31 Amazing Benefits of Radish
Radish is an edible root vegetable that is also consumed as a salad and belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It was first cultivated in Europe during pre-Roman times. There are many health and beauty benefits of radishes because of the presence of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, polyphenols, dietary fibers, etc in them.
Health Benefits of Radish
Some major health benefits of radish are as follows.
(1) Promotes Weight Loss
Eating 100 grams of radish provides 16 calories of energy.
The low calorific value of radish is beneficial for individuals who would like to get rid of extra pounds.
Dietary fibers in radishes provide stomach satiety, control our urge to eat again and again, and thus control overeating which is a major cause of obesity.
The abundance of water (around 95 percent) in radishes also contributes to weight management as it reduces calorie overload, controls overeating, improves digestion, and increases the absorption of nutrients.
(2) Regulates Blood Sugar
Because of its low glycemic index, radish is beneficial for individuals for people with diabetes and for those who are at risk of diabetes. It slows down sugar release into the bloodstream, prevents a sudden spike in blood sugar level, and thus helps in managing diabetes.
The dietary fibers in it minimize sugar absorption by the bloodstream and thus help in controlling blood sugar levels.
Eat radishes in moderation as overconsumption may drop the blood sugar to an abnormally low level and increase the risk of hypoglycemia. It causes symptoms like shakiness, dizziness, excessive sweating, excessive hunger, fast heartbeat, confusion, and irritability or moodiness.
If you are on diabetic medication, consult your doctor before adding radish to your diet to avoid the risk of food-drug intolerance.
(3) Boost Immunity
Radish contains antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin E, and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc that protect our immune cells or the white blood cells from free radical damage and thus strengthens our immune system.
The immune system is the defense mechanism of our body that aids in the prevention and treatment of various microbial infections, diseases, and as well as injuries, and wounds.
Vitamin C enhances the production of white blood cells, and further strengthens our immunity.
With stronger immunity, our risk of getting a cough, cold, fever, and flu diminishes significantly.
Other nutrients like zinc, potassium, magnesium, iron, folate, etc in radish also contribute to better immune health.
(4) Aids In Treating Fever
Because of its antimicrobial properties, radish aids in fighting off various bacterial and viral infections responsible for causing fever.
Antioxidants in radishes strengthen our immune system and minimize the risk of cough, cold, fever, flu, etc.
(5) Beneficial Against Anemia
Iron, a vital mineral present in the radish aids in the prevention and treatment of iron-induced anemia.
Iron-induced anemia is a blood disorder mainly caused by the lack of iron in the body. It gives rise to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, pale skin, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, cold hands or feet, etc.
Iron increases the production of red blood cells that carries oxygenated blood to cells and tissues, nourish them, and minimize anemia risk.
Vitamin C in the radish enhances iron absorption in the body and is beneficial against anemia.
Iron provides several other benefits strengthening immunity, converting blood sugar to energy, aiding cognitive functions, and supporting nail and skin health.
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(6) Strengthens Bones
Radish makes our bones and teeth stronger as it contains bone-strengthening minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, etc.
Calcium is a vital mineral for the growth and development of the bones, and lack of this mineral may increase the risk of bone disorders like osteoporosis.
Potassium in radishes neutralizes acid load, reduces loss of calcium from the bones, and thus improves bone density.
Magnesium also improves bone density and thus contributes to better bone health.
Manganese in radish increases calcium absorption and improves the bone mineral density of the spinal column.
Vitamin C, an anti-inflammatory compound in radish minimizes pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis, a condition in which protective tissues at the ends of bones wear down.
Other nutrients like zinc, phosphorus, folate, etc also aid in making our bones healthier.
(7) Good For Muscles
Radish helps in muscle development due to the presence of potassium and magnesium in it.
Potassium aids in the proper transmission of electrical signals sent by the muscles, and facilitate muscle contractions. Lack of this mineral may force our muscles to work harder.
Magnesium is a vital mineral that binds to proteins such as troponin C and myosin and facilitates muscle relaxation.
(8) Controls High Blood Pressure
Potassium, a natural vasodilator present in the radish relaxes our blood vessels, improves blood circulation, and provides relief from high blood pressure or hypertension.
Hypertension is a silent killer that affects millions of people around the world and gives rise to various health problems like severe headaches, nose bleeds, chest pain, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, difficulty in breathing, vision problems, and blood in urine, etc.
Zinc and magnesium in radishes also aid in regulating high blood pressure.
Eat radish in moderation as a higher intake of potassium may drop blood pressure to an abnormally low level giving rise to hypotension with symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, nausea, dehydration, lack of concentration, blurred vision, pale skin, etc.
If you are already on blood pressure medication, then consult your doctor before adding radish to your diet to avoid the risk of food-drug intolerance.
