The benefits of horseradish for the health of the body. Contraindications to its use

Horseradish is a leafy herbaceous perennial herb of the mustard family. It has broad green leaves and an elongated, tapering gray root. Horseradish root and leaves are used in cooking and medicine. Horseradish root is harvested in late autumn, when the leaves are killed by frost.

Horseradish root is used in different cuisines around the world. It is added to sauces, salads, soups, served with meat and fish dishes. Horseradish leaves are also edible and can be consumed either raw or cooked.

To obtain the seasoning, horseradish is grated or crushed. For maximum flavor and aroma, horseradish root should be used immediately after grinding, as when exposed to air or heat, it loses flavor, darkens and becomes bitter.

Composition of horseradish

In addition to vitamins and minerals, horseradish contains unique enzymes and oils that provide its pungent taste. Horseradish is rich in folate and fiber and contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Composition of horseradish as a percentage of daily norm presented below.

Vitamins:

  • C – 42%;
  • B9 – 14%;
  • B6 – 4%;
  • B3 – 2%;
  • K – 2%.

Minerals:

  • sodium – 13%;
  • potassium – 7%;
  • magnesium – 7%;
  • calcium – 6%;
  • selenium – 4%.

Horseradish calorie content is 48 kcal per 100 g.

Benefits of horseradish

Horseradish has many beneficial properties. It helps you lose weight, reduces blood pressure and strengthens bones. It is used for gallbladder diseases, gout, bronchitis and joint pain.

For bones and muscles

Horseradish contains calcium, which is needed for health, growth and bone repair.

Horseradish can be used for:

  • preventing osteoporosis;
  • reducing arthritis pain;
  • reducing inflammation in injuries.

Horseradish stimulates blood flow to tissues and helps relieve damaged joints and muscles.

A compress of horseradish leaves helps relieve muscle pain, arthritis and chronic rheumatism.

For the heart and blood vessels

Potassium in horseradish normalizes blood pressure and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke.

Iron - important element to create red blood cells. Its deficiency can cause development. Get it in sufficient quantity maybe from horseradish.

For the brain and nerves

Horseradish will help improve your work nervous system. It supplies the brain with amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Folic acid in horseradish reduces the level of homocysteine, which causes the development of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

For the bronchi

The antibiotic properties of the root help in the treatment of respiratory diseases. The essential oils included in its composition, if they get into nasal cavity stimulate the thinning of mucus, relieving nasal congestion caused by colds or allergies. With its help you can get rid of sinusitis and runny nose.

Horseradish is effective for coughs caused by bronchitis and asthma. Eating fresh crushed horseradish root with honey helps cleanse Airways from mucus. In addition, horseradish helps get rid of flu and colds.

For the gastrointestinal tract

Horseradish acts as a powerful gastric stimulant. Its use stimulates the production of salivary, gastric and intestinal enzymes, which facilitate digestion. The fiber in horseradish stimulates intestinal perilstatics. It eliminates constipation, diarrhea and improves metabolism.

Horseradish is low in calories but rich in fiber and protein. The root will provide a feeling of fullness for for a long time and protects against overeating. Thus, eating horseradish will help you lose weight.

For kidneys and bladder

Horseradish has diuretic properties. It removes toxins from the body along with urine and protects against infections urinary tract. The plant eliminates fluid retention and swelling, and also minimizes the likelihood of kidney stones.

For skin

Vitamin C in horseradish is important for the production of collagen, which is responsible for the youth and beauty of the skin. Collagen prevents the early appearance of wrinkles and makes the skin elastic.

Horseradish root has whitening properties, so it helps treat melasma, a disease that is accompanied by the appearance of brown spots on the face.

The antioxidants in horseradish help regenerate hair and prevent hair loss. This occurs due to improved blood circulation in the scalp.

For immunity

Antioxidants in horseradish increase the strength of the immune system and stimulate the activity and production of white blood cells. The substance sinigrin prevents the mutation of healthy cells into cancer cells, which occurs due to free radicals. Horseradish helps the body fight cancer and delay the spread of metastases.

The antibacterial component allyl isothiocyanate in horseradish protects the body from germs and bacteria, including listeria, coli and staphylococci.

Vitamin C strengthens the immune system. It helps remove free radicals from the body, protects it from cancer, inflammation and infections. Horseradish contains peroxidases - enzymes that enhance anti-inflammatory activity and stimulate the immune system.

The benefits of horseradish for women

Beneficial features horseradish for women due to content folic acid. It stimulates fetal development during pregnancy and eliminates the possibility of neural tube defects. Folic acid deficiency in pregnant women can lead to low birth weight babies and developmental problems.

The benefits of horseradish for men

Horseradish contains glucosinolates. These are substances that reduce the likelihood of developing prostate cancer.

