Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana, syn. Cochlearia armoracia) is a perennial plant of the family Brassicaceae (which also includes mustard, wasabi, broccoli, cabbage, and radish). It is a root vegetable, cultivated and used worldwide as a spice and as a condiment. The species is probably native to southeastern Europe and western Asia.

Armoracia rusticana is also known by other names such as Pepperrot, Red cole, Mountain radish, Great rainforest, and Horseradish. It is a perennial plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family that also includes wasabi, mustard, cabbage, and broccoli. Native to Southeastern Europe and Western Asia, it is well known all over the world. It is widely cultivated for its white, large, and tapered root. The roots provide an irritating, strong, and intensely pungent taste. Lower leaves are oblong, toothed, heart-shaped measuring 10 to 30 centimeters long. Upper leaves are lance-shaped, alternate, and toothed. Flowers are white, pinkish, or purple measuring 6 to 8 millimeters, and appear in branched clusters. The fruit is a two-chambered pod in egg shape measuring 0.3 inches long on the short stalk and slightly round in cross-section.

The uses are similar to mustard and wasabi due to the thick and white root which is sliced. The breakdown of those plant cells releases enzymes that break down sinigrin present in the root. It releases mustard oil that is an irritating and pungent chemical that affects the sinuses and eyes of those who smell it. Due to this it is widely used for spicy burst flavor in various dishes and used as a condiment in steak. The importance of roots has been known for thousands of years and now it is widely available across the world. Besides its culinary uses, it is also used for medicinal purposes.

Horseradish consists of two glucosinolates such as gluconasturtiin and sinigrin which are responsible for pungent taste. It contains calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium as well as volatile oils such as mustard oil that possess antibacterial properties.

History

Possibly Horseradish is inherent to temperate Eastern Europe. Since antiquity, Horseradish has been cultivated. The Greek mythology admitted that Delphic Oracle told Apollo that Horseradish was worth its weight in gold. In 1500 B.C. Horseradish was known in Egypt. Pietro Andrea Mattioli, an early Renaissance herbalist showed it under Raphanus. Heinrich Bernhard Ruppius applied modern Linnaean genus Aromoracia in his Flora Jenensis, 1745. Linnaeus named it Cochlearia Armoracia.

During Middle Ages, leaves and roots were used as medicine. Roots are also used as a condiment for meats in Scandinavia, Germany, and Britain. During European colonialization, it was introduced to North America. Thomas Jefferson and George Washington mentioned horseradish in garden accounts. Horseradish was mentioned by William Turner in his “Herbal” as Red Cole, not as a condiment. John Gerard described under the name of Raphanus rusticanus in Generall Historie of Plantes or Herball which stated that it occurs wild in several parts of England.

The term Horseradish is indicated in English from the 1590s which combines the word horse and radish. This plant is poisonous to horses despite its name.

Plant

Flowering stalks measure about 1 1/3 to 4 feet high. Basal leaves have blades of 1 ½ to 6 inches across and ½ to 2 feet long. Leaves are broadly oblong to elliptic in shape with finely crenate to serrate margins. Basal leaves are widely spreading or floppy with undulate up and down margins. Horseradish stems are glabrous and light to medium green. Alternate leaves have blades of are 1-6 inches long and ¼-2 inches across. Blades are narrowly elliptic to broadly oblong to lanceolate in shape. Upper blade surfaces are glabrous and lower surfaces are a glabrous and paler shade of green. An upper axillary stem and central stem bear flowers of 4 to 16 inches long. Flowers form towards the apex of each raceme and seedpods develop below. Flowers are 1/3 inches across which consist of four light green sepals, four white petals, six stamens, and a pistol with a short style. Pedicles are ascending, ¼ to ¾ inches long, light green, and glabrous. The flower blooms from mid-spring to mid-summer which lasts for about two months. Flowers turn into cylindrical seedpods which are ¼” (6 mm.) long. Each seedpod possesses eight seeds. A root system is comprised of stout rhizomes and stout taproots.

Health Benefits of Horseradish

The health benefits of Horseradish are discussed in detail below:

1. Cancer prevention – Horseradish has glucosinolate compounds that provide spicy flavor and counteract cancer. It contains 10 times more glucosinolates in comparison to broccoli. The studies show that horseradish makes the body resist cancer. Other studies show that horseradish is able to appeal to cell death in human breast and colon cancer cells and prevent oxidative damage associated with free radicals. A study shows that preparing and processing roots increase anticancer properties.

