Think, Eat, Be Healthy

Healthy Horseradish Root

horseradish, freash horseradish root, healthy whole food

Fresh horseradish root is a healthy whole food.

Horseradish is part of the brassica plant family and closely related to broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, wasabi and mustard. These plants contain compounds called glucosinolates that have been intensely studied by modern medicine. Broccoli seems to steal all of the headlines from this research but horseradish root contains ten times more glucosinolates than broccoli. These compounds are also responsible for the pungent odor and hot flavor of horseradish.

Glucosinolates break down into isothiocyanates and indoles. These two types of compounds have well documented anti-cancer properties. They work mainly by increasing the liver’s detoxifying capacity for carcinogens. Evidence seems to be growing stronger that they actually slow cancerous tumor growth.

Horseradish can also protect us from environmental toxins in the air we breathe, the food we eat and the water we drink. This root has the ability to slow or stop the growth of many bacteria and fungi that cause food poisoning. It is proven to counteract a strong carcinogen formed when meat and fish are broiled. Horseradish also nullifies a carcinogen commonly found in chlorinated tap water.

The horseradish root is not a good source of any vitamins or minerals. Probably no one could eat enough horseradish to satisfy their general nutritional needs. It is the micro-nutrients, particularly the glucosinolates, that are why this whole food should be a regular part of the diet. I also happen to really like the sharp, spicy and slightly bitter flavor.

wasabi, japanese horseradish, wasabi powder

Wasabi, or powdered Japanese horseradish, has a sharper and hotter flavor than horseradish root.

There are many ways to incorporate horseradish root into a diet at least a few times each week. Fresh horseradish root can be peeled and processed along with other ingredients for items such as meatloaf, sauces and condiments. I almost always add some horseradish to my homemade mustard, for example. Horseradish, ginger and turmeric roots together make a great combination in some BBQ sauces, too.

Fresh horseradish is also good on its own as a condiment for meat, fish and poultry. Just put peeled horseradish root, the vinegar of your choice, a little sea salt and maybe some fresh peeled garlic in a food processor and run until smooth. Place in a glass jar with a tight lid, refrigerate and it will keep for many weeks. I make many variations, sometimes using sweet mirin rice vinegar, sometimes using white balsamic vinegar, sometimes adding some hot dried chile and sometimes adding fresh turmeric root.

wasabi, japanese horseradish, wasabi powder

Wasabi powder can be sprinkled on entree items or easily added to sauces and dips.

An alternative to fresh horseradish root is dried horseradish powder or wasabi powder. Wasabi is actually a different plant in the brassica family but the taste and health effects are very similar to horseradish root. The dried powder can be sprinkled on meat, poultry or fish before cooking or added to sauces, loaves and other recipes.