You can increase the benefits of horseradish for men using horseradish tincture with vodka. It will relieve problems with potency and increase male strength. Horseradish root is not subjected to heat treatment during the preparation of the tincture, therefore useful material are preserved in full.

There is hardly a person who has not heard about the health benefits of horseradish. This popular plant goes equally well in marinades and as sauces for most dishes of Slavic cuisine. At the same time, horseradish is an aphrodisiac and treats a lot of ailments - even the ancient Romans used it as a quick and reliable means will recover after long illness. In Germany, Austria and America it is served in intricate creamy sauces; in our country it is considered “the most national spice.” Let's figure out why horseradish is so beneficial for the human body and learn how to cook unusual dishes based on it.


The benefits and harms of horseradish for the human body

Mentions of horseradish dishes can be found in many works of art. At Marmeladov's wake in Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment, in Dragunsky's Deniskin's Stories and even in Ryazanov's The Irony of Fate. In the scene about the disgusting jellied fish, Hippolyte finds a way out of the situation and declares that he has enough horseradish for it.

In the fall, a jar of fresh hot seasoning appears in every refrigerator. And this is not surprising, since such a sauce not only adds piquancy regular food, but also has beneficial properties thanks to amazing lineup plants.

In it you can find:

  1. Vitamins of groups B1, B2, B6, B9, C, E and PP
  2. Minerals, including potassium, calcium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, iron and half more periodic table Mendeleev
  3. Alimentary fiber
  4. Organic acids - nicotinic, pantothenic and folic
  5. Starch
  6. Saturated and unsaturated fatty acids
  7. Natural sugars
  8. Mustard essential oil - it is responsible for the pungency and bitterness
  9. Phytoncides - natural antibiotics

This list can be continued endlessly - imagine a more useful folk remedy For comprehensive strengthening immunity is impossible. There is several times more vitamin C in horseradish than in lemons, rose hips and oranges, which makes it an indispensable assistant in the fight against viral diseases. Being a powerful natural antiseptic, horseradish helps resist reproduction pathogenic microflora, protects against all kinds of poisoning, dysentery, improves appetite, eliminates constipation.


Horseradish has surpassed hundreds of plants in its beneficial properties.

Advice: Russia is unfairly considered the birthplace of horseradish. The representative of the cabbage family received its original registration in the south-east of Europe; it reached our latitudes only in the 9th century as a wild plant.

In addition, the use of horseradish-based dishes is indicated for:

  1. Chronic hypertension
  2. High cholesterol
  3. Insufficient saturation of the heart muscle with potassium
  4. To speed up metabolism
  5. To cleanse the body of waste and toxins
  6. For colds and respiratory tract inflammation
  7. As an excellent diuretic for cystitis, stones bladder and inflammation of the urinary canals
  8. For gout

The plant is a natural pain reliever and relieves discomfort during the period of exacerbation of osteochondrosis, arthritis, radiculitis, muscle pain.

Nature has not deprived horseradish leaves of beneficial properties for the human body. They also contain all the substances described above. Our ancestors used the leaves to treat injuries and bruises. The leaf was dipped in boiling water, then kneaded, wrapped around the sore spot, tied with a warm cloth and left overnight. A similar method was used to relieve back and neck pain.

Advice: only a product that has not undergone heat treatment has all the beneficial properties.


The plant will be useful to those who are fiercely fighting extra pounds

The benefits of horseradish for a woman’s body

The beneficial properties of horseradish for the human body when losing weight are known. The plant is recognized as an effective fighter against pronounced cellulite. It not only speeds up metabolism, but thanks to its pungent taste, it suppresses receptors, allowing you to quickly feel full. To reduce appetite, it is recommended to drink a small amount of tincture from the root mixed with honey.

Horseradish-based masks are widely used in homemade cosmetics recipes. In a duet with vegetable oil, the product stimulates hair growth, fights hair loss, and makes curls smooth and silky.


Horseradish is considered an herbal Viagra

The benefits of horseradish for the male body

Horseradish, along with parsley, basil, garlic, pumpkin and other inhabitants of household plots, is recognized as a powerful aphrodisiac and herbal analogue synthetic drugs to enhance potency. For normalization sexual function it is taken in the form of an infusion.

For baldness on initial stages The plant juice mixed with water in a 1:1 ratio is rubbed into the scalp.

For inflammation sciatic nerve use compresses made from gruel. Easy prey for the disease, as a rule, are men who lead sedentary image life.

The plant promotes the formation of white blood cells, effective for arthritis, radiculitis, joint diseases.

Advice: official medicine horseradish has proven its ability to prevent the appearance of cancer cells, which makes it an indispensable tool for the prevention of cancer.


The spice has few contraindications, but you shouldn’t overuse it either.

