Radish is loved by many people for its crunch. But did you know that radish benefits your health? Radishes (Raphanus raphanistrum subsp. sativus) are loaded with many beneficial nutrients. They are a rich source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that combats free radical damage (1). Additionally, potassium, magnesium, folate, calcium, and riboflavin are also present in these root vegetables.
Sulforaphane is an antioxidant found in radish. It is a type of isothiocyanate that can potentially inhibit certain types of cancer (2).
The accumulation of bilirubin in the body causes jaundice (3). Consumption of radish decreases the levels of bilirubin. Also, the indoles present in this vegetable are known for their anticancer properties (4).
Learn more about the benefits of radish from the article below. Keep reading!
In This Article
What Are Radishes?
Radishes are edible root vegetables from the Brassicaceae family. These crunchy vegetables have a pungent flavor and are available with a peppery, sweet taste. They are close relatives of cabbage, turnips, broccoli, kale, and mustard greens. These are less starchy when compared with other root vegetables and are available in red, black, white, purple, and yellow colors.
StyleCraze Trivia Radishes derive their name from the Latin word ‘radix,’ which means ‘root.’
These greatly vary in color, shape, and taste and are available in many types. Scroll down to find different types of radishes.
Types Of Radishes
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There are many varieties of radishes. However, the most common types of radishes include:
- Daikon radish
- Korean radish
- Cherry Belle
- April Cross
- French Breakfast
- White Icicle
- Early Scarlet Gold
- Plum Purple
StyleCraze Trivia Radish is among the first European crops brought to the Americas during the Columbian exchange.
These are some of the common types of radishes available worldwide. We will look at the nutritional breakdown of radish in the following section.
Nutritional Value Of Radishes
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According to the U.S. Department Of Agriculture, one cup of slices (116 g) of radish contains:
- Calories: 18.6
- Water: 111 g
- Protein: 0.789 g
- Fat: 0.116 g
- Carbs: 3.94 g
- Fiber: 1.86 g
- Sugar: 2.16 g
- Calcium: 29 mg
- Iron: 0.394 mg
- Potassium: 270 mg
- Sodium: 45.2 mg
- Magnesium: 10 mg
- Manganese: 0.069 mg
- Vitamin C: 17.2 mg
- Thiamin: 0.014 mg
- Riboflavin: 0.045 mg
- Niacin: 295 mg
*Values sourced from USDA, radishes, raw
Radish is a powerful vegetable with many unique nutrients. We have seen some of them in this section. But are radishes good for you? If yes, what are their health benefits?
Health Benefits Of Radishes
Isothiocyanates are the most powerful compounds in radishes. These antioxidants promote heart health and help combat cancer. While these antioxidants may also aid diabetes treatment, the fiber in radishes may promote digestive health and weight loss.
1. May Improve Cardiovascular Health
Extracts of radishes were found to influence nitric oxide production in rat studies. This causes the blood vessels to relax and can lower blood pressure eventually (5). Monster radish, also called Sakurajima daikon that is cultivated in Japan, was also found to have similar properties (6).
Nitric oxide also plays a role in relaxing the smooth muscle tissue and increasing the regional blood flow. It also inhibits platelet adhesion to the blood vessel walls. All these benefits can help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis (7).
2. May Lower Cancer Risk
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Radishes belong to the family of cruciferous vegetables. These vegetables contain compounds that are broken down into isothiocyanates when combined with water (8). These isothiocyanates may help combat different forms of cancer.
The isothiocyanates in radish seeds were also found to induce cell death in lung cancer cells (9).
Radish was also found to exhibit chemopreventive effects in the case of breast cancer. In addition, it could directly inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce cancer cell death. Hence, it can be a useful antitumor agent and play a role in cancer treatment and prevention (10).
These preventive effects of radish on breast cancer can be attributed to its sulforaphane content (11).
3. May Aid Diabetes Treatment
Radishes have antidiabetic effects. They strengthen the antioxidant defense system of the body and reduce the accumulation of free radicals. This promotes energy metabolism and reduces glucose absorption in the intestine, thereby helping individuals with diabetes (12).
4. May Promote Digestive Health
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Radishes are good sources of fiber and may enhance digestive health. The same holds for the leaves of the vegetable. Rats fed with radish leaves showed enhanced gastrointestinal function (13).
Radish has been used ethnically as a digestive aid, stimulant, laxative, and treatment for stomach disorders (3).
5. May Aid Weight Loss
Although we don’t have any direct research linking radishes to weight loss, the fiber in these veggies may help with weight loss. In addition, studies show that a high-fiber diet could be very beneficial for weight management (14).
Radishes are also low in calories. One large radish contains about 6 calories (15). Hence, they can be an excellent addition to a weight loss diet.
6. May Treat Kidney Stones
A diet containing radish was found to increase the excretion of calcium oxalate through urine (16). This could decrease the likelihood of the minerals getting accumulated inside the urinary tract and forming stones.
However, more research is warranted in this regard. Consult with your doctor before using radishes specifically to treat kidney stones.
