Radish Benefits and Why It Should Be An Important Part Of Your Diet

Raphanus Sativus or radish is a spring summer vegetable that ranks quite low on its popularity with regards to its taste for most of the people. It’s hard to come across a substantial number of people from all age groups who actually grew up loving this vegetable. In most households, this vegetable is often force fed to children in the form of parathas and curries. Parents and elders do not get tired narrating the benefits of radish to their children in the hopes that there will come a time when they will want to eat radish as part of their daily meals.

This vegetable belonging to the Brassicaceae family is characterized by its peculiar shape which becomes quite evident when it is served as part of big salads. Radish comes in many varieties that grow in different seasons. It has various colors like pink, black, and white. The seeds of this vegetable take surprisingly less time to germinate (as little as three days!). It is one of those vegetables that gets ready to be eaten four weeks after it is planted.

Did you know that the entire radish plant can be eaten? The leaves of this plant are very tough to chew. This leads to the impression that they are not edible. However, that is not the case. Their hardness do not make them inedible.

This humble vegetable, called ‘mooli’ in India does not figures as a favourite vegetable of the majority of population. However, those who search for ways to stay away from it might be missing a host of radish health benefits. Used in treatment and prevention of various disorders, it is one of those vegetables that can be seen as a nature’s gift for the mankind. Take a look at the myriad of radish benefits and be amazed by this seemingly tasteless veggie.

Amazing Benefits of Radish

1. Protects liver and stomach health

2. Treats urinary disorders

3. Acts as a weight loss ally

4. Decreases the risk of cardiovascular diseases

5. Boosts the health of your skin

6. Treats kidney disorders

1.   Protects Liver and Stomach health

Illustration of large intestine, Credit: Pixabay

By looking at this unappetizing vegetable, you might wonder, is radish good for the stomach? Well, radishes are a boon for liver and stomach health. It purifies the blood in your body, and eliminates the toxins and harmful wastes that tend to build up in your stomach. Radishes are particularly helpful for those suffering from jaundice. For years, it has been used as an effective jaundice treatment due to its capability to remove the bilirubin and maintain its production by keeping it at an optimal level. Black radishes are a panchea for viral infections like cough and cold and thus should be consumed by everyone.

2.   Treats Urinary Disorders

Radishes on a table, Credit: Pixabay

Radish is a diuretic. Diuretic is that substance that has the ability to enhance the production of urine. Have you ever felt a burning sensation during urination and while eating food? Radish juice can help cure this ailment. Urinary disorders are usually a consequence of accumulation of toxins in your body. Radish has the ability to heal inflammation and thus in the process provide you relief from various conditions of the urinary tract.

3.   Acts As a Weight Loss Ally

Picture showing weight loss, Credit: Pixabay

When it comes to eating radishes, people looking to lose weight should never ask questions like is it bad to eat a lot of radishes? This vegetable should be your go-to food option if you are committed to living a healthy life. It does not have any fat or carbohydrate in it. Hence, you get satiated in a surprisingly few calories (just 12 calories per serving!). Eating radishes will boost your metabolism and they will keep you full even hours afterwards you have eaten them. Combine it with daily exercise and in no time you will start to notice a leaner and fitter version of yourself.

4.   Decreases the Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases

Picture showing heart beat, Credit: Pixabay

Radishes are a potent source of anthocyanins and flavonoids. Studies have time and again emphasised upon the positive correlation between these elements and slow progression of cardiovascular diseases. It is also a source of a variety of vitamins and minerals that are vital for promoting the cardiovascular system health. By including radishes in your diet in various forms, you are gifting your heart with a lifetime of health. Potassium and magnesium are the two minerals that are found abundantly in radishes. These two minerals are responsible for regulating your blood pressure. By consuming radishes, thus you can effectively prevent yourself from developing life threatening heart diseases.

5.   Boosts the Health of Your Skin

Woman with healthy skin, Credit: Pixabay

Everyone desires a healthy glowing skin. You might not want to miss on this very benefit that radishes provide once you make them a part of your diet. Radishes are packed with vitamins E,C,A,K, and B6. They are also a good source of fibre, antioxidants, copper, calcium, manganese, and iron. All these micronutrients and antioxidants are vital to achieving a complexion that is free from pimples, dryness, and acne. You can get all of this by simply drinking radish juice everyday. Additionally you can also make a paste of this vegetable and use it to clean your face. Try it once and get amazed by the results.

6.   Treats Kidney Disorders

Illustration of human kidney, Credit: Pixabay

Is radish good for the kidney? Well, radishes are, in fact, your kidney allies. As mentioned before, this vegetable functions as a diuretic. Apart from that, it also acts as a disinfectant by eliminating all the toxins stored in your kidneys. If you are someone who regularly suffers from kidney infections and are concerned about your kidney health, then radishes can prove as a boon for you.

Its disinfectant properties are what makes it so good for the kidneys. Doctors often recommend the addition of radishes in the renal diet that they prescribe to their patients. Did you know that radishes have been used for time immemorial to treat kidney and gallstones? Start incorporating this vegetable into your diet to prevent yourself from developing kidney stones.

How Many Radishes Should You Eat a Day?

Radishes come under those categories of extremely low calorie vegetables which can be eaten in large quantities. They fill you up pretty quickly and won’t find yourself craving unhealthy food. You can make radishes a part of most of your meals and can also snack on it if you feel hungry. Start by including half a cup of radish in your diet and gradually build your way up. Some people can be allergic to radishes as they can irritate their digestive tract. These people, instead of completely foregoing this healthy vegetable should include it in small quantities in their meals.

Rest assured, no one has ever regretted their decision to add more vegetables in their diet. Radish is no exception. Start incorporating it in your meals and become pleasantly surprised at the myriad of its health benefits on yourself!