Seasoning should be included in children's diets with caution. At the same time, inhalations and compresses on the chest and back from a grated plant mixed with honey work well in the fight against coughs and colds.

Contraindications for use

Despite the impressive list of advantages, it is better to use the seasoning in small quantities so that it brings maximum benefits. It should be treated with caution in the following cases:

  1. If you drink chloramphenicol and its derivatives- antimicrobial components in the plant prevent the action of the drug
  2. For chronic and acute forms gastrointestinal diseases- gastritis, stomach ulcers and duodenum; the spice irritates the mucous membranes and increases acidity
  3. With heavy menstruation- horseradish increases bleeding
  4. For kidney and liver diseases, although in some sources you can find information about the benefits of root-based tincture for cirrhosis
  5. During pregnancy and breastfeeding

How to properly harvest and store the plant?

The easiest way is to buy seasoning in the supermarket, but, as you know, real chefs do not look for easy ways, and a product prepared with your own hands will be tastier, healthier and more natural.

IN medicinal purposes you will need both leaves and root. The procurement of raw materials begins in late September - early October. The cut leaves are thoroughly washed, dried, placed in dry glass jars and hermetically sealed.

The dug roots are cleared of soil, placed in boxes, sprinkled with sand and kept in a cool place. If it is not possible to store raw materials in the basement at a constantly low temperature, the roots need to be peeled, washed thoroughly, grated on a coarse grater, and then lightly dried in the oven. In this form, transfer to jars and store, tightly closing the lid.


Raw materials are harvested in the fall

Tip: after drying, the plant can be ground in a coffee grinder.

5+ Perfect Horseradish-Based Sauces

Most The right way improve your health with the help useful plant- to diversify the taste of traditional dishes. And the easiest way to prepare horseradish sauce is to mix the grated root with half a glass of vinegar, salt and sugar to taste. You can store it all winter in the refrigerator in a glass container. However, the culinary fantasy does not end there - there are thousands of types of horseradish sauces. We have collected the best recipes.


Each nation has its own recipe for horseradish sauce

Traditional horseradish with beets

You will need:

  1. 400 g horseradish root
  2. ¾ cup vinegar
  3. 1 small beet
  4. ⅓ cup sugar
  5. ½ tsp. salt

Classic horseradish with beets

Peel the horseradish and beets and grate them on a fine grater; if desired, chop them in a food processor/meat grinder. Combine with remaining ingredients. Let it sit in the refrigerator for a week before using.

Indian chutney with horseradish

You will need:

  1. 1 small zucchini
  2. 1 apple
  3. 1 onion
  4. 30 g grated horseradish root
  5. 150 g sugar
  6. 5 tbsp. l. wine vinegar

Chutney

Peel the vegetables and grate on a coarse grater. Place all ingredients in a saucepan and cook over low heat for 15 minutes, then transfer to a glass jar. Keep refrigerated.

Italian green sauce

You will need:

  1. 1 package frozen spinach
  2. Half a bunch of arugula and parsley
  3. 6 tbsp. grated horseradish root
  4. 120 g mayonnaise
  5. 2 tbsp. l. lemon juice
  6. 1 tbsp. l. lime juice
  7. Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Hot Italian sauce

Defrost the spinach, squeeze it out, rub it through a sieve, then combine all the ingredients in a blender bowl and beat until smooth. The sauce is an ideal addition to legume and vegetable dishes.

Orange chili

You will need:

  1. 700 ml orange juice
  2. Zest of two oranges
  3. 60 ml lemon juice
  4. 150 g honey
  5. 30 g each of grated horseradish and garlic
  6. 50 g starch
  7. 50 g chilli flakes

Orange chili with horseradish

Pour the juice into a saucepan, add the zest, chili, horseradish and garlic, and add honey. Heat the mixture, but do not bring to a boil. Strain the sauce, add the diluted warm water starch, stir thoroughly and boil.

Cream sauce with green onions

You will need:

  1. Jar of sour cream
  2. ½ cup grated horseradish root
  3. ⅓ glass of milk
  4. 2 tbsp. l. chives
  5. Ground white pepper and salt to taste

Cream sauce with onion and horseradish

Mix all the ingredients and place them in the refrigerator to steep until the hot dish is served.

Tip: Horseradish oil goes perfectly with grilled vegetables and boiled corn. To prepare it, 100 g of softened butter mix with 2 teaspoons of mustard, the same amount of finely grated horseradish and a pinch of ground black pepper.

English sauce with horseradish

You will need:

  1. ½ kg horseradish roots
  2. 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  3. Sugar and salt to taste

Traditional English sauce

At first glance, this sauce seems traditional and familiar in its composition. This is how classic horseradish is prepared here, and this is how it is prepared in England. But additional ingredients add flavor to the sauce - sour cream/yogurt, grated tomatoes/tomato paste, radish/beets.

