Health Benefits, Nutrition, Side Effects

By | February 19, 2024

Horseradish is not just a spicy condiment. Herbal supplement, horseradish, Armoracia rusticanaIt is an annual plant brassicaceae family. Traditionally, horseradish has been used for many years for its medicinal properties.

The horseradish plant is native to Eastern Europe. Known for its pungent odor, this plant is less well known for its traditional uses. The component of horseradish known to cause that familiar odor may also be the reason behind many of the traditional benefits attributed to the herb.

Horseradish contains several nutrients such as vitamin C, folate, calcium, magnesium and potassium. main ingredient sinigrin.

This article discusses the potential nutritional and health benefits of horseradish, as well as how to take it as a supplement, precautions to consider, and more.

Uses of Horseradish

A healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or physician, should individualize and review supplement use. No supplement is intended to treat, cure or prevent disease.

Horseradish contains vitamins, minerals, flavonoids and sinigrin. Besides its use as a table condiment, these components in horseradish may explain its more traditional uses.

Antibacterial

Horseradish is also included in traditional medicine as antibacterial. With resistance to antibiotics increasing, scientists are looking for new ways to respond to the potential effects of bacteria on the human body. Therefore, they are researching the components (chemicals) of the horseradish plant.

sinigrin found in horseradish oscillations allyl isothiocyanateA mustard oil containing sulfur. It is the activity of isothiocyanates that is effective against bacteria. Escherichia coli. This has led to the need for further investigation of horseradish’s activity and effects on bacteria.

Early studies suggest that horseradish may have antibacterial properties. However, once again, there is insufficient data to support these claims. More clinical studies (studies in humans) are required to confirm its effectiveness.

Urinary tract infection

Urinary tract infections are common infections that affect all ages and genders. It is important to manage this condition due to its widespread impact.

Activity of a compound found in the horseradish plant isothiocyanate May support antimicrobial activity. These studies are in their early stages and human data are needed to support these claims.

Cancer

No clinical studies have been conducted on the use of horseradish for cancer.

Early laboratory studies also showed that it was a result of degradation of sinigrin. glucosinolatesIt can cause death in some cancer cells. Although these early results are promising, no clinical data are available to support these claims.

As with most supplements, more research is needed to support claims of traditional use for horseradish. Apart from this, other possible therapeutic purposes of horseradish include:

Nutrients in Horseradish

Although horseradish contains nutrients such as vitamin C, folate, calcium, magnesium and potassium, the amount of these nutrients consumed is minimal due to the small portion size used as a condiment or in sauces.

One teaspoon of horseradish contains:

  • Calories: 2.4
  • Total fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrate: 0.5g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Sodium: 21 mg
  • Vitamin C: 1.2 mg
  • Folate: 1.8 mg
  • Calcium: 2.8 mg
  • Magnesium: 1.4 mg
  • Potassium: 12.3 mg

Horseradish also contains flavonoids, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that are thought to improve health and prevent disease. However, flavonoid content may not be significant in typically consumed servings compared to flavonoid content in extracts or supplements.

How to Consume Horseradish?

Always talk to a healthcare professional before taking a supplement to make sure the supplement and dosage suit your individual needs.

Horseradish is available in different forms, including fresh or dried root, capsules, and liquid. Follow label recommendations when taking horseradish in any form.

Horseradish fresh root should be taken before meals. Take 3-4 grams (g) daily. Fresh horseradish can be used as a condiment or added to mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, cocktail sauce and salad dressings.

The dried root can be taken in doses of 20 g per day. Horseradish can be taken as an infusion and syrup in doses of 2 g several times a day. Horseradish can also be prepared as a tincture. Take the dried equivalent of 2-4 g per day as a tincture.

Horseradish capsules come in a variety of dosages, from 500 milligrams (mg) to 1000 mg. There is no recommended dosage for horseradish capsules, so follow label recommendations.

What are the Side Effects of Horseradish?

There is no clinical data showing possible side effects of horseradish as an herbal supplement. Horseradish is mostly consumed as a food item. Most people recognize horseradish as a condiment. However, as with any supplement, there may be a possibility of allergies.

