The ingredient should definitely be used sparingly, especially for anyone sensitive to heat — a little goes a long way, and there is a fine line between a welcome kick of heat and the unpleasant burning sensation that can otherwise suddenly affect your throat, eyes, and nose. Horseradish is also sometimes combined with sour cream or mayonnaise, which helps to dilute its intense flavor, and is often sold as “prepared horseradish,” which helps to mellow the heat out a bit when the grated horseradish is combined with salt, vinegar, sugar, and/or baking soda.
In addition, Healthline notes that horseradish can also be used for medicinal reasons, offering anti-bacterial and anti-cancer benefits. It also has calcium, potassium, magnesium, and folate, and some believe it protects against cancer, infections, and brain diseases. It’s also beneficial for respiratory health. It’s often sold as a dried supplement, which is generally more palatable for medicinal purposes than consuming incredibly sharp raw horseradish.
If you’re a fan of spicy foods — horseradish should be your go-to!