What is horseradish that makes it so beneficial?
Horseradish is a perennial plant from the Brassicaceae family, a root vegetable native to Russia or Hungary. In fact, it is a member of the mustard family.MustardIt includes sprouts of cabbage,cauliflowerand Brussels sprouts as well. This plant is used as a seasoning, either alone or as an ingredient in sauces and dressings. It grows up to 1.5 meters high and is mainly known for its large, white, conical root.Horseradishcontains a compound called isothiocyanate that creates a warming effect when consumed or cut.
Nutritional valueRadishmountain
Horseradish is rich in a variety of minerals and essential nutrients beneficial for our body. It is high in dietary fiber,vitamin C, folate,potassium,calcium,magnesium,zinc, and manganese. It also contains a powerful organic compound of enzymes and oils, like sinigrin, which is considered a strong glucosinolate.
Benefits and health properties of horseradish
It boosts your immune system
Horseradish contains various forms of isothiocyanates and sinigrin that have antioxidant effects and help strengthen your immune system. It is also very high in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant effective against viral infections. It acts against harmful free radicals, therefore preventing inflammation and infection.
It helps relieve pain
Horseradish helps stimulate blood flow both to the skin surface and beneath it, thus aiding in pain reduction. You can use horseradish on affected areas to treatgout, arthritis, and frostbite. It also provides relief to swollen joints and muscles.
It treats urinary tract infections
Horseradish has diuretic and antibiotic properties due to certain chemicals it contains, helping increase urine production. Its enzymes prevent toxin accumulation and facilitate their removal. Sinigrin, a glycoside found in horseradish, has a stimulating effect on capillaries, aiding in the prevention of urinary infections and even minimizing the risk ofkidney stones.
It helps prevent cancer
Sinigrin, a type of glucosinolate in horseradish, helps prevent the growth of cancer cells. This is because this chemical prevents free radicals in our bodies from turning healthy cells into cancer cells. Therefore, you can include horseradish in your diet and consume a spoonful (about 5 grams) daily, as it helps fight cancer and delays the spread of metastatic cancer cells.
It helps regulateblood pressure
It treats sinus infections
When mucus accumulates in the sinuses, harmful bacteria tend to grow and reproduce there, leading to sinus infections. Horseradish contains volatile compounds that help thin mucus, preventing this painful condition. In addition, consuming horseradish can also help avoidflu,coldsand body congestion.
It aids digestion
The horseradish plant contains elements that act as a stomach stimulant, assisting in digestion and facilitating easier nutrient absorption. Salivary glands, stomach, and intestines are stimulated by phytochemicals in horseradish. Additionally, horseradish helps normalize bowel movements and alleviate irritability issues likeconstipationanddiarrhea.Good for your teeth
Horseradish has strong stimulating effects that help treat periodontal disease. The plant’s roots act as a natural remedy when chewed, helping with
toothache, strengthening gums, and also treating scurvy.In
pregnancyit is beneficialHorseradish contains high amounts of folate that help protect mothers and babies from complications that may arise during
pregnancy. It also aidsthe fetusto grow properly and eliminates the risk of neural tube defects.It aids metabolism
Horseradish contains essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Previously, it was also noted that protein in the body can convert into useful energy that can help repair and bolster defenses against various diseases. Thus, it helps you gain more energy and accomplish daily tasks more easily.
Diuretic propertiesHorseradish has diuretic properties that stimulate urine production. This is beneficial for various reasons, including regular release of dangerous toxins from the body, maintaining kidney health, andweight loss
since 4% of urine is actually made up of body fat!
Improves respiratory conditionsThe distinct smell of horseradish we sense in our nose and eyes can help clear mucus secretions in the sinuses and respiratory system. Consuming a pure horseradish inhalant can lead to a variety of secretions that help clear congestion caused by colds, illnesses, or allergies.Horseradish is good for skin and hair
Horseradish is excellent for maintaining shiny, strong hair and skin. Adequate vitamin C intake is essential for generating and maintaining
collagen
, a vital protein found in hair and skin.
Horseradish can also improve your nervous system.Horseradish also provides amino acids, vitamins, and necessary minerals to the brain. Certain vitamins, including vitamin B9 or folate orfolic acid
play a crucial role in regulating specific amino acids required by the nervous system. Studies have shown that a folate deficiency in the diet can increase homocysteine levels, which can be a dangerous precursor for neurological diseases such as
Alzheimer’sandParkinson’s disease.Horseradish can help you sleep better.Horseradish is known to aid sleep due to its high magnesium content, which directly relates to improving sleep quality, duration, and relaxation. Horseradish also helps regulate metabolism, which can help reduce sleep disturbances and the occurrence ofinsomnia.Horseradish is beneficial for treating colds and
runny noses
Wash, peel, and grate a horseradish and place it in a glass or airtight container, filling the rest of the glass withhoneyand sealing it tightly, allowing it to stay for an hour.
