Horseradish

The horseradish is believed to be originated in Eastern Europe and is a spicy vegetable of the Brassicaceae family. It is planted in early spring or late autumn and thrives in colder environments. Horseradish is usually turned into sauces, being used to spice up food.

The horseradish differs from other vegetables due to its strong and pungent aroma. It will add a plus of flavor to any dish, but it can also be consumed in the form of tea.

If you've ever cooked with horseradish or cut it to use as a spice, you know that cutting or crushing it eliminates the pungent smell it's known for.

You're probably more familiar with horseradish as a spicy spice, often served with meat. Most of the time, it is used in sauces to provide a slightly spicy flavor.

However, horseradish is not appreciated only because it is aromatic. The stinging horseradish root also has a certain medicinal value. For this reason, it is sometimes taken as a supplement or intentionally introduced into the diet to generate its many health benefits.

Nutritional profile of horseradish (100gr)

• Energy: 48cal
• Carbohydrates: 11.29g
• Protein: 1.18g
• Total fat: 0.69g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Dietary fiber: 3.3g
• Folate: 57pg
• Vitamin A: 2UI
• Vitamin C: 24.9mg
• Sodium: 314mg
• Potassium: 246mg
• Calcium: 56mg
• Copper: 0.05 mg
• vIron: 0.42mg
• Magnesium: 27mg
• Manganese: 0.126mg
• Phosphorus: 31mg
• Zinc: 0.83mg.

Use of horseradish

Used to treat a wide variety of conditions over the centuries, almost every part of the horseradish plant can also be used for medical purposes.

Tea obtained from the horseradish root has been used as an expectorant, while tea prepared from its flowers can be used to combat the usual cold. A poultice can also be made from the horseradish root to externally treat joint discomfort.

In addition, raw horseradish leaves also meet a natural analgesic purpose and, put on the forehead (pressed compresses), can eliminate headaches. Moreover, an infusion of horseradish has antibiotic properties.

Even though its long history as a remedy has brought numerous benefits to humans, horseradish being versatile, however, perhaps the most interesting health benefit of horseradish arises from recent studies on its anticancer effects.

How to consume horseradish?

• yogurt sauce with grated horseradish;
• beetroot with grated horseradish;
• sauce: grated horseradish root, 1 teaspoon of apple vinegar and 1 teaspoon of water.

Horseradish root as a remedy

• Horseradish with raw cabbage with honey and thyme infusion.
• Cataplasms with fresh horseradish and cow's cheese (one part horseradish and 2 parts cheese) are applied to areas with pain, coldness, stabs. Cheese to be lukewarm, pleasant (heated to bain-marie).
• For pain in general (especially herniated disc, lombosciatic): poultices 2 parts carrot, part horseradish: grated, mixed, moistened with a little tincture of the tator or brandy (interclassified alcohol). When the area heats up well, then the poultice can be removed).
• Infusion 30g per liter of water. When it reaches the boiling temperature (do not boil) stop the fire and after 20 minutes strain. Drink in case of incipient colds.

Benefits of horseradish

Whether it is fighting colds or flu and respiratory disorders or urinary tract infections, ... horseradish is a spice that can help you in keeping your body healthy.

Horseradish helps fight cancer

Horseradish can induce cell death in colon cancer and this increases the possibility of using glucosinolates as a potential treatment for cancer. (Glucosinolates in horseradish activate cancer-fighting enzymes).

It's antioxidant

The horseradish root has several phytocompounds (types of antioxidants) that are extremely beneficial to human health. Other antioxidants in horseradish are antimutagens and can protect the body from mutagens. The horseradish has the ability to blur dna damage caused by oxidative stress.

Natural antibiotic

The horseradish has an antibiotic from the penicillin family in it.

May help treat urinary tract infections

The antibiotic properties of horseradish can help you treat urinary tract infections in some cases better than conventional treatment. In addition, an explanation for why horseradish works well in this regard is sinigrin, which is an effective diuretic and prevents water retention, which helps to manage urinary tract infections.

Improves digestion

Certain enzymes in the horseradish root can stimulate digestion and help the activity of the intestine. The root of horseradish stimulates the production of bile in the gallbladder - thus helping digestion. Even a small amount of fiber from the root of horseradish can help you improve digestion, regardless of how horseradish is consumed, either in food, in the form of sauce or even tea.