(9) Reduces LDL Cholesterol
Dietary fibers in radishes reduce LDL cholesterol in our body and thus minimize the risk of atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis is a condition that leads to the hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to the accumulation of plaque and fat deposits in the arterial walls and is the leading cause of several cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke, coronary artery disease, etc.
(10) Promotes Cardiovascular Health
Essential nutrients in the radish improve our cardiovascular health.
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols, etc in radish protect our cardiovascular system from free radical damage.
Radish contains dietary fibers that reduce LDL cholesterol and minimizes the risk of atherosclerosis, a leading cause of several cardiovascular problems.
Potassium in it relaxes blood vessels, improves blood circulation, and controls hypertension or high blood pressure which is a major cause of several cardiovascular and other health problems.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, magnesium, manganese, copper, etc in radish also contribute to our cardiovascular health.
(11) Protection Against Several Cancer(s)
Antioxidants and antioxidantal compounds like vitamin C, vitamin A, phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in radish protect our cells and tissues from free radical damage and minimizes the risk of several cancers like colon cancer, abdominal cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer, etc.
Free radicals are the unstabilized ions that stabilize by stealing electrons from the neighboring molecules, and doing so causes oxidative damage to them.
Isothiocyanates, a powerful antioxidant in radish alters the genetic pathway of the cancerous cells and force them to cause apoptosis ( programmed cell death). This controls the spread of cancer cells and eliminates the reproduction of cancer cells.
(12) Improves Respiratory Health
Radish is good for the lungs and improves our respiratory health.
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, and other compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in radishes protect our respiratory system from free radical damage and minimize the risk of lung cancer.
Anti-inflammatory compounds like vitamin C in radishes reduce lung inflammation and minimize the risk of asthma and bronchial asthma.
Other nutrients like potassium, zinc, magnesium, manganese, etc in radish also improve our respiratory health.
(13) Improves Digestive Health And Protection Against Piles
The laxative properties of the dietary fibers in radish improve our bowel movement, ensure smooth elimination of stool, and thus provides relief from constipation and other gastrointestinal problems like abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, gas, bloating, flatulence, etc.
Vitamin C and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols protect our digestive system from free radical damage and minimize the risk of colon cancer, abdominal cancer, stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer, intestinal cancer, etc.
Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, vitamin C protects our digestive system from inflammation.
Radish improves digestion, eliminates toxins from our system, and thus reduces the risk of piles.
(14) Increases Bile Juice Production
The dietary fibers in the radish eliminate toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances from our system.
Helping with detoxification, minimizes the burden of detoxification from the liver and kidneys, and allows them to focus on other functions they need to perform.
One such function (of the liver) is the production of bile juice.
Radish enhances the production of bile juice that provides several benefits like digestion of protein, digestion of fat, and removal of toxins from the digestive tract.
(15) Aids In The Treating Jaundice
Radish improves our digestive health and liver health, and thus aids in treating jaundice.
Antioxidants like vitamin C and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols etc in radishes protect our liver and gastrointestinal system from free radical damage.
Vitamin C, an anti-inflammatory compound present in radishes reduces liver inflammation.
Because of its detoxifying properties, dietary fibers in radish eliminate toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances from the liver and stomach, and thus aids in fighting jaundice.
Iron in it increases the production of red blood cells that aid in treating jaundice.
It increases liver efficiency to ensure stable production of bilirubin and removal of excessive bilirubin.
(16) Improves Renal Health
Radish improves our renal health due to the abundance of essential nutrients in them.
Vitamin C and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols protect our kidneys from free radical damage.
Radish is a wonderful diuretic that removes excess fluids, mineral salts, and other unwanted substances like toxins, etc from the system and thus minimizes the risk of kidney problems and urinary problems.
The detoxifying properties of dietary fibers in radishes eliminate toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances from the body minimizing the burden of detoxification from kidneys and allowing them to focus on other functions they need to perform.
(17) Reduces The Risk Of Urinary Tract Infections
Radish is a natural diuretic that aids in the prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections.
It increases the frequency and flow of urination and aids in the removal of excess fluid and other unwanted substances like toxins, pollutants, etc from the system, thus improving our renal health and kidney health.
Anti-inflammatory compounds like vitamin C in radish reduce pain, inflammation, and burning sensation one may experience urinating during a urinary tract infection.
(18) Effective In Treating Insect Bites
Radish aids in treating insect bites.
The antimicrobial properties of radishes minimize the risk of bacterial and viral infections associated with insect bites.
Radish is anti-pruritic and minimizes itching experienced during insect bites.
Vitamin C, an anti-inflammatory compound in radish reduces pain and inflammation caused by insect bites.
To treat insect bites, cut a fresh radish and rub the inner side of the radish on the affected area for 2-3 minutes. Applying radish juice to the affected area using a cotton dab will provide the same benefit.
