Introduction
Radish is an edible root vegetable that has a distinctive peppery, pungent and slightly bitter flavour. It is mostly eaten as pickles, salads or cooked in curries. Several research studies have established that in addition to its unique flavour, this veggie has innumerable benefits. It has an array of vitamins, minerals and impressive nutritional compounds, ranking high among all the vegetables like bitter gourd and leafy greens.
In this post we give you some of the health benefits you can garner from eating dishes dominated by Radish.
Incredible Health Benefits of Radish (Mooli)
1. Reduces Risk of Cancer
Radish is prized for its anti-carcinogenic properties. According to a study, it contains a high level of phytochemicals and anthocyanins that help purge the body of cancer-causing substances and prevent tumour development. In addition, the Vitamin C content in radish acts as a powerful antioxidant to combat cancer-causing free radicals to the DNA inside the cells, thus helping in reducing the risks associated with oral, colon, kidney, and stomach cancer.
2. Regulates Blood Pressure
One of the most wonderful benefits of radish is its anti-hypertensive effects. This can mainly be attributed to its high potassium content that enables it to control high blood pressure. Potassium is a diuretic that has a very positive effect on blood pressure and can effectively bring the numbers down to a normal level.
3. Provides anti-diabetic nutrition
For diabetics, radish is an excellent addition to the diet as it does not lead to any blood sugar level disturbances. Radish has been tested and proven to be beneficial for diabetic patients due to its ability to enhance the antioxidant defence mechanism and low GI ranking. It is also high in fiber. These qualities make it the ideal combination for diabetics. The low GI slows down blood sugar absorption and the high fiber slows the pace of digestion, thus minimising large fluctuations in blood glucose levels.
4. Beats coughs and colds
Winter brings several health problems like cough, cold and allergies with it. According to nutritionists, radish is an effective remedy to manage respiratory infections. Its powerful anti-congestive properties help in thinning out heavy mucus and clearing it from the body. It is chock full of Vitamin C—an anti-oxidant and immunity booster.
5. Detoxes the liver
Radish contains a special compound that helps flush out toxins from the liver. Regular consumption of radish can regulate the amount of bile and bilirubin in the blood and aid in the detoxification and healing of the liver.
6. Improves kidney health
Radish has powerful diuretic properties. This kidney-cleansing property of radishes makes them extremely beneficial for reducing the symptoms of urinary diseases and improving kidney health.
7. Improves immunity
Radishes come loaded with vitamins and minerals, including:
· Calcium
· Vitamin C
· Riboflavin
· Thiamine
· Vitamin B6
· Folate
· Potassium
· Iron
· Manganese.
It is a powerful antioxidant and is rich in fiber that enables a healthy gut biome where friendly bacteria can flourish. All these properties give your whole body a huge immunity boost.
8. Helps to Lose Weight
The high content of water in radish and the presence of non-digestible carbohydrates makes radish a very good dietary option for those who are determined to lose weight. They are extremely low in calories and help to avoid excess calories and fat accumulation in the body. So go ahead and incorporate a bowl of radish with your meals.
Final thoughts
Radish is a wonderful vegetable and a good addition to your everyday diet. It contributes positively to a healthy system, inside and out. Having said that, it is important to avoid over consumption of radish. A large amount of radish can trigger flatulence and cramps. Additionally, it can cause health issues such as dehydration, and interfere with hormone production in your thyroid if you have an iodine deficiency. But it is quite safe to eat in moderation.
