What is Radish?

Radish is a root crop that belongs to the Brassica family. It comes in various sizes, shapes, and colors. The most common radishes are the red ones with white interiors. There are other colors such as black, dark grey, pink, purple, and yellow. It is sugary and juicy, and goes well in salads and some other recipes. Radishes have loads of health benefits. Let`s see some of them.

17 Health Benefits of Radish

Treats Pile

Radishes contain indigestible carbohydrates which are effective at treating pile. Radish juice is also effective at calming the excretory and digestive systems, hence relieving symptoms of pile.

Treats Urinary Issues

Radishes cure irritation and hot sensations people feel when they pass out urine. It`s also diuretic, hence increases the passing out of urine.

Safe for Diabetics

Radishes contain potassium, a potent vasodilator which relaxes blood vessels and increases blood flow. Regular consumption of radishes impacts blood sugar levels due to their low glycemic index. Radishes also regulate the absorption of sugars in the bloodstream, and this makes it safe for diabetics.

Relieves Osteoarthritis

Radish contains vitamin C which combats free radicals. It also aids the formation of collagen which makes up cartilage. Regular consumption of radishes protects body cartilage and prevents/delays conditions such as arthritis.

Treats Respiratory Disorders

Radishes contain vitamins and anti-congestive properties, hence they prevent irritations caused by infections, cold, allergies, and other factors. These may be irritations of the throat, nose, windpipe, and lungs.

Maintains Heart Health

Radish contains anthocyanins which have anti-inflammatory properties that prevent cardiovascular diseases. They particularly prevent heart failure and peripheral artery disease. What`s more? Anthocyanins enhance the circulation of metabolites and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, thereby preventing cardiovascular ailments.

It`s a Detoxifier

Radishes are a potent detoxifier; they cleanse the blood and eliminate toxins and waste. They also enhance the supply of oxygen to the blood, thereby treating jaundice.

Boosts Immune Health

Radishes contain vitamin C, which in turn contains antioxidants. Incorporating radishes in salads or just snacking on them will boost your immunity, hence make you less vulnerable to illnesses.

Improves Liver Health

Radishes enhance liver and gallbladder functions. They also protect these organs from diseases and ulcers. What`s more? They eliminate excess bile from the blood.

Lowers Oxidative Stress

Radishes are rich in anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid that makes them potent at lowering oxidative stress. Anthocyanins also give color to radishes.

Eliminates Cancerous Cells

Radishes contain isothiocyanates which alter genetic pathways of cancerous cells, and in the process eliminates them.

Raises Bile Levels

Bile is a significant part of healthy digestion. Radishes enhance the manufacture of bile, hence keeps the gallbladder and liver healthy.

Treats Kidney Disorders

Radishes are diuretic and antiseptic; hence they treat various kidney disorders and keep the kidney healthy.

Keeps the Body Hydrated

Radishes are packed with water, so consuming them regularly keeps your body hydrated, and this has loads of health benefits; one of which is the healthy state of the digestive system.

Enhances Weight Loss

Radishes are high in fiber, low in digestible carbohydrates, and contain a lot of water. These make them effective at enhancing weight loss.

Treats the Skin

Radishes contain enough water to ensure healthy moisture levels in the skin. Moist skins are less vulnerable to skin diseases.

Freshens Breath

Radishes are effective breath fresheners. Consuming them regularly naturally wards off mouth odors.

Side Effects of Radish

Here are some side effects of radish, all of which are primarily as a result of excessive consumption. Let`s see them.

Risk of Hypotension

Regular consumption of radish regulates blood pressure and wards off hypertension due to its potassium content. However, excessive consumption is harmful. This is because it may cause hypotension, which is abnormally low blood pressure levels with symptoms such as lightheadedness, nausea, fatigue, and depression to mention a few.
Also, people who are already on medication for controlling blood pressure are advised to abstain from consuming radish, as they too may suffer hypotension.

Risk of Hypoglycemia

Diabetics who consume radish regularly find it healthy, due to its low sugar content and glycemic index. Its dietary fibers are also helpful, as they reduce the rate of sugar absorption into the bloodstream.
But then, consuming radish excessively may lower blood sugar below healthy levels; this causes the risk of hypoglycemia, which is basically low blood sugar. It has symptoms such as anxiety, blurred vision, excessive sweating, confusion, tingling lips, and fainting.
Diabetics who are already on medications to combat high blood sugar are advised to consult their doctors before consuming radish, to avoid interference with their medications.

Risk of Thyroid Malfunction

Radish contains compounds like raphanin and sulfur which boost metabolism and balance out thyroid hormones. However, inasmuch as the compounds in radish are beneficial, some of them have side effects ― goitrogen is one of them; it interferes with thyroid hormones and causes the malfunction of the thyroid gland. But here`s good news: you can neutralize goitrogen by cooking. So if you have thyroid issues, you might want to consider cooking radishes before eating them, but not without consulting your doctor.

Risk of Iron Overdose

Regular consumption of radish treats and reduces the risk of anemia. This is because it contains iron which aids the production of red blood cells. But as much as iron deficiency is unhealthy, so is its excessive intake. People who eat too much of radish or other iron-enriched foods experience symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, decreased blood sugar levels, seizures, internal bleeding, liver damage, and some other conditions. The need to consume radish in moderation cannot be overemphasized.

Risk of Dehydration

Radish is diuretic; hence it eliminates toxins from the body and reduces the burden on the kidneys. It also reduces the risk of urinary tract infections. Despite these benefits, consuming radish in moderation is highly important because excess radish consumption may cause excessive water loss and result in dehydration, notwithstanding the water content of radish. This, in turn, harms the kidneys.

Risk of Digestive Issues

The minerals, vitamins, and phytonutrients in radish keep the digestive system healthy. Its fiber content, in particular, acts as a natural laxative. This is why it is effective at treating constipation and providing relief to conditions such as bloating, excessive flatulence, abdominal pain, gas, and related issues.
But what happens when we go overboard with fiber intake? We stand the risk of suffering intestinal blockage, intestinal gas, diarrhea, constipation, and some other symptoms.

11 Radish Facts

• The first written records of radish date back to 3rd century B.C.
• The word “radish” means “root,” and comes from the Latin word, “radix.”
• You can grow radishes in a wide variety of soil types.
• Radishes grow best in cool temperature.
• Depending on the variety, the roots of radishes become ready for harvesting 40-45 days after sowing.
• Radishes are usually harvested before they flower
• Radishes are mostly used in salads.
• Radish leaves can be used in soups, fruit juices, and some other recipes.
• There are 16 calories in a 100-gram serving of radishes.
• Americans eat 400 million pounds of radishes annually.
• Ancient Egyptians used radish seed oil long before using olive oil.

Now That You Know…

Radishes are quite beneficial as you have read, and as lovely as they taste in recipes, one must be sure to consume them moderately to avoid the horrific side effects. Enjoy your radishes as you enrich your health!