Most people think of Easter ham and red eggs when they hear the word horseradish. This is no coincidence, as it has now become almost a tradition that horseradish can be found on the tables at Easter.
This root comes from the area around the Volga and Don rivers, and is still a symbol of vitality in that region. The vernacular also calls it ordinary and spicy horseradish. It also occurs in floodplains, wet meadows and near fields. It was brought from Central Asia by our ancestors as an herb. Due to its versatile healing effect, it is time to regain its significance apothecaries as well.
Opinions about horseradish are pretty divided: a lot of people don’t like it because it’s spicy, but that’s why most people like it. Recent research has proven that freshly grated horseradish has bactericidal and antiviral properties. That’s why it’s worth making it part of our meals all year round!
Its root has been used as an herb for thousands of years to cure physical ailments. This quality is now a bit forgotten and most people prefer to eat it with ham just for the sake of taste. In addition to its flavor, it is also useful to eat horseradish with meat because it is a very strong digestive aid that helps the body break down even the toughest proteins.
Health benefits of horseradish
The main active ingredients are mustard oil, synigrin and gluconasturcin. glycosides , but also vitamin C and potassium.
1. Horseradish protects against cancer.
A study done at the University of Illinois found that due to its high level of compounds called glucosinolates, horseradish helps the liver detox carcinogens while suppressing the growth of tumors and preventing the formation of new tumors. Horseradish has also been found to aid in the prevention many types of cancers, most commonly lung, colon and rectal cancers.
2. Antibiotic.
Horseradish has been proven to be very effective against infections. It is useful in destroying bad bacteria that causes bronchitis, coughs, colds, ear infections, the flu, strep throat, pneumonia and urinary tract infections.
3. Digestive health.
Horseradish has been known to aid in digestion by helping the intestines secrete digestive enzymes and stimulate the appetite.
4. Pain relief.
Horseradish has been proven to stimulate blood flow to the skin’s surface as well as inflamed areas, helping with headaches. It can also be used topically to soothe muscle pains and joint inflammation and discomfort. When chewed it can also help relieve tooth pain.
5. Immune system booster.
The high levels of vitamin C in horseradish makes it a powerful immune booster as well as an antioxidant. Eating horseradish stimulates the immune system by heating the body from the inside.
6. Horseradish prevents hair loss and dandruff.
It helps to regenerate the hair roots by improving circulation in the scalp. When mixed with vinegar it helps with the treatment of dandruff.
Curiosity – Cultivation
Horseradish can be purchased at almost any grocery store, but it’s much better to grow it at home. It is very easy to grow, you only need one root. Plant it in the soil, add a little water every day and watch it grow. Although it is very easy to grow, it is very difficult to list, so it is worth choosing a place in the garden well so that we do not have problems with it later. It tolerates the cold well, it can be taken all winter during the frost-free period, but it can also be stored in the refrigerator for a long time. It can be stored in a cellar and sanded for years.