2. Antioxidant activity – Free radicals damage the body so intake of a diet rich in antioxidants assists in the elimination of this damage. The root contains phytocompounds which act as antioxidants and are helpful to maintain overall health. Being antimutagenic, it protects the body from mutagens that could damage them. Mutations cause heart disease and degenerative disorders. Extracts of horseradish reduce DNA damage caused by zeocin which is an bacterial? infections. সহজ বাংলা: ব্যাকটেরিয়ার সংক্রমণের ওষুধ।" data-rx-term="antibiotic" data-rx-definition="An antibiotic is a medicine used to treat bacterial infections. সহজ বাংলা: ব্যাকটেরিয়ার সংক্রমণের ওষুধ।">antibiotic? known to lower oxidative stress.

3. Antibacterial and antimicrobial – Horseradish has allyl isothiocyanate that provides a pungent taste. This oil provides antimicrobial properties against various pathogens. Studies evaluated the antibacterial and antimicrobial activities of horseradish root. The study was conducted by using Horseradish essential oil for preserving roast beef and preventing spoilage. Beef with horseradish prevents the growth of bacteria that causes it to spoil. Root provides positive effects of phagocytes which is a type of cell in the body that absorbs bacteria. The study conducted in mice resulted that Horseradish promotes antimicrobial activities of phagocytes which counteract illness and infection?.

4. Respiratory health – Horseradish possesses bacterial? infections. সহজ বাংলা: ব্যাকটেরিয়ার সংক্রমণের ওষুধ।" data-rx-term="antibiotic" data-rx-definition="An antibiotic is a medicine used to treat bacterial infections. সহজ বাংলা: ব্যাকটেরিয়ার সংক্রমণের ওষুধ।">antibiotic? properties which have been used for many years for the treatment of sinusitis, bronchitis, common cold, and cough. The German study shows that horseradish root treats bronchitis and acute? sinusitis. Antibiotic treatments cause various side effects so the use of antibiotics is decreasing and natural cures are being researched because antibiotics treat respiratory illness by suppressing symptoms of illness. The pungent smell assists in expelling mucus from an upper respiratory system that helps to prevent the chances of infection?.
5. Prevent urinary tract infections – bacterial? infections. সহজ বাংলা: ব্যাকটেরিয়ার সংক্রমণের ওষুধ।" data-rx-term="antibiotic" data-rx-definition="An antibiotic is a medicine used to treat bacterial infections. সহজ বাংলা: ব্যাকটেরিয়ার সংক্রমণের ওষুধ।">Antibiotic? properties found in Horseradish root successfully treat acute? urinary tract infections which are better in comparison to antibiotic treatments that provide various side effects. Horseradish contains glycoside sinigrin that prevents the retention of water. Being diuretic assists in the prevention of urinary and kidney infections. Allyl isothiocyanate is expelled by urine which is proven to possess anti-bladder cancer abilities that might be a reason for positive effects on a urinary tract.

6. Digestive health – An enzyme found in Horseradish stimulates digestion, lowers constipation?, and regulates bowel movements. Bile assists the body from excess fats, cholesterol?, and wastes by supporting digestive systems. It acts as cholagogue which is a substance that stimulates bile creation in the gallbladder. It supports digestion. It contains small content of fiber that is essential for proper digestion.

7. Relief pain? – In Ancient Greece, people use Horseradish to cure pain?: Back pain means pain in the spine, muscles, discs, joints, or nerves of the back. সহজ বাংলা: পিঠ/কোমরের ব্যথা।" data-rx-term="back pain" data-rx-definition="Back pain means pain in the spine, muscles, discs, joints, or nerves of the back. সহজ বাংলা: পিঠ/কোমরের ব্যথা।">back pain? and in American South, it is used to treat headaches. It is due to the infection?, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling?, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation?, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।" data-rx-term="anti-inflammatory" data-rx-definition="Anti-inflammatory means reducing inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।">anti-inflammatory? properties present in horseradish. It provides relief from pain with stimulation of blood flow to the skin. It could be applied to swollen muscles and joints for relieving pain. Massage it over affected parts of the body to provide relief from symptoms of stiffness?, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।" data-rx-term="arthritis" data-rx-definition="Arthritis means joint inflammation causing pain, swelling, stiffness, or reduced movement. সহজ বাংলা: জয়েন্টের প্রদাহ।">arthritis?, gout, and chilblains. Though more research is required to use horseradish topically for inflammation, arthritis, and injury.

