Raphanus sativus in its scientific name is widely known as ‘Radish’ and is sometimes called ‘Daikon’ or ‘Mooli’ in some parts of the world but in some places like Philippines it is locally called ‘Labanos’.
Radishes are a root crop that can be juicy, pungent, or peppery and sweet in taste. It is an edible root vegetable that has a wide variety of colors including white, red, purple or black and in terms of shape it can be long and cylindrical or round.
The parts of the radish plant that is commonly consumed are its leaves, flowers, pods and seeds. You can consume it as raw, cooked or pickled.
Radish contains various rich-nutrient such as potassium, calcium, sodium including its minerals such as iron, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus. It also contains essential vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B (includes thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, folate and vitamin B6), Vitamin C and Vitamin K.
Radishes are known to be beneficial in treating and preventing certain ailments on certain body parts. The oil obtained from the seeds of radishes are used in a number of beneficial health applications.
And what are those? Take a glimpse on its health benefits!
1. Boosts Immunity
Radish has countless reasons why it is a good additional in your diet for it contains Vitamin C that helps in rejuvenating your immune system by replacing many of the antioxidants and white blood cells which are integral in fighting off every illness from common cold to cancer. Vitamin C is considered as a super vitamin because of all the high impact effects it has on the body.
2. Improves Cardiovascular Health
Radishes are great source of anthocyanin, a flavonoid, that provides numerous health benefits as it has been positively associated in helping to reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases.
3. Helps Digestion
Radishes are rich in fiber which can add considerable bulk and regularity to bowel movements that may help in relieving the symptoms of constipation. Radish leaves can also help in firming up the loose bowels and get rid of loose stool or diarrhea. Radishes are also known in promoting the production of bile which is one of the most important parts of good digestion.
4. Relieves Respiratory Disorders
Radishes are great disinfectant and are rich in vitamins that helps protecting the respiratory system as well as they are anti-congestive which means they help in decreasing the congestion of the respiratory system that includes irritation of the nose, throat, windpipe and lungs cause by common colds, infections, allergies and other causes.
5. Helps Manage Diabetes
Drinking radish root juice has a positive effect on the blood glucose levels of diabetics as radish is known for having a low glycemic index which means it does not significantly impact blood sugar levels.
6. Relieves Jaundice
Radishes can help purify the blood by eliminating toxins and waste and are very good for the liver and stomach as it acts as a powerful detoxifier in your body. Radishes are extremely useful in treating jaundice for they remove bilirubin and keeping its production at a stable level. Though, black radishes are more preferred in treating jaundice.
7. Prevents Piles
Radishes are a good detoxifier that helps in relieving the symptoms of piles by facilitating digestion, water retention and alleviating constipation due to its content of roughage and composition of indigestible carbohydrates specifically lignin, a type of insoluble fiber. The radish juice also helps in soothing the digestive and excretory system, further relieving the piles.
8. Has Anti-Cancer Properties
Radish are cruciferous vegetables that is packed with antioxidants that have chemo preventive properties. Radishes are detoxifiers and are rich in Vitamin C, folic acid and anthocyanin that is effectively helpful in protecting against some type of cancers particularly colon, kidney, intestinal, stomach and oral cancer.
9. Helps Urinary Disorders
Radishes are diuretic in nature which means they are helpful in increasing the production of urine. The radish juice can help in reducing inflammation and relieving the burning sensation during urination. Radish also has antifungal properties that helps in inducing cell death in common fungus known as Candida albicans that can cause oral infections and even vaginal yeast infections.
10. Helps Weight Loss
Radishes are low in digestible carbohydrates, high in roughage and contain a large water content. Radishes are also high in fiber and low on glycemic index, making radish an ideal remedy to regulate the bowel movements thereby helping in weight loss and increasing the efficiency of metabolism.
11. Treats Leukoderma (Vitiligo)
The seeds of radishes contain detoxifier and anti-carcinogenic properties that is useful in treating leukoderma.
12. Lowers Blood Pressure
Radishes contain potassium that is helpful in reducing blood pressure and contributes a large list of health benefits. It relaxes blood vessels thus promoting a good blood flow by reducing the blood pressure and widening the flow of the blood instead of forcing it through narrow constricted channels.
13. Aids Fever
Radish juice mixed with black salt is a good method in treating fever, it is considered to be helpful in lowering body temperature and relieving inflammations. It also acts as a good disinfectant that helps in fighting various infections that can cause fever.
14. Treats Insect Bites
Radishes have antipruritic properties that can used as an effective treatment for insect bites, the radish juice can also help in reducing the pain and swelling as it soothes the affected area.
15. Good for Skin
Radishes contain many enrich nutrients such as Vitamin C, zinc and some Vitamin B family that are beneficial in keeping your skin healthy. Radishes also has a large water content that is useful in maintaining moisture levels and hydration in your skin.
Apart from the health benefits listed above, radishes work well as an appetizer, breath freshener, laxative and metabolism regulator. Radish is not a favorite by many but it comes with a host of health benefits.
Radishes are good for you, so don’t hesitate to add it in your diet, after all, there is no known side effects of this veggie. They’re generally safe to consume, but don’t go overboard if you have thyroid problems.
References:
- McDermott, Annette. “Are Radishes Good for You?”.
www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/the-benefits-of-radishes#1
- Jessimy, Michael. 2019. “13 Amazing Health Benefits of Radish”. 9 April
www.naturalfoodseries.com/13-benefits-radish/
- Jakicic, Cathryn. “10 Radish Health Benefits You Need to Know”.
www.tasteofhome.com/collection/radish-health-benefits/
- Picincu, Andra. “6 Health Reasons to Add Radishes to Your Diet”.
www.livestrong.com/article/413273-health-benefits-of-radishes/
- Nagdeve, Meenakshi. 2019. “20 Surprising Health Benefits of Radish”. 11 July
www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/health-benefits-of-radishes.html
- Jha, Sameer. 2014. “Top 9 health benefits of radish or mooli”. 25 June
www.msn.com/en-in/news/other/top-9-health-benefits-of-radish-or-mooli/ar-AA2b94M
- Purohit, Maulik. MD MPH. Dove Med. 2018. “7 Health Benefits of Radish”. 1 April
www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/natural-health/7-health-benefits-of-radish/