For treatingcolds
and relieving a runny nose, consume thismixturefor two days, once in the morning and once in the evening.
Otherhorseradish propertiesHorseradish is a laxative, stimulant, anti-scurvy, expectorant, and detoxifying agent.Horseradish can help eliminatecough
, general swelling, lung edema, tissue swelling,anemiain young girls, weakness, chronic rheumatism, certain kidney diseases, wet asthma, kidney inflammation, kidney stones, albuminuria, gout, eczema, urinary incontinence, jaundice, insufficient stomach secretion symptoms.
To improve burns and superficial cuts, apply the juice of the horseradish leaves.
Horseradish syrup is an amazing mixture for weight lossYou can reduce your weight and cut down on belly fat by preparing horseradish syrup and consuming it daily.How to prepare horseradish syrupOne of the questions you had regarding horseradish from the SelMagz health section was about the benefits and how to prepare and use horseradish syrup. A complete answer is provided below.Necessary ingredients
150 grams of fresh horseradish
4 lemons
3 tablespoons of honey
2 tablespoons of cinnamon
one piece of ginger-root
Place the horseradish and
- ginger
- in a food processor and chop them, then mix them with lemon juice in a blender, adding honey and
- cinnamon
- and blend everything until you have a uniform mixture.
- How to use horseradish syrup
Pour this syrup into a jar and consume it every other day for three weeks before your meals or before exercising. After three weeks, take a break for a few days before resuming consumption as instructed.Benefits of horseradish syrupHorseradish syrup is beneficial for brain function, memory, hearing, and vision, and aids in weight loss, fat reduction around the belly, and elimination of excess water from the body. Consuming this syrup alongside regular cardiovascular exercises will enhance its effects.Possible side effects of horseradishHorseradish may have several potential side effects that you should be cautious about when consuming for medicinal purposes. Remember that even “natural” remedies can be risky, so treat them like medication.
Possible side effects of horseradish include
gastrointestinal aggravation in children under 4 years
gastrointestinal irritation in those with
stomach ulcers
or intestine, inflammatory bowel disease, infections in the gastrointestinal tract or other gastrointestinal diseases
increased urine flow, which may pose problems for some with kidney disorders.
Deterioration of
hypothyroidism
(the glandunder pressure)Horseradish and hypothyroidism
Brassicaceae family vegetables are classified as goitrogenic, meaning they can interfere with thyroid function, especially when eaten raw and in large amounts. These plants are very suitable for those with normal thyroid function, but those with thyroid disease should exercise caution, particularly in medicinal amounts.
If you have any of the above conditions or related issues, avoid horseradish with great caution and be alert for any symptoms that could be attributed to it.Risk of consuming horseradish during pregnancyHorseradish is a rich source of folate, which is also known as folic acid. You have likely heard about how a diet high infolic acidcan help prevent serious birth defects.
However, this does not mean that eating horseradish is safe during pregnancy. This is due to
mustard oil
that the plant contains, the same substance that makes it smell very strong when cut.
It may also pass into breast milk in significant amounts to be harmful to your child, so it is not recommended for nursing mothers.
Keep in mind that this refers to large quantities, like those consumed when using the horseradish plant. However, if you consumed a small amount of it last week, don’t panic—just know it’s not something you should consume in large quantities while it can be passed to your child.Negative interaction effect with medications:Levothyroxine
Levothyroxine is a synthetic type of thyroid hormone widely used to treat hypothyroidism. Since horseradish (and other vegetables in the Brassicaceae family) may reduce thyroid function, this raises concerns about diminishing the effects of this medication.If you are taking levothyroxine and are interested in using horseradish, make sure to discuss potential issues with your doctor/healthcare provider and pharmacist.Dosage and preparation
So far, we do not have enough information about the potential benefits of horseradish to determine recommended doses for any health condition. If you are using medicinal root, be sure to follow the product label instructions and consult with a qualified doctor regarding your dosage based on your medical history.
Benefits of horseradish
Properties of horseradish for body healthHorseradish
Horseradish to help prevent cancer
Horseradish properties
Horseradish to aid digestion
Horseradish for weight loss