8. Prevent discoloration of the skin – The overproduction of ceroid of melanin in the skin leads to age spots known as birthmarks and liver spots. Horseradish is a natural cure to lighten the discoloration of the skin. For this combine 4 inches of grated horseradish and ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar. Place it in a jar and tighten the lid and let the mixture remain for two weeks. Shake it regularly and refrigerate after straining the mixture. Then apply it on discoloration thrice daily with a cotton ball.

10. Cure sinus infections – Sinus infection? is caused by an accumulation of mucus in sinuses that create a suitable environment for bacteria to thrive in which could be painful. Horseradish has a volatile compound that prevents accumulation by thinning old mucus. The patients who are prone to sinus and upper respiratory tract infections should consume half teaspoons of horseradish sauce in the morning and noon and stay for 10 minutes after use without drink and food. Horseradish provides relief from colds, influenza, and congestion. Apply flour paste of Horseradish over the chest to treat congestion.
11. Strengthen immunity? – Horseradish is loaded with beneficial nutrients such as phytochemicals and essential minerals. Horseradish has compounds that act as antioxidants that assist in stimulation for white blood cell supply in the body that prevents illness. It has a high content of Vitamin C that promotes immune function. A healthy immune system prevents the development of illness. Antioxidants prevent cells from free radical damage and provide an anti-aging effect.
12. Prevents Tumours – Horseradish is very effective in fighting and restricting the growth of tumors in the body. It has valuable compounds that enhance the ability of your liver to eliminate carcinogens which is the main cause behind the development of tumors. Being a rich source of glucosinolates horseradish also prevents the development of new tumors; block the spread of existing tumors in the body.
13. bacterial? infections. সহজ বাংলা: ব্যাকটেরিয়ার সংক্রমণের ওষুধ।" data-rx-term="antibiotic" data-rx-definition="An antibiotic is a medicine used to treat bacterial infections. সহজ বাংলা: ব্যাকটেরিয়ার সংক্রমণের ওষুধ।">Antibiotic? – Horseradish exhibits remarkable bacterial? infections. সহজ বাংলা: ব্যাকটেরিয়ার সংক্রমণের ওষুধ।" data-rx-term="antibiotic" data-rx-definition="An antibiotic is a medicine used to treat bacterial infections. সহজ বাংলা: ব্যাকটেরিয়ার সংক্রমণের ওষুধ।">antibiotic? characteristics that heal all sorts of bodily infections by stimulating the flow of blood to the impacted area and throwing out waste products from the body.
14. Treats Sinus – Sinus is an infection? that happens due to the deposition of mucus in the sinuses. It creates a congenial environment for the growth of harmful bacteria to thrive. This situation brings pain? to the person. The volatile elements contained in horseradish remove the old mucus layer, destroy bacteria and clear the sinuses.
15. Heals Infections – Not just sinus infection?, intake of horseradish also treats urinary tract infections. Besides its bacterial? infections. সহজ বাংলা: ব্যাকটেরিয়ার সংক্রমণের ওষুধ।" data-rx-term="antibiotic" data-rx-definition="An antibiotic is a medicine used to treat bacterial infections. সহজ বাংলা: ব্যাকটেরিয়ার সংক্রমণের ওষুধ।">antibiotic? nature, horseradish also has diuretic properties that stimulate the secretion of urine and cures all types of infections in the bladder. It helps to eliminate the problem of water retention too.
16. Detoxifier Agent – Horseradish works as a beneficial detoxifier agent that helps in removing kidney stones by way of complete detoxification of the body. It has few enzymes that prevent the accumulation of toxins in the body and speeds up the process of elimination of bacteria from the body.
17. Promotes Healthy Teeth – Horseradish when chewed treats paracentesis, scurvy, cure toothache, and makes your gums string and diseased free.
18. Diuretic qualities – Horseradish has some diuretic properties, which means it helps promote urination. This is important for regularly expelling toxins from your body, as well as helping to keep your liver clean.
19. Improve Respiratory Conditions – Taking a strong sniff or inhalation of pure horseradish may clear out congestion developed due to a cold, illness, or allergy?. ^[rx]
20. Helps Treat Melasma – Melasma is a condition where brown patches appear on the face. But since horseradish root has bleaching properties, it can help treat skin discoloration – which is the primary symptom of melasma. You can simply cut the horseradish root into slices and rub one directly on your skin. Ensure the juice of the root is applied to the affected areas. You can allow it to dry and then rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry. Repeat once a week until the brown patches fade. You can also mix two tablespoons of horseradish powder with one cup of sour cream. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it on for 30 minutes. Wash your face with lukewarm water. Repeat once a week until you see positive results.
21. Horseradish Can Help Reduce Age Spots – The skin-lightening properties of horseradish have a role to play here. You can make horseradish paste and apply it to the affected areas. Leave it on for about 20 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water. You can follow this remedy a few times a week. Alternately, you can grate a four-inch piece of horseradish and mix it with a quarter cup of apple cider vinegar. Allow the mixture to sit for about two weeks, post which you tendon?. সহজ বাংলা: মাংসপেশি/টেনডনে টান।" data-rx-term="strain" data-rx-definition="A strain is injury to a muscle or tendon. সহজ বাংলা: মাংসপেশি/টেনডনে টান।">strain? it. Using a cotton ball, apply it to the affected areas. Follow this remedy thrice a day for about a month.
22. Horseradish safe in pregnancy – Horseradish contains high levels of folate which helps to protect mothers and infants from any complications that may develop during pregnancy. It also helps the fetus to develop properly and eliminates the chances of neural tube defects.
23. Fights fatigue – Did you know that horseradish is richer in vitamin C than oranges? Surprising isn’t it? And very useful to fight against states of fatigue. It is very effective in strengthening our immune system. Think about it when the first cold weather approaches! It is not without reason that it was used to fight against scurvy. Its effects against this disease have since been demonstrated.

