Amazing Things You Never Imagined Were True About Horseradish

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You might think that horseradish is only that spicy condiment that you love to slather on your sandwiches, but horseradish actually has a multitude of health benefits that go along with that spicy, pungent taste.

Horseradish is a perennial plant, and is not really a radish at all but rather is related to cabbage, mustard, and other types of cruciferous vegetables. Although horseradish has long been used to treat a wide variety of illnesses, perhaps one of the best uses comes from some new research that shows that horseradish has some strong anti-cancer effects. Keep reading and find out all the unbelievable things that horseradish can do for you.

1. Anti-Cancer Benefits

Of all the things horseradish can do, this is perhaps the most astounding. Glucosinolates are powerful cancer fighting compounds and horseradish is simply loaded with them. It’s true that other cruciferous veggies have these compounds, such as Brussel sprouts, cabbage, and broccoli, but they have nothing on horseradish. In fact, horseradish has 10 times the amount of glucosinolates that broccoli does! The University of Illinois recently conducted a study that showed that the large amount of glucosinolates in horseradish can actually increase a human’s resistance to cancer cells.

Glucosinolates increase the liver’s ability to remove carcinogens and suppress the growth of existing tumors. Veggies and plants containing glucosinolates and their derivatives, such as horseradish, help protect us from colon and rectal cancer. They also improve the activity of several types of enzymes that the liver uses in detoxifying the body, according to Cornell University’s Department of Animal Science. Read more about vegetables with anti-cancer activity.

2. Stops Pain

If you have achy muscles, joint pain, or a headache, then horseradish might be the rescue you are looking for. Horseradish has a natural compound that provides some powerful pain relief. Make your own pain relieving rub by mixing a few drops of horseradish oil into some coconut oil or olive oil and using this as a massage oil. You will feel the heat within just a few minutes and then feel the pain simply melt away.

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3. Reduce Bloating and Water Retention

If you are looking for a natural way to beat water retention and the bloating it causes, horseradish can help. This plant is a natural diuretic that will increase your urine flow and help you to flush out that extra water weight. You can juice some horseradish along with some other veggies and have a healing drink that will banish the bloat.

4. Anti-viral, Anti-fungal, and Anti-bacterial all in one

Horseradish has it all! It contains anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral compounds, which makes it one of the best home remedies for beating any type of infection. Find out one more anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral miracle.

5. Relieves Congestion and Sinusitis

Considering how spicy horseradish is, it’s not surprising that it has the ability to clear up your sinuses fast. Many people make a mixture that consists of a bit of horseradish juice combined with some wine or red wine vinegar, and drink it immediately. This will clear up a congested head and treat sinusitis naturally.

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6. Stops Urinary Tract Infections

If you are plagued with frequent UTI’s, you could benefit from adding a bit of horseradish to your diet. Horseradish kills off the bad bacteria that cause these types of infections. Add some horseradish to your green juice drink and say bye bye to those annoying UTI’s.

7. Fight Premature Aging

Our body is fighting against the damage that free radicals cause every single day. Free radicals lead to premature aging, as well as numerous other age-related diseases. You can help your body fight those free radicals by eating a bit of horseradish every day. This root also has vitamin C, an important vitamin that provides support for your immune system as well as healthy, younger looking skin.

8. Traditional Uses

In traditional folk remedies, horseradish is used as a treatment for a wide variety of illnesses, including:

Colic
Gallbladder problems
Appetite stimulant
Coughs
Edema
Headaches
Rheumatism
Hay fever
Gout
Ingrown toenails
Toenail fungus
Toothaches
Kidney stones
Tonsillitis
Sciatic nerve pain

Horseradish root is available in most supermarkets or health food stores, along with horseradish syrup or sauce. One of the good things about horseradish is that, unlike some other veggies, this one does not lose its potency, or any of its desirable compounds, after it is processed, such as into sauce, so you can feel good about piling on that horseradish sauce if you love the taste.

You will also find horseradish in most health food stores as a vinegar, tincture, flour, or even capsule form. Horseradish is considered to be completely safe for most people, however, if you are taking prescription medication, always talk to your doctor before adding horseradish to your diet to avoid any type of bad interaction with your medication.

Sources:

Bown D. Encyclopedia of Herbs and Their Uses. London: Dorling Kindersley;1995.

Foster S, Duke JA. A Field Guide to Medical Plants: Eastern and Central North America. Houghton Mifflin;1990.

News.softpedia.com

Health.learninginfo.org

Chopra RN. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. Publications and Information Directorate;1996.

Uni-graz.at

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