Benefits of Radishes

Eating radish may not be liked by many. If you are one of those, this is for you. The amazingness of this super beneficial vegetable will tempt you for sure. The most common use of radish is a salad but there is some medicinal importance as well. Let’s get to know about it in detail: 

What are radishes and where do they come from?

Belongs to the plant Raphanus sativa, radish is a native to Southeast Asia. The cultivation of giant radishes was first recorded by a German botanist in 1544 as he recorded the maximum weight of radishes which was 100 pounds. In Europe and Britain, small radishes were discovered in the 16^th century and gradually they became very popular and common in 1586. Apart from Germany and Europe, the Chinese used them from very ancient times as the origin of radishes were from China, even in today’s modern world, the wild variety of radishes is still found in China.

Varieties of radishes

There are different varieties of radishes depending upon the season it is grown. This vegetable varies in colors e.g. light pink, white, red or black. White radish or Daikon is the most common type of radish that is used abundantly all over the world. These white radishes come in many sizes. Other than white radish, red radish is also very famous and commonly used in salads or just a munching snack.

Nutritional facts of radishes

The following nutritional facts are for ½ C of sliced and raw radishes:

The lower fat content makes it an ideal option for those who are looking for weight management. No wonder it is a part of weight-loss diets all around the world.   Not only weight loss but there are several other benefits. Let’s get to know about them.

Benefits of radishes

This small but surprising vegetable has a number of antioxidants like Catechins, pyrogallol, vanillic acid, and phenolic compounds. Apart from all the munching, radishes have a long list of health benefits. Let’s have a look into these advantages:

1. Better Liver Function: Two very important compounds that are strongly beneficial for the normal functioning of the liver are indole-3-carbinol and 4-methylthio-3-butenyl-isothiocyanate and the best thing is that radishes contain these two compounds. Thus, eating radishes heal and detoxify the liver as well as protects the liver from any damage like Jaundice. This vegetable removes all the bilirubin and also maintains the production of bilirubin which is the main factor in causing jaundice. People suffering from this deadly disease have increased red blood cell distribution within their bodies, and radishes play a vital role in reducing this distribution and increasing the fresh supply of oxygen to the blood. Radishes especially black radishes and their leaves are considered perfect for jaundice treatment. The compounds present in these radishes also keep the kidneys clean and flushes all the toxins out of the bodies.
2. Good for Skin: Want healthy-looking skin? Do you fancy a radiant glow on the skin? Come close as we are about to tell you a secret… EAT RADISHES. This astounding vegetable will help your skin to detoxify. Drinking radish juice daily will protect our skin from pimples, dryness, acne, or rashes. Numerous nutrients like vitamin C, phosphorus, zinc, and vitamin B are found in radishes which play a prime role in making our skin healthy, maintains its humidity, eliminates wrinkles and other skin disorders.
3. Maintains Healthy Digestive System: Eating a couple of servings of radish in a day, provides enough fiber which keeps bowel movements and the digestive system at its best. The fiber present in radishes gives roughage to the stool which makes the stool easily pass out of the body. Anyone suffering from constipation should consume radishes in any form on a daily basis to provide required fiber content to the digestive system and also stimulate bile production which promotes good digestion. Small research showed that radish juice protects gastric tissues which leads to the prevention of gastric ulcers as well as gives strength to the mucosal barrier. The strong mucosal barrier flushes dangerous microorganisms and toxins out of the stomach and intestines.
4. Protection against Cancers: The presence of vitamin C, folic acid, and anthocyanin in radishes, aids in the protection against a number of cancers like colon cancer, kidney cancer, intestinal cancer, stomach, and mouth cancer. The availability of antioxidants and flavonoids in radishes shuts down the production of cells which causes cancers. A small study conducted in 2010, concluded that radish root extract has several compounds that protect our bodies and cells from cancer damages.
5. Cardiovascular Improvement and Healthy Heart: The good content of potassium and calcium found in radishes, greatly reduces all the problems related to the heart and keeps our blood pressure in control. Radishes, being a good source of natural nitrates, allow healthy blood flow throughout the body which in turn keeps the heart and cardiovascular diseases at bay.
6. Boosts Immunity: The vitamin C present in radishes helps to improve our immunity system against harmful radicals that could cause the common cold and flu. Boost your natural immunity by consuming radishes on a regular basis. Radishes also reduce inflammation and slow down early aging, if included in our daily routine diets.

Side effects

• People having gallstones should avoid consuming this vegetable as it increases bile flow which can cause severe pains because of stones blocking the bile duct.
• Pregnant women should also avoid eating radishes in large amounts, as it may cause complications.
• Diabetic patients should also avoid eating radishes because large amounts of radishes lower the blood sugar level within the body.

Final verdict

Though radishes are extremely healthy and beneficial, only the recommended amount should be consumed because overdose may lead to several allergies or complications especially for thyroid patients. Radishes are used in the treatment of many health problems from ancient times as well as in modern days.