Horseradish - The health benefits

Horseradish is a perennial plant in the same family as mustard, wasabi, broccoli, and cabbage. The root of the plant is what is commonly used.

It ranks well in nutritional value as it contains potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. The mustard oil in horseradish has antibacterial properties that actually can help in food preservation.

A favorite addition to many recipes around the world and as a condiment on sandwiches, particularly roast beef.

There are some diuretic properties in horseradish and the roots have been used to treat various minor health problems, including urinary tract infections, bronchitis, sinus congestion, ingrowing toenails and coughs. Compounds found in horseradish have been found to kill some bacterial strains.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommends using horseradish when you are trying to lose weight due to it's low fat and high flavor content.

Ingredients:

• 4 Granny Smith apples
  
• 2 fluid ounces cider vinegar
  
• 2 ounces fresh horseradish, grated
  
• 1 teaspoon paprika
  
• 1 fluid ounce white wine

Preparation:
Grate the apples and moisten them with vinegar. Add the horseradish and paprika. Thin to the desired consistency with the wine.

Add horseradish to scrambled eggs, omelets, and hash browns to perk up your breakfast meals.

Ingredients:

• 8 large red potatoes, diced with peel on
  
• 1 Tablespoon butter
  
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
  
• 1 Tablespoon Horseradish
  
  
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:
Boil potatoes until tender. Drain well. Add butter, cream, and horseradish, then mash well. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Did you know there is an International Horseradish Festival held in the "Horseradish Capital of the World" Collinsville, Illinois? For 20 years they have celebrated this spicy member of the mustard family with fun and educational activities.

Substitute horseradish for butter and salt as a vegetable topper.

When storing horseradish from the garden, wash the root under cold running water to keep your eyes from watering. Then store the roots in a tightly sealed jar with vinegar or oil until you are ready to use.

Horseradish The Health Benefits Copyright: May 3, 2009 by BevsPaper (Beverly Owens)

Horseradish Benefits is one of 296 articles in my Squidoo Portfolio.