Exploring the Potential Health Benefits of Hot Horseradish: An Investigation Unveiled
Get the scoop on horseradish, a spicy little veggie that's more than just dinner table decoration. Rumor has it, it could offer some wicked benefits for your health!
A Speedy Tour of Horseradish's Advantages
Horseradish may offer the following benefits:
- Possible cancer prevention (thanks to phytochemicals like glucosinolates and isothiocyanates)
- Antibacterial action (thanks to the compound allyl isothiocyanate)
- Common cold relief
- Anti-inflammatory properties (thanks to sinigrin)
- Antioxidant boost (courtesy of phytochemicals)
- Improved digestion (due to enzymes)
But remember, some research is still catching up to our great-great-grandparents' wisdom. So let's delve into the science behind horseradish, shall we?
This radish that horses shy away from isn't just a kick in the taste buds - it's also jam-packed with compounds and nutrients thought to grant all sorts of feel-good health perks!
Ever wondered why people used horseradish for its potential medicinal benefits since ancient Greek times? Prepare yourself for a thrilling ride through the science of horseradish!
Horseradish Nutrition Facts
Let's first take a gander at the nutritional contents of the root that nobody's horsing around with. According to the USDA, about 1 tablespoon or 15 grams (g) of horseradish provides:
- 7.2 calories
- 0.1 g fat
- 0.17 g protein
- 1.7 g carbs
- 0.5 g dietary fiber
- 1.2 g sugar
- Trace amounts of several minerals including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium
Now, this doesn't seem like much, but it's just the beginning!
The secret to horseradish's health benefits isn't its nutrients, but its biochemistry.
1. Cancer Prevention
Over half a million folks in the USA check out due to cancer annually. So anything that might help in the fight against the Big C gets scientists' attention, and horseradish is no exception.
Being a cruciferous vegetable, horseradish is a member of the cabbage, kale, and broccoli family. A 2015 study found that certain chemical components in cruciferous vegetables may prevent a cancer cell's genetic ability to grow.
Inhibiting carcinogenesis (birthing cancer cells) is also crucial in the battle against cancer. Studies from 2008 suggested that isothiocyanates, derived from the breakdown of glucosinolates, could potentially do this.
Research from 2020 discovered that females who followed a diet rich in root vegetables (i.e., glucosinolates and isothiocyanates) had a 52 percent reduced risk of breast cancer, compared to females who didn't. However, the study itself acknowledges that the evidence isn't strong enough to bank all our cancer-prevention hopes on cruciferous veggies.
While the proof isn't perfect, studies like these make horseradish a tantalizing interest for researchers. Some test tube studies using horseradish compounds even hint at its potential to halt the growth of colon, lung, and stomach cancer.
2. Antibacterial Action
When you chop horseradish, it releases an oil called allyl isothiocyanate. A 2018 study (along with earlier ones like the 2009 work) found that this oil may have action against some nasty bacterial creatures, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), and Salmonella.
Further studies support the bacterium-busting fame of isothiocyanates. A 2013 study on isothiocyanates extracted from horseradish demonstrated activity against six different types of oral bacteria.
Scientists still haven't figured out exactly how isothiocyanates work, but they suspect that they use enzymes to slow down bacterial growth or damage bacterial DNA.
3. Cold Relief
Everyone cherishes breathing, which is why colds feel like such a downer. Horseradish is known for its spiciness, which can clear up your sinuses and ease congestion with just a little burn.
There's some science backing up this cold remedy, too. A 2006 study of folks taking a horseradish/nasturtium combo found it to be as effective as an antibiotic when treating bronchitis and acute sinus infections. Of course, more research is needed, and further studies should determine whether the effect is due to horseradish or nasturtium.
In 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) considers the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria to be a global health and development threat, so looking into earlier research on horseradish might be useful when drugs like amoxicillin lose their punch against bronchitis.
As always, always consult your doctor before making changes to your medication routine.
4. Possible Anti-inflammatory Effects
Horseradish belongs to the mustard family (no Mustard from "Clue" connection here). Mustards contain the compound sinigrin. A 2017 study concluded that a tweaked sinigrin might serve as the basis for anti-inflammatory medication.
