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Radish, that common and beloved part of your salad,
is a root crop, and it is pungent or sweet in taste with a lot of juice.
Radishes can be white, red, purple or black, and in terms of shape, it
can be long and cylindrical or round. They are eaten raw, cooked or
pickled. The oil obtained from the seeds of radish is also used in a
number of products and beneficial health applications.
The parts of radishes that are commonly consumed are the leaves,
flowers, pods and seeds. The scientific name of radish is Raphanus
Sativus which belongs to the Brassicaceae family. Radish is also known
as Daikon in some parts of the world, primarily in Asian markets.
Health Benefits of Radish
The benefits of radishes in the treatment or prevention of certain
ailments and on certain body parts are listed below:
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Jaundice: Radishes are very good for the
liver and stomach, and it acts as a powerful detoxifier too. That means
that it purifies the blood and eliminating toxins and waste. It is
extremely useful in treating jaundice because it removes bilirubin and
also keeps its production at a stable level. It also reduces the
destruction of red blood cells that happens to people suffering from
jaundice by increasing the supply of fresh oxygen to the blood. Black
radishes are more preferred in the treatment of jaundice, and radish
leaves are also very useful in the treatment.
Piles: Radishes are considered roughage,
which means that it is composed of indigestible carbohydrates. This
facilitates digestion, water retention, and it fixes constipation, which
is one of the major causes of piles. As such a good detoxifier, it helps
heal the symptoms of piles very quickly. Its juice also soothes the
digestive and excretory system, further relieving the symptoms of piles.
Urinary Disorders: Radishes are diurectic
in nature, which means that they increase the production of urine. Juice
from radishes also cures inflammation and a burning feeling during
urination. It also cleans out the kidneys and inhibits infections in the
kidneys and urinary system, thus helping the treatment of various
urinary conditions that are exacerbated by excess toxins in the system.
Weight Loss: Radishes are very filling,
which mean that they satisfy your hunger without running up your calorie
count. They are also low in digestible carbohydrates, high in roughage
and contain a lot of water, making radishes a very good dietary option
for those who are determined to lose weight. Furthermore, they are high
in fiber and low on the glycemic index, which means that they increase
regular bowel movements, which helps in weight loss, and increases the
efficiency of the metabolism for all bodily processes.
Cardiovascular Conditions: Radishes are a
great source of anthocyanins, which are a type of flavonoids, which not
only give color to radishes, but also provide numerous health benefits.
Anthocyanins have been the subject of numerous medical studies, and have
been positively linked to reducing the occurrence of cardiovascular
disease, and they have also displayed anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory
properties.
Cancer: Since radishes are detoxifiers and
are rich in vitamin-C, folic and anthocyanins, they have been connected
to treating many types of cancer, particularly colon, kidney,
intestinal, stomach and oral cancer. Radishes are part of the Brassica
family, and like the other members of that taxonomic classification,
these cruciferous vegetables are packed with antioxidants. Furthermore,
the isthiocyanates found in radishes have a major impact on the genetic
pathways of cancerous cells. They alter the pathways so much, in fact,
that they can cause apoptosis, cell death, thereby eliminating cancerous
cells from reproducing.
Leucoderma: The detoxifying and
anti-carcinogenic properties of radishes make them useful in the
treatment of Leucoderma. The radish seeds are used in this treatment
method. They should be powdered and soaked in vinegar, ginger juice, or
cows urine and then applied on the white patches. You can eat radishes
as well to aid the treatment of Leucoderma.
Constipation: Radishes are very high in
fiber, which means that they add considerable bulk to bowel movements,
which promotes regular excretory patterns and relieve symptoms of
constipation. They can also help to firm up loose bowels and get rid of
loose stool or diarrhea. Furthermore, radishes are known to promote the
production of bile. Bile is one of the most important parts of good
digestion, and also helps to protect both the liver and the gallbladder.
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Respiratory Disorders, Bronchitis and Asthma:
Radishes are an anti-congestive, meaning that it decreases congestion of
the respiratory system including irritation of the nose, throat,
wind-pipe and lungs that can come from colds, infections, allergies and
other causes. They are a great disinfectant and rich in vitamins, which
further protects the respiratory system from infections.