Leave the roots in water overnight so that they become softer and easier to rub, mix with apple cider vinegar, salt and sugar. Add the remaining ingredients before serving in a 2:1 ratio. For example, 2 parts yogurt and 1 horseradish.

Apple adjika

You will need:

  1. 2 kg tomato
  2. 2 kg bell pepper
  3. 2 large apples
  4. 150 g horseradish root
  5. 1 head of garlic
  6. Sugar and salt to taste

Apple adjika

Grind all components using a meat grinder, food processor or blender, pour into glass jars and store in the refrigerator all winter.

Detox smoothie with horseradish

You will need:

  1. 1 cucumber
  2. ¼ cup olive oil
  3. 2 tbsp. l. wine vinegar
  4. 2 tbsp. l. chopped green onions and parsley
  5. 1 tbsp. l. yogurt without additives
  6. 1 tsp. grated horseradish root
  7. 1 tsp. sugar and Dijon mustard
  8. ½ tsp. salt

Detox smoothie

Peel the cucumber, chop finely, and blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth.

You will learn many interesting details about the benefits of horseradish for the human body from this video:

The plant, or rather its root, has long been used as a hot spicy seasoning for first or second courses. Few people know about the healing properties of horseradish root and its benefits for human health.

Traditional medicine recipes based on horseradish have partially reached modern world and received recognition in home therapy. Horseradish, the beneficial properties of which are being studied, is still widely used for treatment. various diseases, using it individually, as well as in complex therapy. The benefits of horseradish are explained by its rich content of vitamins and microelements. It is equally useful for joint diseases in men and women; the leaf is applied as a compress for bruises and wounds. Its action activates the body and also strengthens immune system. Recipes can be found in various medical treatises of past years, as well as in the journals of modern healers. The recipes are varied, there are methods when the whole plant is used, there are methods only based on the roots.

Description of the plant

Horseradish belongs to the perennial plants of the Brassica family. The stems reach 1–1.5 meters in height, the leaves are oval. The root goes deep into the soil and reaches impressive sizes. The leaves are erect, grooved. It blooms with a white inflorescence, the period falls on May - June. The leaf retains its shape and color until the end of the flowering period and after it. The fruits are elongated pods. Horseradish is widespread throughout Europe and Asian countries, and is less common in the USA.

Although it is considered a native Russian plant, it has been known since the times of the ancient Greeks and Romans. The first records about it appeared in 1500 BC among the Greeks, they used horseradish, seasoning various dishes with it.

For medicinal purposes, the root is used in raw or dried form, and the leaves are used for preservation and marinades.

However, there are methods where the leaves are also used for treatment; they are believed to have healing, sedative. A leaf of the plant is simply applied to the affected area, it immediately relieves pain and restores strength.

Useful healing properties

Horseradish is known not only for its specific taste, but also for its beneficial properties and effects on the body. It contains a complex of B vitamins, and ascorbic acid in quantitative ratio is significantly superior to even citrus fruits - lemon, orange. Only ripe red salad peppers contain more vitamin C. The chemical composition is rich in fiber, folic acid, and essential oils. The content of phytoncides and a number of microelements promotes the absorption of sugar, amino acids, and proteins. The product supplies the body with potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, copper, sodium and manganese in the volumes necessary for full functioning.

A rare combination of lysozyme and organic compounds has made horseradish a unique bactericidal product used in medicine. During the breakdown process, these substances are formed from the glycoside sinigrin, which is found in the roots of the plant. Horseradish also owes its bactericidal effect to phytoncides, which tend to kill pathogenic bacteria, preventing the spread of infection into the body.

After the breakdown of sinigrin, allylic mustard oil is released, which gives rise to an unusual taste, as well as strong smell plant root. Large doses are dangerous to human health, they only cause harm; when taken externally, it causes burns and severe pain. The evaporation causes a coughing attack and increased lacrimation. When consumed in moderation, it has a positive effect on secretion gastric juice, increases appetite.

The rich chemical composition of the plant improves intestinal function, actively fights colds, inflammatory processes caused by infections and bacteria. Has an expectorant choleretic property Therefore, the root is used as a cough medicine, as well as for Botkin’s disease and jaundice. Useful medicinal properties horseradish is used in the treatment of diseases of the digestive system, joints, skin ailments, and also as a means of restoring the strength of the whole body, and especially in men. It has long been believed that the plant gives good spirits. And for men it replenishes wasted strength.

Treatment of radiculitis with horseradish was popular among our ancestors; they applied the pulp to the sore spot and used it as food for acute illnesses. respiratory diseases and signs of a cold.