(19) Reduces The Risk Of Dehydration
Radish reduces the risk of dehydration due to the abundance of water ( around 95 percent) in it.
Water plays an important role in keeping us healthy as it is needed for various micro and macro biological functions.
Our body is made up of about 70 percent water, and for some vital organs like the brain and kidneys, this level is even higher than 80%.
Lack of water in the body may cause dehydration with symptoms such as excessive thirst, dark yellow and strong-smelling pee, lightheadedness, fatigue, muscle weakness, low blood pressure, increased heartbeat, decreased urine frequency, dry mouth, etc.
(20) Minimize the Risk of Candidiasis
Radish contains enzymes such as amylase, esterase, and diastase that eliminate “Candida albicans” fungus, and thus minimize the risk of Candidiasis.
(21) Aids In Treating Thyroid Problems
Essential elements like sulfur and raphanin present in the radish regulate thyroid hormone and help in preventing and treating various thyroid disorders.
These compounds also improve our metabolism.
Beauty Benefits Of Radish For Skin
Following are the major beauty benefits of radish for the skin.
(1) Wonderful Skin Cleanser
Radish juice is a wonderful skin cleanser that when applied topically on the skin removes dirt, impurities, and other unwanted substances from our skin pores, and minimizes the risk of several skin problems.
The abundance of water in it moisturizes our skin, and nutrients like vitamins and minerals in the radish nourish our skin.
Consuming radish or radish juice also helps.
Dietary fibers in radish eliminate toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances from the body, and prevents them from getting accumulated in the skin pores. This minimizes the risk of skin problems like acne and pimples.
(2) Wonderful Skin Moisturizers
Because of its high water content (around 95 percent), pumpkin is a wonderful skin moisturizer that moisturizes our skin and prevents skin dryness, maintains skin elasticity, and smoothens our skin.
Essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytonutrients, etc in pumpkin nourish our skin and improves skin health.
(3) Provides Antiaging Benefits
Radish contains antioxidants like vitamin C, and vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc that protect our skin cells from free radical damage, and minimizes various signs of premature aging like fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, freckles, dark spots, and skin blemishes, etc.
Free radicals are the unstabilized ions that stabilize by stealing electrons from the neighboring molecules, and in doing so they cause oxidative damage to them.
Vitamin C enhances the production of collagen, an amino acid that maintains skin elasticity and prevents wrinkles and saggy skin.
For treating freckles and skin blemishes, apply fresh radish juice on the affected skin area using a cotton ball. Let it dry for 15-20 minutes and then wash it off with water.
(4) Aids In Treating Pimples And Acne
Radish aids in the prevention and treatment of skin problems like acne and pimples.
Acne is a common skin problem that affects millions of people around the world and is mainly caused by the accumulation of toxins, pollutants, dirt, impurities, and other unwanted substance within the skin pores.
The dietary fibers in radishes eliminate toxins, pollutants, and other impurities from our system.
When there are fewer toxins, they are less likely to accumulate in skin pores, thus minimizing the risk of acne and pimples.
Dietary fibers also control the secretion of excess oil from skin glands and prevent acne from worsening.
The abundance of water (around 95 percent) in the radish also aids with detoxification and minimizes the risk of acne and pimples.
(5) Natural Skin Exfoliator
Radish is a wonderful skin exfoliator that removes dead skin cells and brings out the natural glow of the skin.
Add some oatmeal powder to radish juice, and whisk a white egg to it to form a fine paste. Use this paste to scrub off dead and dry skin. Regular use will make your skin soft, supple, and radiant.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, potassium, B vitamins, and magnesium in radishes, etc also play a significant role in improving skin health.
Beauty Benefits Of Radish For Hair
Some major beauty benefits of radish for hair are as follows.
(1) Promotes Hair Growth
Radish nourishes our hair follicles and scalp due to the presence of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, etc in them.
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, and other relevant compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols protect our hair follicles and scalp from free radical damage and improve scalp health.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, folate, and potassium in radishes improve blood circulation in the scalp, nourish our hair follicles and scalp, and promote the growth of new hair follicles.
Consuming radish juice and as well as its topical application on hair follicles and the scalp is equally beneficial for promoting hair growth.
(2) Helps In Treating Dandruff
Both consumptions, as well as topical application of radish/radish juice, help in treating dandruff, a common scalp problem that affects millions of people around the world and is mainly caused by poor scalp health.
Antioxidants like vitamin C and other relevant compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, flavonoids, etc in the radish protect our hair follicles and scalp from free radical damage and make them healthy.
Vitamins and minerals in the radish nourish our hair follicles and scalp, minimizing the risk of scalp problems like dandruff, etc.
For treating dandruff, apply some fresh radish juice on hair follicles and scalp, and cover your head with a towel for one hour. After this, wash off your head with water.
Regular use will treat dandruff and will make your hair soft and lustrous.