According to the study, sinigrin suppresses the production of white blood cells (macrophages) that initiate inflammation in your body when it's facing stress. Inflammation plays a role in health issues like Crohn's disease and asthma.
While much more investigation is necessary, it's possible that a bit of horseradish in your diet might help your body's defenses to chill out.
A 2020 study found that sinigrin was excellent at suppressing asthmatic inflammation in guinea pigs (the furry kind, not the four-wheeled contraption). Although human research is needed, it's noteworthy since millions of people worldwide have asthma.
5. Antioxidant Contribution
Antioxidants have been the "it" thing for centuries, and with good reason! A team of Italian food enthusiasts in 2014 found that horseradish might pack some solid antioxidant potential.
The research also discovered that horseradish might be useful in cleaning up polluted soil. Since we humans aren't soil (or at least, we'd rather not be), this research is significant for our health, too.
It's probably due to the phytocompounds in horseradish's fiber-rich corms (the swollen underground stem, for the uninitiated). Phytochemicals have earned a stellar reputation for their antioxidant capabilities, making horseradish a candidate for future antioxidant discoveries.
6. Potential Digestive Aid
Got digestive issues? Take heart - horseradish might help! The compound sinigrin works as a cholagogue, triggering the gallbladder to release bile, essential for digestion.
While not focused specifically on horseradish, some studies have found that cholagogues can be pretty effective for conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
More research is needed to prove and confirm a link between horseradish and healthy digestion. However, horseradish does contain enzymes that stimulate vital digestive functions like bile production and bowel movement.
Are There Risks with Eating Horseradish?
Curiously, not much research is available on horseradish overdoses. Even so, it's crucial to exercise caution when consuming horseradish, considering its potent spiciness, which can potentially irritate the nose, mouth, and stomach.
Individuals with digestive issues, irritable bowel diseases, or stomach ulcers should probably avoid highly spicy foods, of which horseradish is one.
As a condiment, horseradish is typically consumed in small amounts. In rare cases, excessive consumption might lead to adverse effects. The best piece of advice is to savor horseradish in moderation, as it's not intended for binge eating. And, of course, never snort it - let's not emulate Steve-O from "Jackass," shall we?
How to Eat Horseradish
Horseradish comes in a jar containing grated horseradish root, vinegar, salt, and sugar. You can also purchase horseradish sauce, which combines the root with sour cream or mayo.
To experience horseradish's full potential, pair it with meat or fish (vegetarian and vegan alternatives are also available). You can even enjoy a horseradish tea or indulge in one of the scrumptious horseradish-inspired recipes provided below.
Horseradish Recipes
- Lemon and Horseradish Prawns Fettuccine
- Grilled Tuna with Fresh Horseradish
- Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Crunchy Radish Salad
- Horseradish-Crusted Roast Beef
- Triple Mash with Horseradish Bread
- Creamy Horseradish Potato Salad
Preparing Homemade Horseradish
Making your own prepared horseradish is simple!
- Buy fresh horseradish from a grocery store.
- Grate 6 to 10 inches of the root or put it in a blender.
- Add a pinch of salt, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, and enough water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Mix well, store in fridge, and consume within 3 to 4 weeks.
The Final Verdict: More Radish-y Than Horse-y
Horseradish is an ancient root vegetable that different cultures worldwide have eaten for thousands of years. Through the ages, it's earned a reputation for its medicinal benefits.
We are now living in an era where science is beginning to corroborate some of the anecdotal horseradish health myths we've been hearing. These benefits include cancer prevention, antibacterial properties, and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities. There are also potential respiratory and digestive benefits that warrant further investigation.
Again, more rigorous scientific studies are essential to conclusively establish horseradish's effectiveness for various conditions. However, horseradish can make an intriguing addition to your diet due to its potential health perks.
Experiment with horseradish in various forms - from condiment to recipe - and discover the power of this untamed little radish. Happy snacking!
- The compound allyl isothiocyanate found in horseradish may provide antibacterial action, possibly helping to combat bacterial infections such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), and Salmonella.
- Phytochemicals in horseradish could offer antioxidant benefits, contributing to better health and even potentially aiding in cleaning up polluted soil.
- Horseradish's fermentation may result in enzymes that stimulate digestion, offering aid for digestive issues such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
