Radish or mooli is an annual or biennial plant in the mustard or cabbage family ( Brassicacea ) grown for its large succulent taproot. Radish was domesticated in Asia prior to Roman times. Radishes ( including the leaves ) have innumerable health benefits. Radish is also known as Daikon in Japan.
Nutritional Content: (Values per 100 grams)
16 calories, 233 mg. Potassium, 1.6 grams dietary fiber, 39 mg. sodium, 0.7 grams protein, 24 percent of daily value of Vitamin C, 5 percent Vitamin B 6, 2 percent Magnesium, 1.9 grams of sugar. A good source of antioxidants like catechin, pyrogallol, vanillac acid and other phenolic compounds.
Radish leaves are rich in Vitamins and minerals. They also contain large amounts of calcium, iron, magnesium, Vitamins A, C and B6. Also loaded with potassium.
Cardiovascular improvement: Being rich in antioxidants and minerals, radishes help lower blood pressure and reduce risks for heart disease. Due to the high level of natural nitrates in radishes, they improve blood blow.
Digestion: Due to the high fiber content in radishes, they keep your digestive system moving and prevent constipation. The fiber content also helps to manage blood sugar levels.
Liver health: Radishes help the liver with its job of detoxification. It stimulates bile synthesis in the liver. Bile carries toxins into the gallbladder, then on to the small intestine so they can be excreted.
Radish juice is highly recommended for people suffering from jaundice. It helps in a speedy recovery from jaundice. This is because radish aids in stopping the production of and eliminating bilirubin from the liver. Also helps increase red blood cell production in the liver, which can be depressed by jaundice.
Cancer: Radish contains glucosinolates, which contain sulfur compounds found in cruciferous vegetables. These compounds protect your cells from the genetic mutations that cause cancer. They can also eliminate cells that have the potential to cause cancer in the future.
Fungal infections: Radish contains an anti – fungal compound RSAFP2 that is extremely effective against strains of candida bacteria.
Skin health: Radish is hydrating ( excellent for skin health ) and contains high levels of Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps form collagen, which makes up the structure of the skin, bones and other connective tissue. Also due to its antioxidant quality provides greater UV protection for the skin. Vitamin B6 reduces stress and prevents premature aging.
Diabetes: Apart from the high fibre content, radishes contain Adiponectin, a hormone that reduces glucose levels in the blood. This plays a role in regulating glucose homeostasis.
Some ways to incorporate radishes into your diet is as follows:
Add sliced radish to a fresh salad or to a platter of veggies and dip. Roast radishes with garlic and olive oil, and ferment by pickling radishes with white vinegar and spices. Fermented radishes, like all fermented foods, are good for the gut.
Radish leaves: The radish greens contain more nutrition than the white/ red root part. They are great for immunity building due to the content of Vitamin A and C which build the immune cells – the white blood cells.
In addition they help achieve weight loss, guard the heart, benefits the skin, helps blood flow, a great detoxifier, benefits diabetes and are excellent for eye health.
Also helps in preventing scurvy.
Caution:
Taken in moderate amounts unless one is allergic to radish ( a rarity ), radish is perfectly safe
Taking large amounts can irritate the digestive tract and cause cramps and flatulence, so eat in moderation.
All the best and happy healing from Naturally Dimpi!!