Traditional medicine knows cases of healing in pairs of cancer patients; its active effect on tumor tissue has not been proven, but it helps in the prevention of metastases, and also helps to reduce them. At oncological tumors, the harm from the leaves is invisible, and the body receives the necessary therapeutic support.

The Slavic people successfully use the leaf of the plant to treat joint diseases, sprains, and accidental injuries. For chronic forms For joint diseases, regular compresses are recommended, applying a sheet to the affected area. To avoid side effects during long-term treatment joints or not cause harm skin, the sheet is applied through a gauze bandage.

In India, horseradish juice from the leaves is used as a diuretic and also as a method for treating dental inflammation. But the juice must be diluted with water, since the concentrated liquid is dangerous and causes irreparable harm.

Japanese scientists have proven the effectiveness of horseradish for the treatment and prevention of caries, so they began to develop specialized toothpaste for problem teeth.

The health benefits of horseradish are becoming more and more known every day, and homemade recipes are spreading all over the world. Treatment with horseradish, when used correctly, is beneficial, and the harm from such therapy is minimal.

The root, leaf and plant have the same effect on the body of men and women. The medicine helps with individual disorders in men, the recipes are based on ancient methods and restore male strength quickly, and most importantly, effectively.

Indications for use

The leaves and root are used in folk medicine for the treatment of a number of diseases in men and women of all ages, with the exception of children. The indications are:

  1. Diseases digestive system. Gastritis with low acidity, stomach upsets.
  2. Dental diseases. Stomatitis, caries, periodontal disease, gingivitis.
  3. Respiratory diseases. Laryngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, bronchitis and pulmonary tuberculosis.
  4. Liver diseases and biliary tract. Hepatitis, inflammatory processes of the biliary tract.
  5. Joint diseases. Rheumatism, arthritis of the knee joints, radiculitis.
  6. Neurological problems. Neuralgia, headaches, migraine.
  7. Menstrual cycle disorders in women. Amenorrhea.
  8. Disorder genitourinary system in men. Problems with potency, male weakness.
  9. Skin ailments. Eczema, pigmentation, purulent wounds.

Contraindications

Besides the mass healing properties, horseradish has contraindications and harms the body. The product is irritating to the mucous membranes and causes burns if used incorrectly. Eating horseradish root is strictly prohibited during an exacerbation chronic diseases digestive tract. Contraindications for use are relative in inflammatory processes, when the benefit is greater than the harm.

Side effects are a sign of overdose or individual intolerance. The beneficial properties of horseradish to increase blood pressure have a negative effect on patients with hypertension. Women with abundant menstrual flow Horseradish aggravates bleeding.

Contraindications for use are present when complex treatment, taking horseradish and chloramphenicol is not recommended, as the effect of the medications is blocked.

In the fall, a hot, aromatic root vegetable—horseradish—appears in all markets. It is not only useful for the human body during the period of autumn vitamin deficiency, but is also effective medicine during treatment various diseases. It is recommended to consume horseradish in small quantities to increase appetite. However, the benefits of horseradish do not end there...
Quite a lot has been written on the site about various aphrodisiacs. These were not only well-known products (parsley, basil, garlic, pumpkin, raspberries, strawberries, chocolate), but also such exotic ones as ylang-ylang, asafoetida, oysters, etc. It was the turn to talk about something so widely known not only in Russia, but also in other countries, the plant is like horseradish.

Benefits of horseradish root

Thanks to its beneficial properties and a huge range of useful macro and micro elements, horseradish is currently very popular in European and Asian countries, as well as in America.
What is so useful and attractive in this plant with an obscene name?
Horseradish, or to be precise, its root contains vitamin C in large quantities (more than citrus fruits), as well as minerals - potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, etc. Vitamin PP can be found in the vitamin and mineral composition of horseradish and B vitamins (B1, B2, B6 and B9). All these useful elements, entering the human body, increase its tone and comprehensively improve its health.
In addition, the essential oil contained in horseradish is saturated with phytoncides, which makes this plant powerful weapon not only against flu and colds, but also against insidious dysentery bacteria that can cause such serious illnesses like salmonellosis, typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever. Eating horseradish in small quantities helps improve appetite due to its ability to enhance the secretion of digestive juice.
For people suffering from various heart diseases, as well as high blood pressure, it is advisable to introduce a little horseradish into their diet, since, among other things, it is a cardiotonic given to us by nature itself.
Horseradish copes remarkably well with extra pounds, which have a detrimental effect on attractiveness. human body, slagging of the body, helps with baldness, enhances metabolic processes. Horseradish is also one of the components of various toning and cleansing masks for the face, as well as for hair - masks made from grated horseradish and vegetable oil, applied to the hair, gives it a healthy shine, silkiness, and also increases volume.
Horseradish leaves also did not stand aside - they remove painful spasms caused by radiculitis, arthritis.
IN Lately Scientists have become very interested in horseradish, and for good reason... Based on the results of numerous scientific experiments, it has been proven that horseradish is capable of fighting cancer cells, destroying them.
However, despite the fact that the benefits of horseradish for the human body are enormous, it is recommended to use it exclusively in small doses. Otherwise, you risk getting a burn to the mucous membrane of both the oral cavity and intestines along with the stomach.