Health Benefits of Horseradish Leaves

Just like the health benefits of zucchini leaves, horseradish leaves also have many benefits for all the body. So, here are the health benefits of horseradish leaves:

1. Reducing The Risk of Cancer

Above we have mentioned that there are chemical elements in the plant named isothiocyanate. Research shows that the elements can be the best reason for the plant to reduce the risk of cancer. Isothiocyanate can be a barrier to the development of cancer cells such as leukemia and stomach cancer, and it can kill the cancer cell without making any damage to the healthy cell around.

2. Eliminate Harmful Bacteria

Horseradish has an anti-microbial character which makes it can eliminate harmful bacteria in the body. Similar benefits can also be found in the health benefits of egg fruit.

3. Solving Respiratory Problems

This benefit may be caused by the stinging sensation of the plant that is very strong, but actually because the plant contains gas components that can give a strong reaction to the respiratory tract and also the sinus. There is already research to prove this benefit, so you who suffered from respiratory problems do not have to be afraid to try this benefit.

4. Prevent Cardiovascular Disorder

There is content in horseradish called anti-hypercholesterolemic which can lower the cholesterol level in the body if it gets too high. A high cholesterol level is the main reason for stroke and heart attack which is very dangerous.  

5. Maintaining Healthy Heart

Other than anti-hypercholesterolemic, horseradish also has an anti-inflammation content which is very useful to keep a healthy heart. So, you do not have to worry about getting a high risk of heart attack, stroke, and other heart diseases.

6. Fight Bacteria Infection

The newest study has concluded that horseradish is the most successful food to fight against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Once more, it is caused by the isothiocyanate content on the plant that can neutralize the toxic that harmful to the body. Since it is very useful as an anti-bacterial, don’t be shocked if you found an ice cream with a horseradish flavor!

7. Healing Arthritis and Inflammation

The famous isothiocyanate of horseradish is also the reason why the plant can heal arthritis and other inflammation on the body. That is why consuming the leaves of horseradish can prevent the risk of swelling joints and inflammation as the effects of arthritis. It can also prevent bone disorders and osteoporosis. You can also read a similar article on the health benefits of yoga for arthritis.

8. Treating Flu and Cold

Consuming horseradish can be useful if you are having a cold or influenza. It can immediately heal your respiratory circulation which is clogged before. The allyl isothiocyanate gas can also fight against the bacteria which caused flu and cold.

9. Controlling Blood Circulation

There is a substance called 6-MSITC in horseradish which is known to be useful to inhibit blood clogging and also smoothen the whole blood circulation. So, it can help to give a clear skin, too.

