Health Benefits of Horseradish

horseradish

Horseradish is a type of seasoning known for its strong, spicy flavor. It is commonly used to help conserve canned foods during the winter as well as used during the year to add flavoring to various dishes. It is native to western parts of Asia and south-eastern parts of Europe. The plant does well in low and dry temperatures, and prefers shade, non-sandy soils, and argillaceous alkaline earth. The plant itself can reach 6 feet (2 meters) in height, and its leaves are also edible.


Many people may not realize that horseradish has a huge number of health benefits, including:

Prevention of Cancer

Cruciferous vegetables, including horseradish, are connected to the prevention of a myriad of cancers, especially colorectal and lung cancers. This is because of the glucosinolates that horseradish contain. These compounds work with the liver to remove cancer-causing carcinogens which can help prevent the continued growth of tumors. Compared to other types of cruciferous vegetables, horseradish has a much high glucosinolate content, making it even more beneficial than the other vegetables in this family.

High Levels of Vitamin C

One of the most well-known and powerful antioxidants that horseradish has a lot of is vitamin C. Vitamin C works throughout the body to remove harmful toxins which cause damage at the cellular level. These toxins, or free radicals, are known to contribute to the development of cancer. Vitamin C also helps to boost the immune system and helps the body fight against a number of health concerns.

Antibacterial and Antibiotic Properties

Horseradish has been found to be very effective against a number of types of infections. This is in part due to the antioxidants it contains. Some of the types of infections that horseradish has been found to help treat include: common cold, the flu, coughing, ear infections, pneumonia, bladder infections, bronchitis, and strep throat. It’s anti-inflammatory properties can also help relieve the discomfort that often accompanies these conditions.

Clearing the Sinus Cavities

Because of its potent smell, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that horseradish will help to clear out the sinus cavities. However, it not only can help drain the sinuses when you need relief, but it may also help treat sinusitis as well as most antibiotics. There are a couple ways that you can take horseradish to treat sinus problems. You can drink juice that has been extracted from the root, or you can make a mixture of fresh grated root and wine vinegar, then breath in the fumes.

Pain Reliever

If you’re looking for a natural pain reliever for muscle or joint pain, consider trying out horseradish. By mixing it with olive oil and massaging it into your skin above the area that is bothering you, you can experience some relief. This sib because horseradish can help increase the blood flow to where it is applied which will help keep the build up of toxins which is causing the inflammation.

Digestive Problems

Another way that horseradish can help is in the digestive tract. It can help stimulate your appetite, and will also stimulate your digestive tract to make more digestive enzymes, which can help improve digestion. However, it is important to note that too much horseradish can actually irritate the digestive tract, especially if you have a sensitive system or an ulcer.

Parasite Treatment

Another way that horseradish helps in the digestive tract is by destroying parasites. Although it’s not fun to think about, many people have parasites but don’t realize it, which can cause everything from digestive problems to allergies. However, horseradish’s anti-microbial properties can help take care of them for you.

Water Retention

Horseradish is also a natural diuretic, so it can help you with problems such as edemas where you are retaining too much water. This will also help in the removal of toxins in your body and can also help improve your flow of urine. Be sure to drink plenty of water to help this process.

Using Horseradish

Because it has so many nutrients and helpful compounds packed into every bit, you don’t need to take much to get results. You can also find it at nearly any grocery or health food store. You can find it fresh or processed, and both ways are helpful in your body, though it is recommended to get it organic. You can even very easily grow it at home by buying organic horseradish root and planting pieces of it.

Before taking horseradish, ask your doctor if you have gastrointestinal problems such as ulcers or renal problems as horseradish could make these worse. Horseradish should also not be given to children under the age of four.

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