Plants and their products offer amazing therapeutic possibilities due to their great variety and quantity of micronutrients they contain, which are vital for human health.
In this sense, radish has become one of the most popular options in certain parts of the world, due to its particular composition of vitamins and minerals.
In this article, we describe the benefits of radish that are scientifically supported.
What are the health benefits of radish?
As explained, this cruciferous vegetable contains important micronutrients that promote human health and that we mention below:
1. Strengthens the immune system
The special combination of vitamins , minerals and some sulfur compounds from the radish enhance the work of the human immune system in the fight against various pathogenic microorganisms that cause diseases such as asthma and sinusitis , among others.
Note: Vitamin C along with minerals such as selenium, magnesium and zinc , are antioxidants that are present in radish and that favor the function of the immune system. (1)
2. Reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases
Once again, its antioxidant power and its high content of vitamin C, together with other micronutrients, regulate the presence of bad cholesterol in the bloodstream, in the heart and on the walls of the blood vessels, avoiding the obstruction of blood flow to the organs.
To highlight: There is scientific information that the consumption of antioxidants promotes cardiovascular health, avoiding, for example, an increase in blood pressure. (two)
3. Eliminate fluid retention
The consumption of radishes favors the elimination of excess fluids , which can accumulate in the human body.
You should know: The presence of minerals such as potassium and the water content of the radish favor the elimination of sodium, a mineral responsible for the accumulation of water in the body. (3)
4. Promotes intestinal, liver and biliary health
Antioxidants such as ascorbic acid and glucosinolates in radish protect organs such as the liver and gallbladder, greatly favoring their functioning .
Important: The fiber and water content of the radish favor the correct transit of food through the digestive tract, from the stomach to the large intestine. (4)
5. Relieves respiratory conditions
The vitamin C present in the radish, although it is not a chemical compound to eliminate pathogenic microorganisms, does reduce the time of presence in the body of many respiratory diseases .
To highlight: The use of vitamin C in the prevention of common colds and nasal congestion has been demonstrated. (5)
6. Contributes to weight loss
The radish is a low-calorie food, since its fat content is very discreet , in addition to the fact that the presence of carbohydrates is low.
Note: The fiber content of radish facilitates digestion and regulates the absorption of fats and sugars from food, through the small intestine. (6)
7. Promotes skin health
Vitamin C present in radish as an antioxidant, is involved in the healing processes of skin wounds.
Likewise, this vitamin is involved in the formation of collagen , a protein that gives elasticity and firmness. It also prevents premature aging of skin cells, avoiding the appearance of wrinkles . (7)
8. Prevents some types of cancer
The glucosinolate compounds present in radish are characterized as sulfur compounds with excellent properties for human health.
Important: These glucosinolates, when hydrolyzed , become a defense mechanism for healthy cells , preventing the appearance of certain diseases such as cancer, including colon cancer . (8)
Radish properties
The consumption of radishes in the daily diet favors people’s health due to the nutritional components that we mention below:
1. Vitamins and minerals
The consumption of radishes provides the following vitamins: vitamin B1 ( thiamin ), vitamin B2 ( riboflavin ), vitamin B3 ( niacin ), vitamin B6 ( pyridoxine ), vitamin B9 ( folates ) and vitamin C. Among them is ascorbic acid. , with 20 mg equaling 33% of the recommended daily intake.
You should know: Regarding the minerals, they are present: calcium , iron , iodine , magnesium, zinc , sodium , potassium , selenium and phosphorus (9) . In this category, potassium stands out with 240 mg, representing 7% of the recommended daily intake.
2. Other compounds
This vegetable, in addition to the above nutrients, also has fiber, protein, carbohydrates and water . To highlight, it also contains chemical compounds such as anthocyanins and glucosinolates.
How should radish be consumed?
In general, this crucifer is consumed raw, in order to keep its nutritional properties intact. In the same way, the radish serves to be accompanied by sauces or to be used as an appetizer in salads.
To highlight: The radishes can also be seasoned with oil, salt and pepper as well as sautéed; They can also be integrated as ingredients to make sauces with an intense flavor, which serve to accompany meats.
Key Findings
- Radish strengthens the immune system and prevents cardiovascular diseases.
- Radish contains an exciting mix of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant compounds to support human health.
- Radish promotes kidney health, gastrointestinal health and prevents some types of cancer.
- The radish is a very versatile vegetable, which can be part of many recipes of the daily diet.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.