10. Neutralize Food Poison

You may don’t realize why horseradish is a side dish of sushi and sashimi. Actually, it is because horseradish can neutralize the poison and fungus of a food by one of its substances. That is why we don’t get a stomachache after eating raw food if we also eat horseradish within.

11. Prevent Premature Aging

Horseradish has antioxidants content that comes when you grate it. The plant is a good choice for getting antioxidants which is very useful to prevent premature aging by regularly consuming the plant just like the beauty benefits of bitter gourd juice.

12. Prevent Cavities

Not serious but annoying are words for cavities. Since the horseradish plant has known to be successful in fighting bacteria, it also means that the plant can be useful to prevent cavities on your teeth.

13. Prevent Asthma

The isothiocyanate gas in horseradish can prevent asthma by blocking the neutransmitor prostaglandin that is responsible for pain and inflammation.

14. Boost Immune System

Horseradish has a phytochemical which is used to strengthen the immunity of the body and to stimulate white blood cell activity.

15. Low Calories Food

We can see from the nutrition table above that the plant has low calories so it is safe to eat by everyone.

16. Weight Loss

Again, from the table above we can see that horseradish has no cholesterol so it is very beneficial for all of you who wants to lose some weights.

Traditional uses

• Horseradish is low in calories and fat. However, it contains good amounts of dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Certain active principles in it were found to have been anti-inflammatory, diuretic (increase urine output), and soothing effects.
• The root contains many volatile phytochemical compounds, which give its much-famed biting character. Some of the major constituents in the root are allyl isothiocyanate, 3-butenyl isothiocyanate, 2-propenylglucosinlate (sinigrin), 2-pentyl isothiocyanate, and phenyl ethyl isothiocyanate. It has been found that these compounds have been known to carry antioxidant and detoxification functions.
• Some of the volatile phytochemical compounds in the root stimulate the secretion of salivary, gastric, and intestinal digestive enzymes, and thereby facilitate digestion. It thus works as a potent gastric stimulant that increases appetite.
• Horseradish has good amounts of vitamin C, which is a powerful water-soluble antioxidant. 100 g fresh root holds 29 mg or 41% of daily recommended values.
• Vitamin C helps alleviate viral infections by boosting immunity. Also, it helps remove harmful free radicals from the body and may help protect it from cancers, inflammation, and infections.
• This root-spice has some of the vital minerals in moderation like sodium, potassium, manganese, iron, copper, zinc, and magnesium. Iron is an essential co-factor for cytochrome oxidase enzymes during cellular metabolism. It is also required for red blood cell production in the bone marrow.
• Potassium, being an important component of cell and body fluids, helps control heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese used by the human body as a co-factor for the powerful antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.
• Besides, the root has small amounts of essential vitamins such as folate, vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid.
• Use it internally and externally to treat bacterial infections.
• An infusion could be helpful for fevers, colds, flu, and treat urinary tract and respiratory infections.
• For hay fever, consume a sandwich prepared of the freshly grated root.
• Use the poultice externally prepared from the root for the treatment of arthritis, pleurisy, and infected wounds.
• It also provides relief from pain due to chilblains.
• It is able to narrow blood vessels that might be helpful to treat migraines.
• Apply it to the skin to lower pain from sciatica and facial pain.
• Use it internally to discharge after birth, promote urination, relieve colic and eliminate intestinal worms in children.
• Horseradish could be added to chicken salads and tuna.
• Mix horseradish with mayonnaise and use it as a sandwich spread.
• Horseradish could be added to current, mint, and apple jelly and served it with lamb or other meat.

Precautions                                                                                                 

• Due to the presence of volatile oils, high quantities could be harmful.
• It is contraindicated with hepatitis, chronic nephritis, hyperacidity condition or gastro-oesophageal reflux, and inflammatory bowel conditions.
• Lactation and pregnant women should avoid it.
• People with thyroid problems or stomach ulcers should not use it internally.
• Use it with caution because it could cause blistering.
• It could aggravate kidney problems, hypothyroidism, and peptic ulcers.