Blood Pressure: Radishes are a very good
source of potassium, which contributes to a large list of health
benefits. Potassium has been positively connected to reducing blood
pressure, because when it interacts with the arterial supply of vascular
beds, it can relax the blood vessels, and therefore increase blood flow.
It reduces the blood pressure by widening the flow of the blood, instead
of forcing it through narrow, constricted channels.
Diabetes: Radishes have long been known to
have a low glycemic index, which means that eating it does not impact
blood sugar levels. It also helps regulate the absorption of sugars into
the bloodstream, meaning that diabetics don’t have to worry as much
about sudden spikes or drops when eating, or being away from food for a
certain amount of time.
Skin Disorders: Vitamin-C, phosphorus, zinc
and some members of vitamin-B complex that are present in radishes are
good for the skin. The water in radishes also helps to maintain healthy
moisture levels in the skin. Smashed raw radish is a good cleanser and
serves as an efficient face pack. Due to its disinfectant properties,
radishes also help clear up skin disorders like dry skin, rashes, and
cracks.
Fever: Radishes lower body temperature and
relieve inflammation from fevers. A good method of intake is drinking
radish juice mixed with black salt, and since they act as good
disinfectants, radishes also fight infections that can cause fever.
Kidney Disorders: As a diurectic, cleanser,
and disinfectant, radishes help in the treatment of many kidney
disorders. Its diurectic properties help wash away the toxins
accumulated in the kidneys and they decrease the accumulation of toxins
in the blood, thereby decreasing their concentration in the kidneys. Its
disinfectant properties protect the kidneys from any infections as well.
Insect Bites: Radishes have anti-pruritic
properties and can be used as an effective treatment for insect bites
and bee stings. Radish juice also reduces pain and swelling and soothes
the affected area.
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Dehydration: Radishes are mostly composed
of water, and they are a great way to keep your body hydrated, which is
beneficial to many different parts of health. One of the most important
parts of staying hydrated is the impact of water on the digestive
system. Staying hydrated relieves constipation, improves the efficiency
of digestion, and ensures proper uptake of nutrients from the food we
eat.
Respiratory Conditions and Sore Throats:
Radishes have a strong, natural spice to them, and they are also quite
pungent, which is very good for preventing illness, and it also
eliminates excess mucus in the throat. Furthermore, radishes have been
known to soothe sore throats and relieve congestion by clearing the
sinuses.
Vitamin-C and Immune System Health: There
are countless reasons why radishes are a good addition to your diet, but
improving your immune system is one of the most important. A half cup of
radishes per day in a salad or just as a snack is nearly 15% of your
daily intake of Vitamin-C. Consistently maxing out your daily dose of
Vitamin-C intake can rejuvenate your immune system by replacing many of
the antioxidants and white blood cells which are so integral in fighting
off every illness from the common cold to cancer!
Vitamin-C does not only boost your immune system, but it also is
considered a super vitamin because of all the other high-impact effects
it has on the body. It helps regulate your metabolism, which changes fat
into usable energy, and it is a main contributor in the creation of
collagen, which is an essential protein that strengthens blood vessel
walls and reduces the chances of artherosclerosis and various other
heart diseases.
Liver & Gallbladder: Radishes are
especially beneficial for liver and gallbladder functions. They regulate
production and flow of bile and bilirubin, acids, and enzymes.
Furthermore, it also removes excess bilirubin from the blood, and it
contains enzymes like myrosinase, diastase, amylase and esterase.
Regular consumption of radishes protects your liver and gallbladder from
infections and ulcers.
Other Benefits: Apart from the benefits
outlined above, radishes work as a good appetizer, mouth and breath
freshener, laxative, and metabolism regulator. People whose weekly diets
are supplemented with normal amounts of radish see an improvement in
blood circulation, and radishes are a good treatment for headaches,
acidity, constipation, nausea, obesity, sore throat, whooping cough,
gastric problems, gall stones, and dyspepsia.
Finding it hard to digest everything you just read? Well, I suggest you
have some slices of radish to get your stomach working properly, and
perhaps make you hungry for even more nutrient-packed power food. |