The benefits of horseradish for men

Besides beneficial influence on the digestive cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary organs and respiratory organs, liver, skin, the benefits of horseradish for women and men are enormous. Horseradish is a powerful aphrodisiac. Horse-radish – English name root vegetable, literally meaning “horse root,” is one of the natural Viagra substitutes. Eating it in small quantities by men leads to normalization of their erectile function. A healthy erection for men, it is also a completely sexually satisfied woman!

Horseradish storage

In order to enjoy the beneficial properties of horseradish for long period time, it must not only be collected correctly, but also stored correctly.
Horseradish can be stored fresh in the cellar, in the freezer, and it can also be canned and dried.
Storing horseradish in the cellar requires compliance with the following rules: simple rules– the temperature is not lower than 0 C, the roots should not be too thin (from 1.5 cm), visually not damaged, not in contact with each other, and sprinkled with sand (it must be sprayed with water every 7-10 days).
Horseradish in the freezer is not only stored for a long time, but also enhances its taste qualities(becomes sharper). Before storing in a chamber, horseradish roots must be washed, dried, peeled and placed in plastic bags (you can cut clean roots into pieces or grate them).
Both horseradish root and its leaves can be stored in dry form. Before drying, the leaves and roots must be thoroughly washed and dried. The leaves can be dried as a whole in a well-ventilated place, protected from direct sun rays(attic - perfect option). Grate the roots and dry in a low-heat oven (keep the door (!) open).
Canning horseradish (a storage method especially popular among residents of city apartments) does not require any sterilization of the container or pasteurization of the product, since horseradish has quite powerful bactericidal properties. Before rolling into jars, horseradish roots must be washed, dried, peeled, and cut into pieces. Next, the pieces of horseradish are placed in jars, boiling water is poured in, salt, sugar, and vinegar are added and the lid is rolled up.

Application of horseradish

Horseradish root has found wide application:

  • medicine in folk medicine;
  • spicy seasoning for fish (mainly) and meat dishes;
  • the main ingredient of sauces and much more.

I think that each of us has tried such Russian at least once in our lives folk dish with a purely French pedigree, like jellied meat or jelly. So, in addition to meat or fish, it includes horseradish in grated or minced form.
In winter, to boost immunity, you can consume small quantities of grated horseradish with honey. Grated horseradish can also be mixed with sour cream or grated apples sour varieties and spread on a piece of black fragrant rye bread– a healthy snack for a quick fix ready! It can be safely served with horseradish tincture with vodka.

Crazy recipe

In Russia, sauce based on horseradish, garlic, and tomato is extremely popular among the population - yes, it’s Hrenoder or Khrenovina. The recipe for this dish is extremely simple, and preparation does not take much time. The sauce is prepared at any time of the year, often in the fall (the harvest season for tomatoes and garlic, and horseradish too.

Ingredients:

  • ripe tomatoes – 3-4 kg
  • garlic – 3 heads
  • horseradish (roots) – 300 gr

Preparation

This sauce, simple at first glance, goes perfectly with both cold appetizers and hot dishes. IN winter time consuming Khrenovina in small quantities helps the human body resist various infections and vitamin deficiency, characteristic of the cold season. We should also not forget that this dish combines three powerful aphrodisiacs - garlic, horseradish and tomato, which influence the sexual attractiveness and desire of partners of both sexes.

Horseradish contraindications

In addition to all the advantages, one cannot help but mention the contraindications of horseradish. His excessive use provides irritant effect on the mucous membrane, so horseradish is not recommended for people suffering from diseases of the liver and digestive tract. It is also not recommended to get carried away with excessive horseradish-based lotions - this can cause skin burns. Give children horseradish and dishes made from it unlimited quantity also shouldn't.

Homeland of horseradish

Despite the fact that most people are accustomed to identifying horseradish with Russia, I hasten to upset you a little - this plant has a European registration. The homeland of horseradish is indeed Europe, or rather its southeast. It was there that horseradish from a wild plant of the cabbage family slowly but surely turned into a vegetable crop.
It has been archaeologically confirmed that in Ancient Greece, already in the 15th century BC, horseradish was used in the preparation of various dishes as one of the hottest seasonings, and also as an independent dish.
During the Renaissance, horseradish from Central Europe began to spread westward to England. However, the British first tried horseradish only in 1640. The root crop immediately gained popularity among workers and peasants. At the end of the 16th century, all Englishmen, regardless of rank and title, ate horseradish as an aromatic seasoning for beef dishes, as well as oysters. Later, the British learned to make tonic drinks from horseradish that could quickly restore strength, and began to grow it near hotels and stations where many tired travelers arrived.
In Russia, horseradish has been known since the 9th century as a wild plant. They began to purposefully grow it a little later.

