Today's food in the 'Winter Superfood' series is – Radish.
The most colorful and delicious vegetables are available in the winter season. All of these also have white colored radishes. If it is mixed in a salad, the taste of food increases manifold. Red radishes are also found in some places.
This root vegetable was originally cultivated in China and India. After this it reached Egypt and gradually started growing in many countries of Central Asia. Radishes reached Western countries from Central Asia and soon the whole world was dying for its taste.
Now many varieties and colors of radish are available in the market. It is as delicious as it is rich in medicinal properties. Eating radish helps in digestion. It also keeps blood sugar and blood pressure under control. It is also helpful in many conditions such as liver health and diabetes. Apart from radish, its leaves are also rich in vitamins C, A and B. It also contains essential minerals like iron and magnesium.
So, today 'Winter Superfood' In the series we will talk about radish. You will also know that-
- What is its nutritional value?
- Which diseases are reduced risk?
- How beneficial are radish leaves?
- Who should not eat radish?
Eating radish during the day is like nectar Radishes contain the natural compound sulforaphane. It is an antioxidant, which is very beneficial. This is why Radish has many medicinal properties. Sulforaphane is what makes it anti-fungal, anti-microbial and anti-cancer. Dr. Ajay Kumar explains the medicinal properties of radish.
Nutritional value of radish Radishes contain more than 93% water. It does not contain fat. Radishes are also very low in carbohydrates. Check out the graphic for protein and sugar content:
Radishes are rich in essential vitamins and minerals Radish dispels the illusion of all those who think that only citrus fruits and vegetables contain vitamin C, in fact radish is also rich in vitamin C. It also contains important minerals like sodium, potassium and calcium. See graphic:
10 Big Benefits of Eating a Radish a Day Dr. Ajay Kumar says that eating a radish a day during the cold season can have many benefits. As most people know, Radish is very beneficial for digestion. Apart from this, it keeps our body hydrated in winter. Strengthens the immune system and reduces the risk of serious diseases like cancer. What are the other benefits of eating radish, see in the graphic:
Some common questions about radishes and their answers
Question: How many radishes can be eaten in a day? Answer: It is safe to eat one or two radishes per day. It provides all the necessary nutrients to the body. Eating too much radish causes stomach acidity and pain. Blood sugar can drop too low. This causes excess bile production and can lead to stomach related problems. So eat radishes in moderation.
Question: Are radish leaves as beneficial as radish? Answer: Yes, the truth is that radish leaves are more beneficial than radish in many cases. It contains many nutrients. Apart from this, it is rich in iron, calcium, folic acid, vitamin C and phosphorus, which are very necessary for the body. Eating radish leaves helps in treating jaundice, scurvy and arthritis.
Question: Why is radish not good to eat at night? Answer: Radish should not be eaten at night as it can cause low blood sugar. Excess production of bile juice due to radish can cause stomach acidity and cramps. Apart from this, vitamin C present in radish can cause insomnia at night.
Question: Is radish better to eat raw or cooked? Answer: Eating Radish raw or cooked is beneficial. Cooking radishes does not make much of a difference in their nutritional value. Radish has so many digestive properties that the stomach can easily digest it even when eaten raw. For more benefits, it can be eaten for breakfast or with lunch.
Question: Are there any side effects of eating radish?
Answer: In general, everyone can safely eat radishes.
- However, some people may have allergic reactions. They may have red spots on their body.
- The natural diuretic properties of radishes can cause dehydration in some people.
- It has hypoglycemic properties. So the blood sugar level can get very low.
- This can cause stomach pain and inflammation.
Question: Who should not eat radish?
Answer: Eating radishes can worsen symptoms in some conditions. These people should not eat radish:
- Those who have any problems related to gall bladder or gallstones.
- Those who have any problem related to kidney.
- Who has recently undergone surgery.
- Those who have thyroid related problems.
- Those who have suffered dehydration.
- Who is having heartburn.
Question: What problems can be caused by eating too many radishes?
Answer: Radishes have natural diuretic properties, which make a person need to urinate frequently. Dehydration can also occur in some cases. Hypoglycemic properties can cause blood sugar levels to drop too low.
If you eat too many radishes every day for several days in a row, you may develop thyroid problems. In some cases, gallbladder problems may also occur.
Question: Can we eat radish during pregnancy?
Answer: Yes, you can definitely eat it. However, radish is a root vegetable. So there is a risk of infection. Make sure to clean it well before eating it.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
