Is it Safe to Eat Radish During Pregnancy?

Pregnant women are careful about what they eat. They want to know what is and is not healthy for them. Radish is one of those foods that give pregnant women doubts. This article will clear all doubts that you may have by stating just how healthy radish is for pregnant women. Let`s get talking!

9 Health Benefits of Radish for Pregnant Women

Prevents Cancer

Radish contains powerful anti-carcinogens such as isothiocyanate and sulforaphane which are capable of protecting mother and fetus from cancer.

Contains Minerals and Vitamins

Radish contains minerals and vitamins that are required for the growth of the fetus. Its calcium content enhances the growth of the teeth, bones, and muscles of the fetus. It also contains folic acid which prevents birth defects. That`s not all, as radish possesses potassium, vitamin C, and iron which are also highly beneficial.

Prevents Jaundice

Radish is great for a healthy liver. It detoxifies the system, hence eliminates harmful toxins from the blood and lymph fluids. Its phytochemical content enhances the supply of red blood cells, hence reduces the risk of jaundice in unborn babies.

Improves Cardiovascular Health

The potassium content of radish reduces blood pressure as a result of its effect on the circulation of blood. What`s more? It contains antioxidants called anthocyanins which lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Combats Urinary Problems

Radish contains urinary properties that improve the flow of urine. Its anti-inflammatory properties treat urinary tract swellings, infections, and other conditions.

Enhances Weight Loss

Radish is low in carbohydrate and sugars and contains high amounts of dietary fiber. It fills up the stomach easily, hence reduces the tendency to eat frequently — this way, it enhances weight loss. This is quite beneficial, as weight gain is a challenge during and after pregnancy.

Treats Diabetes

Radish has a low glycemic index, hence it does not affect the levels of glucose in the blood. This makes it healthy for diabetics.

Skin Conditions

Radish contains B vitamins, vitamin C, and zinc which improve certain enzymes required for the synthesis and development of collagen, hence great for skin health. Regular consumption of radish during pregnancy ensures healthy skin for mother and fetus.

Improves Immune Health

Radish boosts immune cell production in the bodies of mother and fetus. This is as a result of the vitamin C content. A cup of cooked radish supplies 30% of your daily requirement of vitamins.

How to Eat Radish

• First, wash it with lukewarm water, then scrub the dirt off the surface.
• Rinse till it`s dirt-free.
• Cook it to kill parasites and bacteria.
• You may add radish to your green salad or use it as a garnish in vegetable soup.

7 Side Effects of Consuming Radish During Pregnancy

Risk of Iron Overdose

Regular consumption of radish reduces the risk of anemia for mother and fetus. This is because it contains iron which aids the production of red blood cells. However, both iron deficiency and overdose are unhealthy. Iron overdose comes with symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, decreased blood sugar levels, seizures, internal bleeding, liver damage, diarrhea, and some other conditions.

Risk of Hypoglycemia

Radish contains low sugar, and this makes it healthy for diabetics. What`s more? Its dietary fiber content reduces sugar absorption into the bloodstream. The risk lies in excessive consumption of radish which may bring about extremely low blood sugar levels. This is unhealthy for pregnant women.

Risk of Thyroid Malfunction

Goitrogen, present in radish, interferes with thyroid hormones and causes a malfunction of the thyroid gland. Fortunately, you can neutralize goitrogen in radish by cooking it. Pregnant women are advised to always cook radish before eating.

Risk of Hypotension

Due to its potassium content, radish regulates blood pressure and combats hypertension. However, excessive consumption can be unhealthy because it puts the consumer at risk of hypotension — abnormally low blood pressure levels. This is quite dangerous for pregnant women or even anyone at all. Pregnant women who are already on medication for controlling blood pressure are advised to abstain from consuming radish.

Risk of Digestive Issues

Radish contains vitamins and phytonutrients that keep the digestive system healthy, hence its effectiveness at treating constipation and other digestion issues. However, if you eat too much of it, you may suffer intestinal gas, intestinal blockage, constipation, and some other digestion issues.

Risk of Dehydration

Radish eliminates toxins from the body, hence reduces the workload of the kidneys. What`s more? It reduces the risk of urinary tract infections. Notwithstanding, moderate consumption is highly important, as the same radish can cause excessive water loss from the body, thereby causing dehydration which harms the kidneys.

Risk of Contamination

Radish grows inside the soil, hence contamination of the soil called toxoplasmosis may affect those who eat it. Eating contaminated radish causes E.coli or salmonella. This is why the importance of washing radish cannot be overemphasized.

11 Radish Facts

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

12 Pregnancy Facts

• At four months old, your baby begins to urinate inside of you, and they drink it too.
• Swelling of the feet during pregnancy is as a result of the water weight and other extra fluid.
• At the end of pregnancy, the placenta alone produces the same amount of estrogen that a non-pregnant woman produces in three years.
• A baby has all of their fingerprints at 9-12 weeks during pregnancy.
• Nine in 10 women experience a change in skin tone during pregnancy.
• Some pregnant women lactate in late pregnancy at the sound of someone else’s baby crying.
• Pregnant women have less oxygen in their blood, and that is what makes them forgetful.
• Mucous plug, found at the opening of the cervix, prevents bacteria from reaching the womb.
• Orgasms can induce contractions.
• Pregnant women are more prone to broken bones because of a hormone called relaxin which makes the joints to soften so that the hips and pelvis can open up for birth.
• Some women develop a linea nigra (black line) during pregnancy. It is a dark, vertical line that runs down the abdomen. For some women, it goes away after birth.
• There are two divisions of radishes, based on the planting time: summer types are planted in the spring, and are usually round-shaped and pink-colored, while winter types are sown at the end of the summer — they are elongated and white-colored, and have a stronger taste than summer varieties.

Now That You Know…

Radish is quite a healthy pregnancy food. What brings about most of its side effects is excess consumption. So pregnant women and everyone else should consume radish in moderate quantity to enjoy its health benefits. There are chances that some persons may experience other side effects besides the ones stated, as the list is only an attempt to discuss the commonly experienced ones. If this happens, you might need to discontinue the consumption of radish or speak with a doctor.