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6 Surprising Health Benefits of Radish

Radish is an edible root vegetable, belongs to the mustard family brassicaceae of genus raphanus. Its scientific name is Raphanus raphanistrum subsp. sativus. Radish is a root crop which is common and grown throughout the world and is used in both raw salads and in main recipes. Radish is available in various varieties, sizes, flavour and colour. Radish is available in different colours like white, red, pink, purple, grey and black and in different shapes like long, cylindrical and round. Different parts of radish like leaves, flowers, pods and seeds are also consumed. Radish is also called as daikon or Japanese radish, Chinese radish and in India it is called as mooli or mullangi. The flesh of the radish is crisp and tastes sweet and pungent but it becomes bitter if it is left on the ground for long time. Isothiocyanate compound present in radish is responsible for the sharp and pungent flavour.

radish

Radish is native to Southeast Asia where wild forms have been discovered and its cultivation spread to India, central China, and Central Asia. Radish is classified into four types depending o the time of harvest season like summer, fall, winter and spring.

Why Radish is Good for Health ?

Radish contains important vitamins, minerals and nutrients that are useful for good health. Radish is low in calories, it consists of vitamin C and vitamin B6. Radish is a very good source of vitamin C which helps to rebuild tissues and improves immunity that helps to fight against all kinds of diseases. Radish contains minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium. Radish also contains folate, riboflavin and fibre. Radish has antibacterial, antifungal, and detoxifying properties. Radish also has powerful flavonoids zeaxanthin, lutein, beta carotene and antioxidant compound sulforaphane.

Health Benefits of Radish :

Here is the list of health benefits of radish, they are
Controls BP– radish contains potassium that helps to control BP. Potassium relaxes blood vessels, widens the flow and treat Blood Pressure.
Naturally cooling– radish are natural cooling food, it is used in eastern remedies to decrease the excess heat in the body.
Treats jaundice– jaundice is the result of high level of bilirubin. Radish has detoxification properties that help to eliminate toxins and wastes. Radish helps to treat jaundice by eliminating bilirubin.
Protect against cancers– radish are detoxifiers, contains phytonutrients, fibre, vitamin C, folic acid and anthocyanins that helps to treat many types of cancers.
Weight loss– radish is low in calories, low in carbohydrates and contains a lot of water. Radish contains good fibre and low on the glycemic index that regulates bowel movements, helps to feel full and avoid overeating.
Radish also provides some other important health benefits like improves digestion, sooth sore throat, control viral infections, relief from osteoarthritis, good for heart health, treats urinary disorders, treats respiratory disorders like bronchitis and asthma, treats kidney disorders and skin disorders, treats diabetes and beneficial for gallbladder functions.