Common Side Effects

Clinical studies on the medicinal properties of horseradish are very recent. Most of these studies were completed in cells or animals, not humans. Information about possible side effects of horseradish supplementation is lacking.

As a food, horseradish is often spicy or hot. If it is too sharp, it may irritate your throat. When a person shreds horseradish, the oils in it can cause eye irritation.

Serious Side Effects

Serious side effects of horseradish are rare. Clinical data on horseradish side effects are lacking. As with any supplement, there is a risk of allergic reactions. Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that can be life-threatening.

If you experience any changes in condition while using horseradish, consult your healthcare provider.

Measures

Although horseradish is generally safe, there are some reasons to be careful. People with hypothyroidism, ulcers, gastritis, or kidney disease should use horseradish with caution. If you have any of these conditions, talk to your healthcare provider about your individual use of horseradish.

It is also not recommended to use horseradish at therapeutic levels during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

What Happens If I Consume Too Much Horseradish?

Horseradish is generally safe. This spicy root can irritate your mouth, nose, or stomach when eaten as a condiment in large amounts. When using this seasoning or supplement it is best to take it in small amounts.

Store-bought sauces containing horseradish may have high sodium content. Be sure to read the nutrition label carefully. Consuming too much foods high in sodium may increase your risk of developing high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke.

Horseradish can be poisonous when eaten in large amounts. The poisonous part of the plant can be found in its root. glucosinolates This found in the root causes the risk of toxicity. When eaten in large amounts, it can cause excessive sweating, stomach upset, fatigue, and disorientation.

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.

Interactions

There are no recent reports of horseradish having any drug interactions. However, it has been mentioned that horseradish may interact with thyroid medications such as levothyroxine due to the possibility of decreased thyroid activity.

Because of this uncertainty, talk to your healthcare provider before using horseradish if you are taking levothyroxine.

Read a supplement’s ingredient list and nutrition facts panel carefully to find out which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss possible interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.

How to Store Horseradish?

Follow all storage and disposal recommendations on the supplement label. Fresh horseradish is best stored in the refrigerator. Storing the supplement in the refrigerator while it is fresh will minimize flavor loss and preserve its quality.

Horseradish is available in freeze-dried and dried forms. For these forms, follow the storage recommendations found on the supplement label.

Verywell/Anastasia Tretiak

Horseradish Sources and What to Look for?

Horseradish can be found in many forms. It is available as a spicy food seasoning or supplement. The best way to enjoy horseradish’s benefits is in a complementary form.

Horseradish Supplements

Horseradish supplements are available in many forms. The actual root, from which most supplements are made, can be purchased at grocery stores.

It can be found as a supplement, tincture, infusion, or syrup. The concentration of these preparations is probably higher than you would get by naturally increasing the amount of horseradish in your diet.

In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the same way it regulates prescription drugs. This means that some supplement products may not contain what it says on the label. When choosing a supplement, look for third-party tested products and consult a healthcare professional, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.

Summary

The horseradish seasoning you can have on your kitchen table has more benefits than just spicing things up. Traditional medicine has used horseradish against many health problems, from infections to inflammation. Initial studies on some of these traditional uses may be promising, but more data from human studies are needed to support traditional uses of horseradish.

Frequently Asked Questions


  • Why is horseradish spicy?

    Horseradish contains sinigrin. It is the hydrolysis (chemical breakdown) of sinigrin (chemical breakdown when it reacts with water) that creates horseradish’s spicy taste.


  • Can I use horseradish if I am taking an antihypertensive (blood pressure lowering) medication?

    Horseradish may lower blood pressure, but there is little clinical (human) data to support this claim. However, you should talk to your healthcare provider before using horseradish, as its effects are similar to antihypertensive medications.


  • Is horseradish good for your stomach?

    The traditional use of horseradish for gastrointestinal problems is mentioned. However, it is not indicated to treat stomach upset. On the contrary, consuming too much horseradish can cause stomach pain and vomiting.

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