How to Eat         

• The minced, crushed or powdered Horseradish is used for producing spicy off-white condiment.
• Roots were used as a condiment on meats in Scandinavia, Germany, and Britain.
• Freshly grated Horseradish is consumed with boiled beef or ham in Croatia.
• Mix grated horseradish with vinegar, sour cream, and hard-boiled eggs. It is a traditional Easter dish.
• In the southern region of Basilicata, raffinate is the main course prepared of eggs, horseradish, sausage, and cheese.
• It is used as a vital ingredient for soups.
• In Germany, roots are sliced and cooked as parsnips.
• Young leaves are cooked.
• Sprouted seeds and greens are added to salads.

How to Make a Creamy Sauce

Making Horseradish Sauce at Home

A simple and healthy sauce can be made by removing the skin of a horseradish root, grating the root into fine pieces with a kitchen grater, and then mixing the grated horseradish with a little vinegar. Salt can be added if desired. Horseradish sauce is best served right away. When it’s stored, its color gradually darkens and its flavor fades.

The sauce can also be made by placing peeled root pieces in a food processor with about two tablespoons of water. Grind the horseradish into fine pieces, then add two tablespoons of vinegar (and a pinch of salt if you wish) and pulse with the food processor.

If you prefer a creamy sauce, mix the grated horseradish and vinegar mixture with sour cream or yogurt. Drain the excess liquid if necessary before adding the horseradish to the sour cream. Some people like to add extra ingredients to the sauce, such as garlic, chives, other herbs, and pepper. Grated horseradish also goes well with mustard and mayonnaise.

Raw horseradish is rich in flavor. When it’s cooked, it loses some of its nutrients, hotness, and pungency and becomes sweeter in taste. Like the raw root, however, the cooked one adds an interesting flavor to meals.

Cocktail Sauce

Horseradish is also added to cocktail sauce, which is used in shrimp cocktails. The sauce is a mixture of ketchup and other substances. In the United States, one of the other substances is generally horseradish.

Beverages

The root is often mixed with tomato juice. It can add a bite to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages containing the juice. A traditional Bloody Mary cocktail contains tomato juice, vodka, horseradish, and Worcestershire sauce. Other ingredients are often added to the cocktail to make a complex and tasty mixture.

Aioli Sauce

Aioli is a traditional Mediterranean sauce made from crushed garlic mixed with olive oil and salt. To make a horseradish aioli, people generally mix the root with garlic and other ingredients to make a creamy sauce. The other ingredients often consist of some combination of mustard, egg yolk, lemon juice, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and herbs.

Glucosinolates and Isothiocyanates

Like other members of the family Brassicaceae, horseradish is thought to have important health benefits. When the root is chopped, grated, or chewed, the damage to cells causes an enzyme called myrosinase to be released from its storage area inside the cells. This enzyme reacts with horseradish chemicals known as glucosinolates to form isothiocyanates. The isothiocyanates are present in the volatile oil released from the root’s cells. They may be beneficial for us

One of the glucosinolates in horseradish is sinigrin. Myrosinase converts sinigrin to allyl isothiocyanate, the same chemical found in mustard oil. Allyl isothiocyanate is the main contributor to the pungent taste of horseradish and the sensation of heat that it produces. In nature, it helps to repel animals that are attacking the plant. Like other isothiocyanates, allyl isothiocyanate may help to prevent cancer. More research is needed to confirm the actions and benefits of the chemical in our body, however.

Researchers at the University of Illinois have found that horseradish is especially rich in glucosinolates. In fact, they say that it has ten times more than the equivalent amount of broccoli. This means that the small quantity of horseradish used as a condiment could provide a significant quantity of glucosinolates. In 2016, the researchers found evidence that alkyl isothiocyanate from horseradish activates enzymes that break down certain cancer-causing molecules. Hopefully, the researchers will eventually show that this process happens inside our bodies.

Recipes

What Are The Side Effects Of Horseradish?

• Digestive Issues In Children

Children under 4 years of age must stay away from horseradish as it can cause issues in the digestive tract.

• Issues During Pregnancy And Breastfeeding

Horseradish contains mustard oil that can be irritating and even toxic. Hence, pregnant and breastfeeding women must stay away from all forms of horseradish.

• Digestive Problems

Though horseradish can help treat certain digestive issues, there is evidence that it can also aggravate intestinal ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, or other digestive conditions that might be present especially if there is mucosal damage. Hence, consult your doctor.

• Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition that occurs due to an underactive thyroid gland. Horseradish might worsen this condition.

• Kidney Problems

Horseradish might increase urine flow, and this can be a matter of concern for individuals with kidney disorders.

References