It is part of the “pungent” category of foods, and is good for balancing the lungs and large intestines.
It is a really powerful and pungent plant, which has many health benefits associated with its consumption, including:-
Aiding weight loss
Lowering Blood Pressure
Alleviating Respiratory Conditions
Building strong bones
Improving our immune system
Stimulating a healthy digestion
Promoting good heart health
Lowering the chance of neural tube defects in babies
Due to its high levels of glucosinolates, it is believed to prevent cancer
Horseradish is related to wasabi; mustard; cabbage and broccoli, although it is particularly close to the first two because when the root is sliced, the breakdown of the plant cells releases enzymes which release the sinigrin found in the root. This in turn releases mustard oil, which is exceptionally pungent and can stimulate the sinuses in a positive manner.
There are many health benefits of horseradish, as cited above. These are all due to its high nutrient and mineral content, which includes dietary fibre; Vitamin C; Folate; Potassium; Calcium; Magnesium; Zinc and Manganese as well as its unique organic chemical composition of enzymes and oils like sinigrin, which is a powerful glucosinolate.
It is thus really good for the Immune System as well as Cancer Prevention. The chemicals isothiocyanate and sinigrin present in Horseradish have been found to have strong antioxidant characteristics, which boost the strength of the immune system as well as stimulating the activity and production of white blood cells. These are very important for our body’s defence system. Additionally, the high level of Vitamin C in horseradish boosts our immune system, as well as encouraging the removal of free-radical cells (abnormal cells) from our body.
Regarding its benefits in preventing cancer, sinigrin is also a glucosinolate, which is a specific type of antioxidant that is particularly beneficial in the defence of cancerous growth. What it does is to inhibit the mutation of healthy cells into cancerous cells, (which occurs due to free-radicals in the body – abnormal cells). By adding a spoon of horseradish sauce to various foods, you can increase your ability to fight off cancer and delay the spread of metastasis of cancerous cells if you have already contracted one of the deadly forms of cancer.
Horseradish is also beneficial in terms of weight loss. It is exceptionally low in calories and
has no fat whatsoever. It does contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are vital components for general health. It is high in fibre and rich in protein so can stimulate our feelings of satiety. Thus it helps us to avoid overeating and helps us to lose weight, where required. Potassium, which is found in horseradish is an essential mineral that helps our body to regulate the flow of our cellular fluids, as well as regulating the tension of our blood vessels. A deficiency in potassium can result in higher blood pressure, which in turn means we are laying ourselves open to contracting cardiovascular diseases and conditions such as atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes. By eating horseradish, which is rich in potassium, we can increase our heart health by lowering our blood pressure and regulating the passage of fluids and nutrients between our cellular membranes.
