In China, radish
along with cabbage and soybean curd (tofu) is believed as healthy food. A
Chinese proverb says, "Eating pungent radish and drinking hot tea, let the
starved doctors beg on their knees".
Radishes are very
low calorie root vegetables; contains only 16 calories per 100 g. However they
are very good source of anti-oxidants, minerals, vitamins and dietary fibre.
Fresh Radishes
are rich in vitamin C; provide about 15 mg or 25% of DRI of vitamin C per 100
g. Vitamin C is a powerful water soluble anti-oxidant required by the
body for synthesis of collagen. Vitamin C helps body scavenge harmful free
radicals, prevention from cancers, inflammation and helps boost immunity.
In addition, they
contain adequate levels of folates, vitamin B-6, riboflavin, thiamin and
minerals such as iron, magnesium, copper and calcium.
They contain many
phytochemicals like indoles which are detoxifying agents and zeaxanthin, lutein
and beta carotene which are flavonoid antioxidants.
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 diuretic 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 fibre and low on the glycaemic 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 colour 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 isothiocyanates 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.
Leukoderma: The detoxifying and anti-carcinogenic properties of radishes make
them useful in the treatment of Leukoderma. The radish seeds are used in this
treatment method. They should be powdered and soaked in vinegar, ginger juice,
or cow’s urine and then applied on the white patches. You can eat radishes as
well to aid the treatment of Leukoderma.
Constipation: Radishes are very high in fibre, 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 diarrhoea. 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.
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 glycaemic 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 diuretic, cleanser, and disinfectant, radishes help in the
treatment of many kidney disorders. Its diuretic 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.
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 atherosclerosis 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.
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