Related: Home Remedies For Kidney Stones – Here’s What Can Help
7. May Help Prevent Osteoarthritis
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The sulforaphane in cruciferous vegetables, including radish, can be beneficial for osteoarthritis (17). The compound works by preventing cartilage destruction in cells. More research is needed to understand the mechanism of radish in the treatment and potential prevention of osteoarthritis.
Related: Arthritis In Fingers: Causes, Symptoms, And Prevention
8. May Promote Liver Health
Cruciferous vegetables, including radish, can aid the detoxification of toxins in the liver. Studies show the liver-promoting effects of Spanish radish, a prominent radish type. The radish contains high concentrations of glucosinolates, which help promote liver health (18).
Radish is used as a household treatment for jaundice and other related liver diseases in Indian and Greeko-Arab folk medicine (12).
In another study, a bioactive chemical in radish (called MTBITC) was found to be effective in treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (19).
Though radish is among the healthiest vegetables, not everyone can consume it. In addition, there are a few concerns associated with the vegetable.
What Are The Side Effects Of Radishes?
Although radishes have benefits, there are some cases where side effects of eating radishes have been reported. People with low levels of blood sugar and thyroid hormone can face some adverse effects.
- May Aggravate Hypothyroidism
Cruciferous vegetables, like radish, contain goitrogenic substances that may interfere with the production of the thyroid hormone. As per studies, chronic radish feeding can lead to reduced thyroid hormone profiles (20). Individuals with thyroid issues (especially hypothyroidism) must limit their consumption of radishes and other cruciferous vegetables.
- May Increase Risk Of Gallstones
Radishes are known to increase bile secretion (21). Some believe this property may increase the risk of gallstones in susceptible individuals. Though more research is needed, it is important to take precautions. If you have a history of gallstones, please consult your doctor before consuming radishes.
- May Aggravate Hypoglycemia
Radish can lower the levels of sugar in the blood. It has hypoglycemic effects (12). Those already on medications for diabetes may need to check with their doctor before taking radish, as it may lower blood sugar levels way too much.
- Issues During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
There is not much evidence to establish that radish is safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding. It is safer to avoid or consume radish in moderation. Please consult your doctor.
The intake of radishes in moderate amounts is linked with many health benefits. But what are the best ways to eat radishes? Learn more in the following section.
How To Eat Radishes?
The simplest way to eat radish is raw (serve it with butter). Or you can roast sliced radishes and have them as your evening snack. There are different ways to add or include radishes in your diet. Those include:
- Replace potatoes or turnips with radishes in stews and soups.
- Add thin slices of radishes to your sandwiches.
- Use grated radishes for dips like beet hummus.
- Add them to your favorite salads or slaw.
- Incorporate them into hot dishes like stir-fries.
- Pickle them like you would cucumbers or other veggies.
- Top your burgers with grilled radish.
This is how you can include radishes in your diet and eat them. In addition, you can prepare many delicious radish recipes at home. Scroll down to find some radish recipes.
Radish Recipes
You can prepare many delicious yet simple recipes at home. Here are some radish recipes.
1. Sauteed Radishes
What You Need:
- Butter – 1 tablespoon
- Radishes, ends trimmed – 20
- Salt – to taste
- Ground black pepper – to taste
Process
- Heat butter in a skillet over low heat.
- Arrange radishes, cut side-down, in the melted butter.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Cook, occasionally stirring, until radishes are browned and softened, for about 10 minutes.
2. Miso Roasted Radishes
What You Need:
- Easter egg radishes – 1 bunch
- White miso – 1 ½ tablespoons
- Apple cider vinegar – 2 teaspoons
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
- Shallot – 1
Process
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together miso, oil, and vinegar.
- Add radishes and shallot to the bowl; toss to coat.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Then roast in preheated oven until radishes are browned in spots, about 15 minutes.
- Coarsely chop radish tops, and add to baking sheet; toss to combine.
- Return to oven, roast until radishes are fork-tender, for 5 to 10 more minutes.
3. Pickled Radish
What You Need:
- Warm water – 1 cup
- Radishes – 1 bunch (18-20 average size ones)
- Apple cider vinegar – ½ cup
- Salt – 1 ½ teaspoons
- Granulated sugar – 1 tablespoon
Process
- Slice radishes as thin as you can.
- Stuff all the radishes in the jar of your choice.
- A bowl will work, too, if that’s all you have.
- Add apple cider vinegar, salt, sugar, and warm water to a measuring cup.
- Stir to dissolve the sugar and salt.
- Pour this mixture over your sliced radishes and let them sit for an hour.
- After an hour, cover and store in the fridge for up to three weeks.
Conclusion
Radish is one of those root vegetables that come with a host of health benefits. With its rich mineral and antioxidant content, radish benefits your heart, liver, bone, and kidney health. It also helps regulate your blood sugar levels and is thought to be effective in preventing cancer as well. It is particularly effective and popular as a home remedy for jaundice. It can be eaten raw or cooked and included in your diet in many ways. However, it should be consumed in moderate amounts to prevent any potential side effects. Hence, eat them in moderation and consult your doctor in case of any emergencies.
