10 Health Benefits of Horseradish You Need to Know About

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Most people know that horseradish, or horseradish sauce as it’s commonly known, is good on hot dogs and hamburgers, or alongside roast beef. What you may not know, however, are all the great health benefits that horseradish has to offer. 

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There are several other ways you can use horseradish too, including in soups and sauces as well as on fish and poultry entrees! Here are 10 health benefits of horseradish you may not know about.

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Health Benefits of Horseradish

1. Promotes Weight Loss

Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) contains a glucosinolate compound called sinigrin. Sinigrin is unstable and splits into allyl isothiocyanate, a very powerful antioxidant, which has also been shown to reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol. 

Allyl isothiocyanate also promotes weight loss by slowing down glucose absorption in your gut. This leads to a lower rise in blood sugar levels after eating and can help you lose weight by avoiding spikes in hunger later on. 

It’s likely that these effects are due to other allyl-isothiocyanates released during food preparation, too.

2. Treats and Prevents Cancer

Whilst it’s not possible to say horseradish cures cancer, there is some evidence that indicates it may help prevent certain types. According to some research, compounds in horseradish called glucosinolates may inhibit cell growth in some cancers. 

Glucosinolates also seem to have a similar effect on inflammation—they can help suppress immune cells and reduce inflammation. 

Some experts say certain types of cancer may be triggered by inflammation—not only can horseradish help fight inflammation but it can reduce your risk of cancer as well, helping you live a longer and healthier life. 

In fact, eating 3-4 servings per week has been shown to decrease colon cancer risk by 33%.

3. Lowers Bad Cholesterol

The European Food Safety Authority stated that horseradish extract contains compounds called isothiocyanates, which have been linked to decreases in LDL or bad cholesterol. 

A study published in the Archives of Pharmacal Research noted that horseradish-derived isothiocyanates may be as effective as statins, a category of drugs used to lower cholesterol. 

It’s important to note, however, that these results are from animal and test tube studies—not yet confirmed in human trials. If you’re on medication for cholesterol, check with your doctor before adding any alternative remedies into your routine. 

When consumed raw, horseradish also increases levels of another beneficial compound: nitric oxide which performs important chemical signalling functions in humans.

4. Balances Blood Sugar Levels

A teaspoon of grated horseradish taken with a glass of warm water has been known to help regulate blood sugar levels. This effect may be related to horseradish’s content of insulin-like substances called conjugates. 

Because high blood sugar is known to increase one’s risk for diabetes, people who suffer from or are at risk for diabetes should consider including horseradish in their diets regularly. 

If you do not have diabetes, it’s still wise to balance your intake with those who do. Regular consumption will keep your blood sugar levels in check and avoid spikes that might occur if you eat too much at once.

5. Protects Heart Health

Research has shown that including horseradish in your diet may help lower your risk for cardiovascular disease. Scientists say that properties found in horseradish roots, such as sinigrin and glucobrassicin, are responsible for these potential benefits. 

Sinigrin is also believed to protect against certain types of cancer; however, more research is needed to confirm its cancer-fighting abilities. Because of these potential health benefits, many people use horseradish to season vegetables or mix them into their main dishes. 

One tip: Adding horseradish before cooking will create an antioxidant-rich compound called allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), which can be beneficial to your health!

6. Prevents Muscle Cramps

Although horseradish is often associated with fish, it is often added to meat dishes for extra spice. Studies have shown that eating horseradish can reduce muscle cramps by releasing myoelectric activity from neuromuscular junctions, which then stimulates nerve endings in muscles and makes them contract. 

Applying horseradish onto a painful area will also decrease pain receptors in that region, making it less likely to suffer from a muscle cramp in that area again. 

So, if you’re going to be working out or doing physically active activities, add some hot horseradish sauce to your food—it may prevent you from developing any pesky or unpleasant cramps afterwards!

7. Good for Cold and Flu

Horseradish is an excellent source of a compound called sinigrin, which has been shown to possess potent antibacterial properties. 

If you’re looking for a natural way to boost your immune system and fight off colds and flu, horseradish may be just what you need. Sinigrin has also been linked to cancer prevention and treatment – specifically oral, colon, liver, breast and ovarian cancers – as well as heart disease. 

But keep in mind that we’re talking whole horseradish here; consuming it as a spice is unlikely to have any effect on your health at all!

8. Prevents Ulcers in the Stomach

A horseradish paste can provide some relief from an irritated stomach, whether due to acid reflux or something more serious. 

Not only does horseradish relieve ulcers in your stomach, but it also helps ease heartburn by neutralizing excess stomach acid. It may be a surprise that a spicy root is good for preventing ulcers in your body – but science doesn’t lie!

9. Cures Acne

New research suggests that horseradish has antibacterial properties, which is key to clearing up breakouts. It also serves as a good source of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that boosts your skin’s ability to regenerate itself and protects against free radicals. 

Just apply horseradish directly to your blemishes with clean fingers and let it sit for five minutes before rinsing it off. It’ll sting (in a good way) but you’ll love how much better your skin looks after just one application!

10. Relieves Nasal Congestion

If you find yourself experiencing sinus issues due to pollen, pollutants or other irritants, horseradish can provide some relief. This pungent herb is especially effective at clearing up congestion thanks to its high sulphur content. 

Sulphur has been shown to be an effective decongestant and can help clear your sinuses quickly and effectively. Just mix a teaspoon of grated horseradish with water and drink it right away; it should have an immediate effect on congestion relief. 

If you’re in need of sinus relief, try steaming a handful of horseradish as well—the warmth will open up your nasal passages even more effectively than just consuming it raw.

Final Thoughts

Besides all the health benefits Horseradish can provide you, it is also a really versatile ingredient: it works as salad dressing, it’s perfect as a punchy creamy sauce on your roast, and you can also grate it and pickle it – keep it at hand and enjoy all the flavour and advantages of it!

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