medical advice.

[irp]

3. Relieves Respiratory Conditions

Horseradish helps to relieve respiratory problems.

The root’s antibacterial qualities may be useful in treating respiratory problems. Horseradish root has been used in traditional medicine to treat bronchitis, cough, the common cold, and sinusitis.

The findings of the study were somewhat unexpected. When a medication containing horseradish root was compared to standard antibiotics, the outcomes were very similar. In ways comparable to the treatment, the root was able to assist in treating sinusitis (or congestion) and bronchitis.

4. Aids in the treatment of melasma

Melasma is a skin disorder characterized by brown patches on the face. However, because horseradish root has bleaching characteristics, it can be used to cure skin discoloration, which is a common melasma symptom.

Simply slice the horseradish root and rub one slice immediately on your skin. Make sure the root’s juice is administered to the affected areas. Allow it to dry before rinsing it with lukewarm water and patting it dry. Reapply once a week until the brown spots have faded.

You may also make a horseradish sour cream by combining two tablespoons of horseradish powder with one cup of sour cream. Apply the mixture to your face and wait 30 minutes before washing it off. Use lukewarm water to wash your face. Rep once a week till you observe improvements.

5. Can Help You Grow Hair Faster

Horseradish’s antioxidants, according to some sources, can regenerate hair and prevent hair loss, despite the lack of study. They accomplish this by increasing scalp circulation.

Simply make a horseradish poultice and apply it to your scalp. Allow it to sit for about 20 minutes before shampooing as usual.

These are the advantages of the widely used spice, which is now being recognized for its nutritional value. But how do you determine what constitutes goodness? Yes, in terms of nutrients.

This leads us to a crucial question. What is the distinction between horseradish and its Japanese relative, wasabi?

[irp]

6. Horseradish Is Anti-Cancer

Horseradish has anti-cancer properties.

Horseradish glucosinolates have been identified to stimulate cancer-fighting enzymes, which may be beneficial to cancer patients. What’s more intriguing is that these glucosinolates defend plants against hazardous conditions in the plant world. Horseradish has ten times the amount of glucosinolates as broccoli.

Other preliminary research suggests that horseradish can cause cell death in colon cancer patients. All of this adds to the likelihood of glucosinolates being employed as a cancer treatment.

7. Can Aid in the Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections

Horseradish’s antibacterial capabilities may be able to help treat urinary tract infections more effectively than traditional treatments in some circumstances. Sinigrin, the component we mentioned before, is another reason horseradish performs well in this regard. Sinigrin is a diuretic that inhibits water retention, which aids in the treatment of urinary tract infections.

8. Helps to Reduce Inflammation

According to one Italian study, horseradish can help reduce inflammation by lowering the release of reactive oxygen species. Horseradish has been advised in Chinese medicine to assist prevent inflammation, whether in the case of an injury or for pain relief from arthritis.

However, additional research is required in this area.

9. It’s antimicrobial.

The antibacterial effects of the root come from the allyl isothiocyanate. This chemical has been proven in studies to protect several microorganisms. Another study found that roast beef infused with horseradish essential oil had the greatest resistance to bacterial development.

Horseradish’s antibacterial qualities also aid in the treatment of ear infections.

[irp]

10. Horseradish Can Assist in the Reduction of Age Spots

Horseradish’s skin-lightening characteristics come into play here.

Make a paste out of horseradish and apply it to the affected regions. Allow it to sit for 20 minutes before washing it off with lukewarm water. This remedy can be used a few times each week.

You can also shred four inches of horseradish and combine it with a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar. Allow for a two-week rest period before straining the mixture. Apply it to the afflicted regions with a cotton ball. For about a month, repeat this cure three times a day.

Difference Between Horseradish and Wasabi?

The likeness stems from the fact that they are both members of the same plant family (Brassica), which includes broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and mustard. And they’re both noted for their incredibly strong flavors.

When it comes to the distinctions, horseradish is grown for its big roots (which are brown-skinned and pure white inside). Wasabi is also cultivated for its brilliant green stem.

Wasabi tastes like a vegetable with a hint of sweetness, even though both have a terrible flavor that may punch you in the throat. Horseradish, on the other hand, is extremely hot and aromatic.

These are the main differences between horseradish and wasabi. It’s also worth noting that the majority of wasabi sold in the United States is simply horseradish. Horseradish is cheaper to buy and use since it grows faster and bigger than its cousin.

However, not everything about this spicy sauce is good, and there are some side effects to it.

Side Effects of horseradish

1. Children’s Digestive Problems

Horseradish should be avoided by children under the age of four since it can cause gastric problems.

2. Pregnancy And Breastfeeding Concerns

Mustard oil, which is found in horseradish, can be unpleasant and even dangerous. As a result, pregnant and nursing women should avoid all kinds of horseradish.

3. Digestive Issues

Though horseradish can aid in the treatment of certain digestive difficulties, there is evidence that it can aggravate intestinal ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, or other digestive conditions, especially if mucosal damage is present. As a result, seek medical advice.

4. Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is underactive. Horseradish may aggravate the problem.

5. Kidney Issues

Horseradish can increase urine flow, which might be problematic for people who have kidney problems.

Horseradish is a popular condiment with well-known health benefits that is native to Southeast Europe. Horseradish is noted for its high quantity of antioxidants and bioactive chemicals with anti-cancer potential, in addition to its strong flavor. These aid in the battle against inflammation and infections, boosting your body’s overall strength and immunity. Horseradish-based treatments are considered to be excellent in alleviating sinusitis and respiratory illnesses, in addition to being good for your skin and hair. Horseradish should not be administered to pregnant or breastfeeding women, or children under the age of four, to avoid any potential negative effects.

[irp]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to create horseradish sauce?

It’s that easy. 1 cup sour cream, 14 cups grated horseradish, 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar, 12 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 14 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper are all required ingredients.

In a medium bowl, combine all of the ingredients and chill for 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld. The sauce will keep for 2 to 3 weeks in an airtight jar in the refrigerator.

What is the best way to consume horseradish?

To add zing to a sandwich or wrap, use grated horseradish. It’s also good with scrambled eggs and salsa. A teaspoon can also be added to your salad dressing.

The horseradish leaves can also be eaten, but keep in mind that they have a pungent, bitter, and peppery flavor. They can be eaten fresh or cooked.

What is the best way to buy and store horseradish?

If using fresh horseradish root, make sure it’s firm and free of mushy or green patches. They should also be mold-free. Avoid older roots that appear shriveled and dried or those that are sprouting. You may also buy prepared horseradish in a bottle from the refrigerated condiment area of your supermarket.

You can keep the unwashed root in your refrigerator’s vegetable drawer in a plastic bag.

We also don’t recommend freezing the whole thing. Grated horseradish, on the other hand, can be frozen for up to 6 months.

Is there a limit to how much horseradish you can eat in a day?

It’s not a good idea to eat too much horseradish. However, there have yet to be any clear studies on the dose. As a result, please seek medical advice before including it in your diet.

 

Disclaimer

This article provides general information about the topic and is not to be taken as medical advice or as an alternative to medical advice, treatment, and/or diagnosis. Always consult with your doctor before trying out any of the remedies/recipes suggested in the blog post.

P.S- Consider sharing this post, if you find it useful and/or interesting.