Have you ever heard about horseradish? Maybe some of you have already familiar with the plant since you can find them on food especially like Japanese food such as sushi and sashimi. The plant is also usually used in Western food to eat with ham and other meat.
So, what kind of plant it is actually?
Horseradish is a plant which is originated from Japan that comes from the tribes of cabbage (Brassicaceae) with the binomial name Wasabia japonica. The Japanese horseradish is usually used as a food flavoring in Japanese food.
It is known to have a distinctive taste which is spicy but different kind of spicy than chili has. If chili has a hot taste on the tongue, horseradish has a stinging sensation from nose to head. The stems, leaves, and rhizomes of the plant have a fragrant aroma. The stinging sensation comes from chemical elements called isothiocyanate. You may also read the health benefits of Indian green chilies.
Before we get to a conclusion that the plant is only a flavoring food, we have to know what nutrition that it has exactly.
Nutritional Contents of Horseradish
|
Total per 100 grams
|
| Calories (kcal) 48 |
| Total Fat 0.7 g |
| Saturated fat 0.1 g | |
| Double unsaturated fats 0.3 g | |
| Monounsaturated fats 0.1 g | |
| Cholesterol 0 mg | |
| Sodium 420 mg | |
| Potassium 246 mg | |
| Total Carbohydrate 11 g | |
| Fiber 3.3 g | |
| Sugar 8 g | |
| Protein 1.2 g | |
| Vitamin |
| Vitamin A | 2 IU | Vitamin C | 24.9 mg |
| Calcium | 56 mg | Iron | 0.4 mg |
| Vitamin D | 0 IU | Vitamin B6 | 0.1 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0 µg | Magnesium | 27 mg |
From the table above we can see that the plant has so many beneficial elements and minerals. All those things can we found in every part of the plant. However, in this article, we will inform you the health benefits of horseradish leaves.
Health Benefits of Horseradish Leaves
Just like the health benefits of zucchini leaves, horseradish leaves also have many benefits for all the body. So, here are the health benefits of horseradish leaves:
1. Reducing The Risk of Cancer
Above we have mentioned that there are chemical elements in the plant named isothiocyanate. A research shows that the elements can be the best reason for the plant to reducing the risk of cancer. Isothiocyanate can be a barrier to the development of the cancer cell such as leukemia and stomach cancer, and it can kill the cancer cell without making any damage to the healthy cell around.
2. Eliminate Harmful Bacteria
Horseradish has an anti-microbial character which makes it can eliminate the harmful bacteria in the body. The similar benefits can also be found in the health benefits of egg fruit.Â
3. Solving Respiratory Problems
This benefit may be caused by the stinging sensation of the plant that is very strong, but actually because the plant contains gas components which can give a strong reaction to the respiratory tract and also the sinus. There is already a research to prove this benefit, so for you who suffered from respiratory problems do not have to be afraid to try this benefit.
4. Prevent Cardiovascular Disorder
There is content in horseradish called anti-hypercholesterolemic which can lower the cholesterol level in the body if it gets too high. A high cholesterol level is the main reason for stroke and heart attack which is very dangerous. Â
5. Maintaining Healthy Heart
Other than anti-hypercholesterolemic, horseradish also has an anti-inflammation content which is very useful to keep a healthy heart. So, you do not have to worry about getting a high risk of heart attack, stroke, and other heart diseases.
6. Fight Bacteria Infection
The newest study has concluded that horseradish is the most successful food to fight against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Once more, it is caused by the isothiocyanate content on the plant that can neutralize the toxic that harmful to the body. Since it is very useful as an anti-bacterial, don’t be shock if you found an ice cream with horseradish flavor!
7. Healing Arthritis and Inflammation
The famous isothiocyanate of horseradish also the reason why the plant can heal arthritis and other inflammation on the body. That is why consuming the leaves of horseradish can prevent the risk of swelling joints and inflammation as the effects of arthritis. It can also prevent bone disorder and osteoporosis. You can also read a similar article the health benefits of yoga for arthritis.
8. Treating Flu and Cold
Consuming horseradish can be useful if you are having a cold or influenza. It can immediately heal your respiratory circulation which is clogged before. The allyl isothiocyanate gas can also fight against the bacteria which caused flu and cold.
9. Controlling Blood Circulation
There is a substance called 6-MSITC in horseradish which is known to be useful to inhibits the blood clogging and also smoothen the whole blood circulation. So, it can help to give a clear skin, too.
10. Neutralize Food Poison
You may don’t realize why horseradish is a side dish of sushi and sashimi. Actually, it is because horseradish can neutralize the poison and fungus of a food by one of its substance. That is why we don’t get stomachache after eating raw food if we also eat horseradish within.
11. Prevent Premature Aging
Horseradish has antioxidants content that come when you grate it. The plant is a good choice for getting antioxidants which is very useful to prevent premature aging by regularly consuming the plant just like the beauty benefits of bitter gourd juice.
12. Prevent Cavities
Not serious but annoying are words for cavities. Since horseradish plant has known to be successful in fighting bacteria, it also means that the plant can be useful to prevent cavities on your teeth.
13. Prevent Asthma
The isothiocyanate gas in horseradish can prevent asthma by blocking the neutransmitor prostaglandin that is responsible for pain and inflammation.
14. Boost Immune System
Horseradish has phytochemical which is used to strengthen the immunity of the body and to stimulate white blood cell activity.Â
15. Low Calories Food
We can see from the nutrition table above that the plant has low calories so it is safe to eat by everyone.
16. Weight Loss
Again, from the table above we can see that horseradish has no cholesterol so it is very beneficial for all of you who wants to lose some weights.
Cautions of Horseradish
- Cause Damage to The Liver – We know that everything which is consumed too much is not good for the body. Same goes with horseradish. You should pay attention to not eat too many horseradishes since it may be dangerous for your liver.
- Cause Allergy – For you who never try horseradish before, you may have an allergic reaction when consuming the plant. You have to be aware of any symptoms and go to a doctor for more complicated symptoms.
We hope this article to be useful for you. Be healthy and happy.