- Make It Yourself Lavender Heart-Shaped Bath Bombs!
- 20 Things You Never Knew About “Down There”
- 12 Best Foods For Those Suffering From Arthritis Pain
- 12 Personal Hygiene Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes (Mom Never Told You About #4!)
- 15 Medicinal Plants And Herbs From The Cherokee People
- 12 Mind-Blowing Benefits Of Drinking Coconut Water During Pregnancy
- 12 Outstanding Winter Foods That Won’t Fatten You Up Like A Christmas Turkey
Horseradish: A Natural Antibiotic In Disguise
3. Reducing blood pressure
You’ve probably heard that eating too much salt (sodium) is a direct contributing factor to high blood pressure. But the truth is that sodium intake is only part of the picture. The amount of potassium you get from your diet plays an important role as well. Potassium helps balance the levels of sodium in your body, and keep them from getting too high. Unfortunately, most people are deficient in potassium, and this in turn contributes to the risk for higher blood pressure and an increased risk of the health problems associated with that (heart attack, stroke, etc.). It’s a good thing then that horseradish is a great source of potassium. Eating more of this spicy condiment can help lower your risk of both high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.
4. Improved digestion
Horseradish contains a combination of different nutrients that allow it to improve your digestion. These include fiber, which helps prevent constipation, and certain phytonutrients which act as “gastric stimulants” and can help your stomach and intestines break down foods better so your body can absorb more of the nutrients.
5. Give it a whiff
The bold, intense smell associated with horseradish can be too much for some people. But if you have congested sinuses, allergies or some other mild respiratory condition, it might be just what you need to improve your symptoms. Breathe in some of the scent of horseradish and all those unique compounds can clear out a lot of the mucus blocking up your nasal passages and sinuses.
Horseradish has some side effects. As with any other food, there are potential downsides as well as benefits. Horseradish can act as a diuretic, increasing the frequency of urination. While this might be beneficial for some people, it can also put a bit of a strain on the kidneys. People with hypothyroidism may not want to eat horseradish, since the compounds in the root can exacerbate certain symptoms of that condition. The spiciness of horseradish might also make it a no-go for people with inflammatory bowel disease, ulcers or similar gastrointestinal conditions.
READ ALSO: The Unexpected Health Benefits Of Kale!
Be aware of your health, and try horseradish responsibly, as you would with anything else. But on the nutritional balance sheet, there will be far more pros than cons for most people. Try some today and over time, you may just come to love this powerful and spicy treat.
References:
