4 facts about the effect of horseradish on the heart and blood vessels, as well as folk recipes based on it
Horseradish has always been present in homemade pickles and various preparations for the winter. It gives a pungent taste, and also has many useful properties.
It turns out that this is not only a seasoning, but also a valuable medicine for the heart. This natural product is necessary for those who monitor the health of the cardiovascular system. But you should know that there are contraindications for the use of horseradish leaves and root.
Content
Chemical composition and properties
Horseradish belongs to the cabbage family, and its closest relatives are salad leaves, various types of cabbage and mustard seeds. It has long been used for dishes, as people have recognized the multifaceted benefits of this plant. Horseradish has been used as a medicinal product recently, but as a product with a unique taste it was used much earlier. Horseradish grows up to a meter high, and its valuable properties are mainly at the root.
The root is very rich in vitamins, as well as saturated with useful substances:
- Panthenolic acid;
- Nicotinic acid;
- Riboflavin;
- Carotene;
- Thiamine;
- Retinol;
- Folic acid;
- Pyridoxine.
There are also the following minerals in the root:
- Phosphorus;
- Magnesium;
- Zinc;
- Copper;
- Sulfur;
- Manganese;
- Sodium;
- Iron;
- Potassium;
- Calcium.
The product has properties that have a beneficial effect on the entire human body. These substances are found both in the root and in the leaves of the plant:
- Glycosides (sinigrin and others);
- Resin;
- Phytoncides are an antibiotic from nature;
- The enzyme mirosine;
- Isothiocyanates;
- Mustard oil and other essential oils.
It also contains amino acids:
- Nitrogenous substances;
- Fiber;
- Starch.
When the product is fresh, it retains more useful substances for the body, which proves the harm of preservatives. At the same time, it is recommended to prepare the seasoning yourself. Horseradish contains only 48 kcal, therefore, contributing to protection from heart ailments, this plant preserves the slimness of the figure.
Effect on the cardiovascular system — 4 facts
The product has a positive effect on the heart and blood vessels. That's how he affects them:
- Lowers cholesterol;
- Restores normal blood pressure;
- Helps to saturate the heart muscle with beneficial potassium;
- Reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack.
See also:
How it acts on pressure — 7 facts
With hypertension, the body's strength is depleted, and under high pressure, it becomes more and more difficult for the heart to work and pump blood along the walls of blood vessels, at this point it is necessary to feed the body with useful substances, which are also in horseradish, namely vitamins: PP, C, E, B. Useful substances lead to pressure in normal condition, and the body's strength is fully restored.
- Vitamin PP affects the level of fat, converting it into useful energy, and reduces the overall level of harmful cholesterol in the circulatory system;
- Magnesium has an extremely positive effect on the condition of the heart muscle, strengthening it, and also adjusts the correct rhythm in cardiac activity;
- Under the influence of vitamin B the level of harmful cholesterol decreases, which reduces blood clotting, while dilating blood vessels and preventing the risk of atherosclerosis;
- Essential oil components make blood vessels wider, improve their overall elasticity, contribute to the enrichment of the body with glucose, as well as oxygen compounds;
- Potassium helps the heart to tolerate oxygen deficiency more easily and reduces the risk of myocardial infarction;
- Vitamin E saturates the blood with oxygen and has a beneficial effect on the work of the entire cardiovascular system;
- Vitamin C supports vascular elasticity and normalizes cholesterol metabolism.
If there are not enough substances in the body that have been listed, this can lead to the development of certain diseases. Magnesium, for example, can lead to the development of hypertension.
4 folk recipes
- Decoction of hypertension. Peeled horseradish should be grated in an amount of 250 g, then take three liters of water and pour it all over, when the resulting mass boils, it needs to be boiled for thirty minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally. Next, when the horseradish cools down, it will need to be filtered, then poured into a dark container and put in a cold place. This decoction should be taken from high blood pressure for half a glass three times a day.
- Infusion with lemon. Horseradish is grated in the amount of one glass, and poured with a cool and boiled glass of water. Then you need to find a dark place and put the mixture there for several days. When the horseradish tincture is filtered, you need to add the juice of one lemon to it. Next, carrot juice, beetroot juice, and one glass of liquid honey are poured in equal proportions. The mixture is stored in a cold and dark place. Consumption is carried out three times a day, one spoonful.
- Alcohol tincture. It will take 100 grams of peeled horseradish root, which must be poured with alcohol in the amount of two glasses. The infusion is removed to a dark place for one day. The resulting tincture is mixed with one glass of carrot and beet juice, and the juice of one lemon or lime is squeezed into it. The storage of the product is carried out in a dark place, and consumed 3 times a day. The reception is carried out one spoonful before eating food.
- Vodka tincture. The next folk recipe will require horseradish in the amount of 800 grams. It is cleaned and cut into pieces. The mixture is poured with a liter of boiled water and brought to a boil. Then the broth must be cooled and poured with half a glass of high-quality vodka. It is important to keep in mind the storage conditions. The mixture should be kept in a cool and warm place, and it is consumed three times a day, in the amount of one tablespoon.
Do not add any herbs to the mixture and other ingredients, as they can negatively affect blood pressure and lead to an allergic reaction. All prescriptions must be coordinated with a medical specialist, then they will bring maximum benefit.
Other positive properties of this vegetable
In addition to its beneficial effect on cardiovascular activity, horseradish has a positive effect on the following organs of the human body:
- Fighting the manifestations of colds;
- Fighting diseases that occur in the oral cavity by rinsing;
- Stimulation of the digestive system;
- Elimination of urinary tract ailments;
- Improves the condition of the bone system;
- A means for effective weight loss;
- Regular use, promotes skin rejuvenation and lightening.
Contraindications to use
Despite the medicinal properties of the product, from eating horseradish should be abandoned if there are health problems in the following areas:
- Problems with the renal system;
- Ailments related to the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, especially in the acute stages;
- Children under 4 years of age;
- Pregnancy period;
- Thyroid disorders;
- Individual intolerance;
- Inflammatory processes in the liver.
What else do you need to include in your diet?
A person's cardiovascular system functions correctly if they adhere to a healthy and balanced diet. Therefore, it is necessary to enrich your daily diet with the food that will benefit, and not have a harmful effect on the human body. Healthy foods include:
- Vegetables for the cardiovascular system. The positive effects of vegetables have been proven for a long time, so they should be along with the main food. It is recommended to use onion and garlic , strengthening the body, as well as pepper , tomatoes and pumpkin with an increased number of vitamins.
- Fruits. Eating fruits should be done daily, especially those with potassium and magnesium – this is bananas and persimmon . Lemons and grenades are able to improve blood supply and fill the body with vitamin C.
- Nuts. This product strengthens the heart muscle, especially walnuts and peanuts.
- Dried fruits. The benefits of dried fruits are obvious because they contain more vitamins than fresh fruits. It is important to consume dried apricots , raisins and prunes.
- Honey. This product, produced by bees, strengthens the heart muscle and cleanses the human vascular system. Especially the combination of honey with cinnamon is useful.
- Dairy products. Milk, as well as products from it, should be consumed regularly, since they contain a lot of vitamins, especially calcium, which has an effect on strengthening the heart.
- Fish products. Fish, especially fatty fish (trout, salmon or cod) fills the body with omega 3 fatty acids, which are extremely necessary for the body. Canned products should be discarded.
- Turmeric. This Indian seasoning has an effect on blood pressure, normalizing it, so it should be consumed, but in moderation.
- Porridge. Cereals, which make up porridges, contain a high amount of nutrients, which affects the condition of the heart.
- Linseed and olive oil. These foods are enriched with vitamins E, essential for blood flow and blood vessels.
- Bitter chocolate. Not every type of chocolate is useful, which has been proven by research, it is necessary to consume dark chocolate due to the presence of a large number of cocoa beans.
Conclusion
Horseradish should be on every table for those people who care about their health. Its beneficial effect on the heart has been proven by numerous studies. As we saw above, it is widely used for the prevention and elimination of many diseases.