Horseradish is one of the most characteristic elements of Polish culinary art. Our grandmothers used it, mothers use it – after all, it is a real vitamin bomb and a remedy for many ailments. Although most often we think of it as a good addition to improve the taste of some dishes, e.g. as an element of good pickled cucumbers or delicious beetroot, it also has interesting health properties.
Good news for all people who care about their health and lose weight: horseradish is as good for health as it is for the figure. Of course, in terms of diet, everything depends on what we eat this horseradish with, because too much Easter white sausage with the addition of beetroot will certainly not slim us down. Here are five main reasons why you should eat it when you have the opportunity:
- It has many valuable vitamins – the amount of vitamin C contained in horseradish exceeds that found in lemons and oranges, so it will be a good source of this valuable antioxidant. Horseradish root is also rich in vitamins A, B, B1, B2, C, E, and numerous minerals, such as sulfur, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sodium, zinc, iodine, chlorine and iron.
- It is low in calories – it will also be good on a diet, as long as you do not add high-calorie products to it. There are only 100 kcal in 70 grams of horseradish, and we were not even able to eat such an amount.
- It is a good protection against spoilage – of course, it is not about the horseradish itself, but about its leaves, which will protect the food from spoiling. The phytoncides contained in the leaves have an extraordinary property – they destroy all bacteria, fungi and viruses. That is why horseradish leaves are so often used for marinades, mainly pickled cucumbers. It gives them firmness, durability and a wonderful aroma. Once, in distant times, it was even used to preserve meat. As you can see, whole horseradish is both good tasting and healthy.
- It acts as a natural antibiotic – like another natural antibiotic – garlic, has bactericidal and antiviral properties. It also has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. That is why it is worth using it for colds and diseases of the upper respiratory system.
- Supports the body’s immunity – it is worth eating it all year round, especially in the period of increased infections and illnesses. Consuming horseradish improves the health of the whole body, because it supports the digestive system, speeds up metabolism (another plus for people on a diet!), improves the functioning of the gallbladder. In addition, it will be good for people who are afraid of heart disease – it thins the blood and lowers the “bad” cholesterol, as well as those suffering from joint problems, because it relieves rheumatic pains.