Horseradish vs. Radish — Health Impact and Nutrition Comparison

Calories

Horseradish and radishes are both categorized as low-calorie foods. Still, there is a difference between them, as horseradish is higher in calories than radishes.

Carbs

Horseradish has higher amounts of carbohydrates than radish. Carbohydrates are divided into sugars and fibers. The fiber content of horseradish is higher than that of radish, covering 9% of the required daily intake.

The sugar content is also higher in horseradish compared to radish.

Fats

The fat content of both is negligible.

Proteins

Both horseradish and radish are low in protein. They provide up to 2% of the daily required value.

Glycemic index

Horseradish and radish are categorized as low glycemic index foods. Although there is a difference between them, it is not entirely relevant. The glycemic index of horseradish is 35, whereas the glycemic index of radish is 32.

Vitamins

Horseradish is richer in vitamin C and folate compared to radish. It is important to note that radishes are a great source of vitamin C and folate; however, they have less vitamin content than horseradish.

Vitamin Comparison

Vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.

Horseradish

4

Radish

4

Contains more Vitamin CVitamin C	+68.2%
Contains more Vitamin EVitamin E	+∞%
Contains more Vitamin B3Vitamin B3	+52%
Contains more FolateFolate	+128%

Contains more Vitamin AVitamin A	+250%
Contains more Vitamin B1Vitamin B1	+50%
Contains more Vitamin B2Vitamin B2	+62.5%
Contains more Vitamin B5Vitamin B5	+77.4%

~equal in Vitamin D ~0µg

~equal in Vitamin B6 ~0.071mg

~equal in Vitamin B12 ~0µg

~equal in Vitamin K ~1.3µg

~equal in Choline ~6.5mg

Minerals

Horseradish is richer in sodium, calcium, and magnesium compared to radish.

The sodium content of horseradish is nearly 18% of the required daily value. Therefore, it is important to consider sodium intake.

Mineral Comparison

Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.

Horseradish

8

Radish

1

Contains more MagnesiumMagnesium	+170%
Contains more CalciumCalcium	+124%
Contains more IronIron	+23.5%
Contains more CopperCopper	+16%
Contains more ZincZinc	+196.4%
Contains more PhosphorusPhosphorus	+55%
Contains more ManganeseManganese	+82.6%
Contains more SeleniumSelenium	+366.7%

Contains less SodiumSodium

-90.7%

~equal in Potassium ~233mg

Keto

Horseradish and radish are low on carbs, so they are ideal for keto diets.

Horseradish has an advantage over radish due to its higher fiber content.

Radish, on the other hand, can be an alternative use for potatoes. Some keto recipes consider radish to be one of the dish's main ingredients.

Vegan

Since both are plants, vegans can easily consume them in vegan diets without any issues.

They both can provide extra flavor and texture to dishes.

Miscellaneous diets

It is recommended to eat radish by people who suffer from high calcium oxalate levels in urine and calcium oxalate kidney stones. Radish affects solubilizing the calcium oxalate crystals and excreting them from the body in urine.

Health benefits

Cardiovascular Health

Section reviewed by cardiologist Astghik Grigoryan

Radishes have positive effects on cardiovascular health. As previously mentioned, they reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which prevents blood vessel damage. In addition, it reduces blood pressure since it has anti-hypertensive properties. (7)

Further research is needed to determine the impact of radishes on the oxidation of LDL ("bad" cholesterol) (8).

On the other hand, horseradish has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, decreasing the risks of developing cardiovascular diseases.

Reflux

Section reviewed by gastroenterologist Arpi Gasparyan

Radish may beneficially affect heartburn, dyspepsia or indigestion, and peptic ulcer disease by reducing stomach acidity. (10) (11)

Downsides & Risks

Reflux

Section reviewed by gastroenterologist Arpi Gasparyan

As spicy food, horseradish may worsen heartburn symptoms and indigestion in people with GERD and peptic ulcer disease; therefore, limiting horseradish consumption is recommended.

Thyroid hormones

Long-term consumption of radish hurts the thyroid gland. It mimics the symptoms of hypothyroidism due to iodine deficiency, even though iodine levels are normal.

Urinary system

Long-term ingestion of horseradish extract has been shown to cause lesions in the urinary bladder. (12)

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5274677/#sec4title
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5383142/
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11237192/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6412475/
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11237192/
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3180678/
7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16448395/
8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9063873/
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5622774/
10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8127090/
11. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0965229917302273 
12. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22129740/