Horseradish

Horseradish (moringa oleifera) has been used for millennia during the Jewish Passover festival, and the Greeks used it as a rub applied on the back to relieve pain. In some areas of Italy, such as Basilicata, it is sprinkled on homemade pasta seasoned with ragù especially during the carnival period.

Horseradish is a long, tapered root with a light brown outer skin and a white pulp that is thick and rough. It has broad, crinkled leaves and grows six to twelve inches long with nodes at the root’s end. The plant is a perennial with roots that have a pungent, sharp, and unique flavor. It can be an invasive plant because if the entire root is not removed from the soil, it will continue to grow and occupy a garden; this makes it an ideal plant for containers.

Properties and benefits of horseradish

• As a healing herb, horseradish is rich in nutrients and contains vitamin C, calcium, folic acid, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and zinc. Horseradish has a high content of plant protein. It is rich in dietary fiber and contains enzymes and oils such as sinigrin, which is a glucosinolate and acts as an antioxidant.
• There are many health benefits to including horseradish in the diet. Its fiber content makes it ideal for digestion and supports a healthy digestive system.
• The vitamin C present in the herb strengthens the immune systemand its antioxidants reduce free radical production, thereby inhibiting the formation and growth of tumors.
• The potassium in horseradish regulates blood pressure and benefits the entire cardiovascular system, thereby reducing the risk of developing heart disease and stroke.
• Other health benefits of horseradish include the contribution to a strong and healthy skeletal system thanks to its calcium content.
• È Ideal for pregnancies, in moderation, because the folate in the herb protects both mother and fetus. It is a catalyst in fetal development and eliminates the incidence of neural tube defects.
• Horseradish protein is absorbed directly by the body, resulting in increased energy, accelerating the repair of damaged tissues and enhancing concentration abilities.