How does horseradish help your body?

Answer 1

In a rather large amount, horseradish provides 48 calories and has high content of vitamin C with moderate content of sodium, folate and dietary fiber. Did you know that it is toxic to horses?

Answer 2

Horseradish can help fight flu, respiratory disorders, tonsillitis, and urinary tract infections. Tea made from the root has been used as an expectorant. Horseradish contains significant amounts of cancer-fighting compounds called glucosinolates, which increase the liver's ability to detoxify carcinogens and may suppress the growth of tumors. Although broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and other cruciferous vegetables also contain these compounds, horseradish has up to 10 times more glucosinolates than broccoli. Glucosinolates are responsible for the characteristic hot taste of horseradish, wasabi, and mustard. Once inside the body, glucosinolates are broken down into isothiocyanates and indoles, which are believed to be the main cancer-preventive contributors of horseradish and cruciferous vegetables. Processing actually improves the anticancer benefits of horseradish. Juice or sauce extracted from horseradish root has been used effectively to relieve sinus discomfort. Due to its antibiotic properties, horseradish can also be used to treat urinary tract infections (UTI) and destroy bacteria in the throat that can cause bronchitis, coughs, and related problems. Chemicals in horseradish are believed to concentrate in the urine, and therefore deliver antibiotic effects to the bladder. They may also activate specific enzymes that help to keep toxins from accumulating in the bladder. Additionally, horseradish is a diuretic, so bacteria or other inflammatory agents in the bladder get flushed out. One of the most powerful glycosides found in horseradish, sinigrin relives the symptoms of water retention, due to its stimulating effect on the blood capillaries. In addition to their potential uses as an anti-cancer drug, the glucosinolate compounds derived from horseradish may protect humans from the effects of exposure to toxins in the environment.