The broad meaning of the term “horseradish” refers to a genus of plants in the cabbage family, otherwise known as cruciferous plants. There are only three species in this genus perennial plants, one of the representatives of which is common horseradish (sometimes called country horseradish). The main cultivated vegetable of the horseradish genus is this species.

The historical distribution area of ​​horseradish was European territories, excluding the northernmost climatic zones (Arctic and subarctic zones). The plant grows well in Siberia and the foothills of the Caucasus, and in the wild it can be found in America and Asia. Wild horseradish is often located in damp lowlands, near the shores of fresh water bodies. The production of this vegetable dates back to ancient times. In particular, in Rus' the beginning of the cultivation of the species coincides with the formation of the state as such.

Horseradish was highly valued as a medicine and spice; This is evidenced by historical documents of this period. Residents European countries the plant became popular in the 15th century, especially among the Germans and the Baltic peoples. The British figuratively called the vegetable “horse radish” and did not use it spicy properties– horseradish served only as a medicine. Currently, all of Europe uses horseradish both in cooking and in medicine.

The horseradish plant is not very capricious in terms of soil preferences. But high-quality large roots are most often formed on light soils - for example, sandy loam, loamy soils. If the fertile layer of soil is too saturated with nitrogen compounds, then strong branching of the root system begins, which reduces their economic importance. Well-lit and fairly humid places are suitable for plant development.

Horseradish is a light-loving plant, which can be propagated using seeds and vegetatively (that is, from sections of rhizomes). The wide, fleshy root of horseradish goes deep into the soil. A straight branching stem up to 1 - 1.5 m long develops above the ground. The largest leaves of the plant are located near the root system and have an elongated oval shape. Their edges are crenate, and the base resembles the shape of a heart. The lower leaves are pinnately divided and are classified as oblong-lanceolate in shape.

At the top of the plant there are linear leaves with entire edges. Horseradish flowers are very small and inconspicuous, white. Fruit pods develop from them - oval-oblong and swollen, reaching only 5-6 mm in length. For food purposes, the root of the plant is dug up, which can be used from the second year of the plant’s life. The most favorable period Late autumn is considered the best time to obtain roots, since the above-ground part is already dying off. It is also possible to collect roots in the spring before the growing season begins.

Horseradish is widely used in cooking. It is known primarily as a spicy addition to first and second courses. For this, the green leaves of the plant and its roots are used. After grinding, horseradish is suitable for pickling and pickling vegetables; in this case, leaves and roots are also taken. In the aforementioned ground form, horseradish is a component of sauces and can serve as a good seasoning for meat and fish dishes. Horseradish is used to make the drink “khrenovukha” and a special type of kvass.

Nutritional value of horseradish and vitamins in its composition

In the leaves of the described vegetable you can find large quantities carbohydrates, proteins, fiber. You should also especially highlight the high concentration of vitamins A, B9, C. To the presence of valuable macroelements (sodium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium), phytonutrient components (for example, lutein, beta-carotene, zeaxanthin) are added. Daily replenishment of the listed substances in the body has an anti-inflammatory and diuretic effect, reducing the likelihood of nervous disorders.

An undeniable increase in appetite accelerates the work of the gastrointestinal tract, preventing the development viral infections. Free radicals and toxins are eliminated from the body faster, and blood pressure and heart rate are stabilized.

The nutritional value 100 g horseradish:

  • 3.274 g protein
  • 0.592 g fat
  • 10.587 g carbohydrates
  • 7.323 g dietary fiber
  • 0.264 g organic acids
  • 77.802 g water
  • 0.104 g unsaturated fatty acids
  • 0.123 g saturated fatty acids
  • 6.655 g monosaccharides and disaccharides
  • 3.984 g starch
  • 1.452 g ash

Vitamins in 100 g of horseradish:

  • 55.873 mg ascorbic acid (C)
  • 0.084 mg thiamine (B1)
  • 0.105 mg riboflavin (B2)
  • 0.719 mg pyridoxine (B6)
  • 37.362 mcg folic acid (B9)
  • 0.426 mg vitamin PP
  • 0.982 mg niacin equivalent (NI)
  • 0.182 mg tocopherol (E)

Energy value of horseradish

Horseradish is characterized quite low performance energy value. It contains biologically active compounds that greatly accelerate metabolic processes and remove waste and toxins from the body. Thus, as a result of consuming this vegetable, the metabolic processes; The body digests incoming food faster, which promotes weight loss.