Eases respiratory conditions

The antibiotic properties of the root can play a major role in the treatment of respiratory diseases. In fact, traditional medicine has used horseradish root to treat bronchitis, cough, common colds and sinusitis. Horseradish can help treat them in a similar way to drug treatment, according to studies.

Has antimicrobial properties

The oil responsible for the pungent taste of horseradish is called allyl isotiocyanate or mustard oil, colorless. This is an antimicrobial known against a wide spectrum of pathogens. Many studies have demonstrated the deep antimicrobial and antibacterial capabilities of the horseradish root, having positive effects on phagocytes, which are a type of cell in the body that swallows and absorbs bacteria.

Helps treat Melasma

Melasma is a condition in which brown spots appear on the face.

The horseradish root has whitening properties, so it can help treat skin discoloration - which is the main symptom of Melasma.

You have two options to use horseradish for Melasma: cut the horseradish root into slices and directly rub the skin or mix two tablespoons of horseradish powder with a cup of cream. Leave to dry and then rinse with lukewarm water. Repeat once a week until brown spots fade.

May help reduce age spots

You can make horseradish paste and apply it to the affected areas. Wait for it to act for about 20 minutes and then wash with lukewarm water. Alternatively, you can grate a piece of horseradish and mix it with a quarter cup of apple vinegar. Let the mixture stand for about two weeks, then strain it. Using a cotton floppy disk and apply to the affected areas. Follow this remedy three times a day for about a month.

May stimulate hair growth

Antioxidants in horseradish help to regenerate hair and prevent hair loss, improving circulation to the scalp. Prepare a poultice of horseradish and apply it to your scalp. Let it act for about 20 minutes and then shampoo as usual.

Weight loss

Horseradish is low in calories, but high in fiber. Unlike other high-calorie sauces and salad dressings, horseradish adds extra flavor to your favorite food without making you gain extra pounds. This is due to the presence of allyl isotiocyanate oil which is a powerful compound that can help weight loss. This oil gives the horseradish its specific smell and taste.

Increases immunity

Horseradish is full of beneficial nutrients and phytochemicals. Phytochemicals in horseradish stimulate the salivary, gastric and intestinal glands. These compounds have antioxidant characteristics that stimulate the strength of the immune system and stimulate the activity and production of white blood cells, the body's line of defense. The vitamin C content of this spicy root is also high, as it stimulates the strength of the immune system and unites defensive forces against free radicals.

Side effects of horseradish and risks

The horseradish comes with a short series of possible side effects, which you should follow. They can occur when consumed in too large quantities. Potential side effects of horseradish include:

• Digestive problems at children - Children under 4 years of age should stay away from horseradish, as they can cause problems in the digestive tract.
• Problems during pregnancy and lactation - Horseradish contains allyl isotiocyanate oil which can be irritating. Therefore, pregnant and lactating women should stay away from any form of horseradish.
• Digestive problems - Although horseradish can help treat certain digestive problems, there is evidence that it can worsen intestinal ulcers, inflammatory bowel diseases or other digestive conditions that may be present, especially if there are lining lesions. Therefore, consult your specialist in this case!
• Hypothyroidism - Hypothyroidism is a condition that occurs due to overactive thyroid glands. The horseradish could aggravate this condition.
• Kidney problems - Horseradish can increase urine flow and this can be a concern for people with kidney disorders.

Did you know that...?

• A study by MIT has shown that an enzyme in horseradish called horseradish peroxidase can clean the waters by removing a number of pollutants.
• The horseradish is still planted and harvested by hand.
• Fresh horseradish can be stored in a sealed container for up to 4-6 weeks in the refrigerator.
• Collinsville, Illinois, is the capital of the horseradish world.
• It is a perennial plant (for example, if you plant it once, it will grow every year). It is generally considered a tenacious perennial plant, which means it can be difficult to extract once planted in the garden.
• Horseradish is 10 times more glucosinolates than broccoli.
• The horseradish has an antibiotic from the penicillin family in it.

Conclusion

Enjoy the benefits of horseradish and use it in all forms in which it can be consumed. Whether you choose tea, sauces or want to make various face masks, poultices – horseradish will help you with its healing qualities!

Make sure you inform your doctor or health care professional about the supplements you are taking. This way, they can help you pay attention to side effects, drug interactions or any other potential problems.