Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHealth BenefitsNutritionWays to EatSide Effects
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Health Benefits
Nutrition
Ways to Eat
Side Effects
Radishes are good for your overall health because they are packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They have traditionally been used in home remedies, and some research shows that they might have specific health benefits, including antidiabetic and anticancer properties.
Radishes should not be consumed in excess and they may present side effects for some people. Those who are pregnant should avoid consuming raw radishes.
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Are radishes good for you?
Radishes are filled with water, fiber (both soluble and insoluble), vitamins, and minerals, making them a healthy addition to one’s overall diet and digestive health.
Much of the research on specific radish health benefits, though, is on animals rather than humans and more research needs to be done. However, radishes traditionally were used in home remedies for digestive conditions, including indigestion and gastric pain, and respiratory conditions, such as cough.
Reduced Risk for Diabetes
One review of studies on radishes' health effects suggests radishes have anti-diabetic properties.Researchers concluded that the health benefits of radishes indiabetesprevention are linked to their rich antioxidant content and the active mechanism of removing from the body unstable molecules during cell division known asfree radicals.
Radishes may help promote blood sugar balance (hormone-induced glucose hemostasis), improve energy metabolism, and reduce glucose absorption in the intestine.
Better Liver Function
According to the same review, animal studies indicate the nutritional properties of radish can help supportliver functioning.The reason radishes can help with liver functioning come down to nutrients called anthocyanins (flavonoidsthat give radishes their red color) andcoenzyme Q10(CoQ10, an antioxidant that fights cell damage and inflammation).
Anticancer Properties
Radishes are potentially a cancer-fighting food.Anticancer properties in radishes come from a unique mix of antioxidants like vitamin C and other nutrients. The spiciness in radishes is attributed to plant chemical compounds, includingmyrosinase,glucosinolate, andisothiocyanate.
These naturally occurring substances in radishes, particularly isothiocyanate, may be behind their potential anticancer properties.Studies have shown that radishes may have anticancer properties that may benefit people with or at risk of certain types of cancers, including breast and prostate cancer.
A breast cancer study dating back to 2011 and still widely cited showed that the radish leaf in particular may be useful as an antitumor agent.Of course, patients should speak to their medical providers about radish benefits and drug interactions, as dietary changes or home remedies should never replace medical treatment.
Cardiovascular Improvement
Radishes are also known for their healthy effects on blood pressure, which is a predominant risk factor on cardiovascular andheart health.The green leaves of the radish may be the most beneficial. One animal study demonstrated blood pressure–lowering effects in people who consumed an extract from radish leaves.
Another study suggests a certain variety of radish known as Sakurajima daikon could be even more beneficial because it contains more naturally occurringtrigonelline. Trigonelline was shown to be beneficial to blood vessel health in this study of healthy volunteers.
Radishes can be consumed in many ways. They can be eaten raw or shaved and diced and added to salads. They can be roasted, sautéed, or grilled. They can even be pureed into a dip or pickled with vinegar.
Radish greens or leaves are also edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. The greens have been shown to be high in nutrients and a 2021 study suggests that they can promote gut health and may have anti-obesity properties.
Although generally regarded as safe in food form, there may be side effects with radish consumption. These may include allergic reactions or those related to eating too much of the root vegetable.
In general, pregnant people should not consume raw radishes (or raw sprouts of any kind) due to a risk of bacterial contamination, like listeria, through the sprout seed. This bacteria cannot be removed through washing.
Goitrogens, Thyroid Disease, and Your Diet
Summary
Radishes are root vegetables from the mustard family with many health benefits. They are good for helping prevent or fight disease, due to their unique mix of essential nutrients such as vitamin C. Other nutrients in radish include CoQ10, B vitamins, calcium, potassium, and more. They can be eaten raw, roasted, sautéed, pickled, pureed, or grilled.
Food allergy to radishes is possible. Symptoms include rash, swollen lips, or, in severe and rare cases, anaphylaxis. Excessive consumption of radishes may impact thyroid functioning, among other side effects.
17 Sources
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