However, horseradish is also known for its ability to stimulate appetite. Therefore, it can hardly be called a universal component of the diet:

  • The calorie content of 100 g of horseradish is 60 kcal;
  • The calorie content of an average weight root (1 kg) is 600 kcal.

Very often a special dish is prepared from horseradish. nutritional mixture to lose excess weight. It consists of this vegetable with the addition of lemon and honey. The product is consumed before meals in small quantities. One of the popular proportions is the following: 100 grams of grated horseradish, two tablespoons of honey and the juice of half one lemon. The mixture should be kept in a closed container in the refrigerator and no more than one teaspoon should be eaten at a time.

After this they return to normal digestive processes, constipation is cured, metabolic efficiency increases, and waste deposits are removed. However, for amateurs healthy eating and those losing weight should remember that they should not overuse similar mixture. Before consuming horseradish so frequently, it is important to carefully study the contraindications and, in some cases, consult a doctor.

Macro- and microelements in horseradish

The described vegetable contains many macroelements. In particular, potassium in horseradish replenishes 23% daily requirement, phosphorus – 16%, and calcium – 12%. Of the microelements, only iron is released; its content in 100 g of vegetable corresponds to 11% of the daily requirement.

Macronutrients in 100 g of horseradish:

  • 119.334 mg calcium (Ca)
  • 579.134 mg potassium (K)
  • 36.243 mg magnesium (Mg)
  • 130.628 mg phosphorus (P)
  • 100.143 mg sodium (Na)

Microelements in 100 g of horseradish:

  • 2.351 mg iron (Fe)

Useful properties of horseradish

  • Horseradish is one of the record holders for its content. ascorbic acid. Even citrus fruits (lemon, orange) and black currants are characterized by a lower concentration of vitamin C. Only ripe red pepper contains slightly more ascorbic acid per 100 g than horseradish. The vegetable contains a large number of volatile components that fight harmful microorganisms. These components - the so-called phytoncides - are responsible for bactericidal properties product.
  • Horseradish roots contain the glycoside sinigrin, from which a cleavage reaction produces lysozyme and allyl mustard oil. The first connection destroys pathogenic microbes, complementing the bactericidal properties of horseradish. Allyl mustard oil gives the vegetable a pungent taste and characteristic odor, due to which the product has become a spice. However, it is important to remember that this mustard compound acts sharply at the local level and can cause skin hyperemia and sharp pain. After prolonged exposure, burns may remain or even gangrene may occur.
  • The leaves and root system of the plant are rich not only in ascorbic acid, but also in the enzymes myrosin and allyl mustard. essential oil. The vapors from this oil can cause severe coughing and watery eyes. However, in small doses, the allylic compound promotes the effective secretion of gastric juice, increasing appetite before meals. Excessive doses of products with high content such oils can cause severe forms gastroenteritis.
  • Medicine has been actively exploiting healing properties horseradish. It quickly normalizes gastric activity. The vegetable also has expectorant and choleretic effect , is able to fight scurvy and lack of vitamins.
  • Horseradish is prescribed in case of colds, after inflammation, to correct stomach, liver and intestinal problems, for gout, skin diseases and bladder disorders.
  • Traditional healers used horseradish to fight rheumatism. After grating, the horseradish pulp was applied to a cloth and kept on the sore spot like mustard plaster.
  • The vegetable is often added to the menu to prevent acute respiratory infections. To avoid catching a cold after severe hypothermia, you can make poultices for your feet and legs from horseradish.
  • Fresh juice from horseradish roots has long been considered effective. diuretic; such information came from Indian doctors. It is used as a distraction during inflammatory processes sciatic nerve.
  • For severe cough A mixture of finely grated horseradish and honey (in a 1:1 ratio) helps quickly. This home remedy given in the amount of 1 teaspoon 2-3 times a day.
  • IN medical research The ability of horseradish vapor to fight metastases has been described. Horseradish root is grated and its vapor must be inhaled for 15-20 minutes twice a day.
  • To combat flux A special mixture is used: 1 teaspoon of ground horseradish is poured into a glass of water and left for 4-5 hours. You need to rinse your mouth with the strained infusion every half hour, and the flux will pass quickly enough.

Contraindications to horseradish consumption

Horseradish should not be consumed if you have diseases of the kidneys, liver, stomach or intestines. The danger is that even easy stage Gastrointestinal diseases can become acute if you abuse this vegetable or start using it without consulting a doctor. Even people with healthy gastrointestinal tract It is important to observe moderation when including such a spicy product in your diet.