Looking for another healthy food to add to your weekly grocery list? One popular root might be your next best decision, especially after learning about its impressive health benefits. From cancer-fighting properties to relieving sinus discomfort, horseradish contains compounds that research suggests may be just as powerful as the classic flavor of the plant when it comes to boosting human health.
We use this popular root for its taste – but did you know it contains compounds that can help fight the growth of cancer cells?
Known for its strong smell and taste, horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) has generations of culinary and traditional medicinal history behind it. A member of the mustard family, horseradish is a perennial root that resembles parsnips. It is thought to have originated in southeastern Europe and was introduced to the United States around the 1850s by immigrants who settled in the Midwest, where you can still find it growing wild today. Its characteristic taste is not the only reason why people can enjoy horseradish.
A recent review published in the scientific journal Horticulturae describes the wide range of purported health benefits offered by the root, thanks to the biologically active compounds and phytochemicals it contains, including antioxidants and flavonoids. As researcher Stuart Alan Walters writes in his 2021 paper, “Horradish: An Overlooked and Underutilized Plant Species for Improving Human Health,” some of horseradish's most beneficial bioactive compounds include: Glucosinolates, which research has shown to have a preventive and inhibitory effect on various types of cancer, including breast, colon, lung, pancreatic, prostate and stomach cancer (note: horseradish contains 10 times more glucosinolates than broccoli, others valued healthy food) Isothiocyanates, a breakdown product of glucosinolates, which offer strong antibacterial and antiseptic properties.
Enzymes, which have been shown to stimulate digestion, reduce constipation and help regulate bowel movements (horseradish is also low in fiber, another important factor in a healthy gut) Historically, horseradish has been used medicinally for a wide range of health conditions, including sinus infections, urinary tract infections, anemia, rheumatism, and bronchitis. By the way, if you've ever wondered exactly how horseradish root gets its telltale pungent smell, it's because of the oil that is released from the cells when the root is damaged in some way – chopped, ground, grated, etc. the oil is released, the sulfur in the oil mixes with the air and causes a chemical reaction that can cause an eye-watering smell.
Ways to use horseradish in your daily diet
So, do you want to start incorporating these healthy foods into your diet but aren't sure how to do it? Try this: Grate fresh horseradish over your favorite dishes (tip: fresh horseradish is very strong, so try mixing it with a little fresh lemon juice to reduce taste) Mix with other spices. If you're worried that your horseradish garnish is too strong, you don't want to deal with the preparation and preservation of the root, or you simply can't find it in its natural form, feel free to buy spices or sauces that already contain horseradish – just try to find brands that have no added sugars and are made with quality ingredients. But keep in mind that the root is quite strong, so you might want to start with smaller amounts and build up. Also, some sources, such as the Health Information Library of PeaceHealth, advise that horseradish should be avoided by people with certain health conditions, such as peptic ulcers, kidney disease, and hypothyroidism. Better to be safe than sorry: If you're currently pregnant, nursing, or under medical supervision for a diagnosed medical condition, talk to your doctor before adding horseradish to your diet.
Original:
MDPI.com
peacehealth.org
Lifeextension.com
Healthline.com
Harvesttotable.com
