scored 91/100
Also known as armoracia rusticana, fresh horseradish, grated horseradish
Horseradish root is a pungent brassica rich in sinigrin glucosinolate, yielding antimicrobial allyl isothiocyanate when grated.
0.2 g net carbs after fiber.
Representative amounts for this food, not measured for this item. Real content varies widely by variety, ripeness and storage.
These are the scored components, not a sum: the published score also reflects normalisation across the catalog, so the parts above will not add to 91.
Less a 2.0 anti-nutrient penalty (high sodium).
Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) is a pungent perennial root in the brassica family whose fiery bite is a defensive chemical reaction: intact cells store the glucosinolate sinigrin, which on grating or chewing meets the enzyme myrosinase and hydrolyzes into allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), the volatile compound studied for antimicrobial, detoxification-supporting, and anti-inflammatory activity. Raw and low in calories at about 48 kcal per 100g, horseradish supplies roughly 25 mg vitamin C, 57 mcg folate, 246 mg potassium, and meaningful calcium and magnesium. Mechanistically, AITC and related isothiocyanates induce phase II detoxification enzymes via the Nrf2 pathway, exhibit broad antimicrobial action against bacteria and fungi, and have been investigated for supporting urinary and respiratory tract health. Because AITC is volatile and forms only after the root is broken, freshly grated horseradish is far more potent than aged or cooked preparations, where the pungent compounds dissipate. A small amount delivers an intense isothiocyanate and vitamin C punch with almost no calories.
Allyl isothiocyanate from sinigrin induces phase II detoxification enzymes through Nrf2 signaling
Allyl isothiocyanate disrupts microbial cell membranes and enzyme function against bacteria and fungi
Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and cofactor for immune cell function
Horseradish is a condiment with no circadian dependency; bioactives are most potent fresh.
Fasting-compatible
Very low in calories; compatible with fasting in culinary amounts.
Per 100 g of the default form. Bars show how much higher or lower horseradish root is than the average across 76 peer foods in this category. Green means a favorable direction; amber means the opposite.
Horseradish Root is classified as a herbs & spices. Horseradish root is a pungent brassica rich in sinigrin glucosinolate, yielding antimicrobial allyl isothiocyanate when grated.
Horseradish Root scores 91/100 in Formulate, making it an exceptional choice. Its strongest contributions come from Vitamin C, Folate, Sodium. The score blends nutrient density, fiber, healthy fats, protein quality, bioactive compounds, and glycemic impact.
Not particularly. A 2 g serving provides about 0 g of protein (~0% of the 50 g daily value).
Not really. A 2 g serving provides about 0.1 g of fiber (~0% of the 28 g daily value).
Yes — it fits comfortably in most keto plans. A 2 g serving has about 0.2 g of net carbs (0.2 g total minus 0.1 g fiber).
Best any time of day. Horseradish is a condiment with no circadian dependency; bioactives are most potent fresh.
A typical serving is around 2 g (~1 kcal), based on the FDA's Reference Amount Customarily Consumed for this food category. There's no fixed daily target — most adults benefit from rotating horseradish root alongside several other herbs & spices sources.
Horseradish Root pairs nicely with: Pair with fatty fish and beef because horseradish's pungent isothiocyanates cut richness and aid digestion; Combine with a touch of vinegar because acidity stabilizes the freshly formed allyl isothiocyanate.
High sodium.
Encyclopedia entries that supply the same signature nutrients horseradish root contributes. Click through to see clinical dose ranges, evidence quality, and bioavailable forms.
These are the nutrients horseradish rootcontributes meaningfully toward (≥10% DV per 100 g serving). Click one to see what it does in the body, which supplements concentrate it, and which other foods are top sources.