20 Surprising Benefits of Radish

Radishes are best known as a crunchy, peppery addition to salads, but did you know that radish seed oil is used in a number of ways that can benefit your health?

Radishes are rich in nutrients including potassium, calcium, sodium and vitamin C. They also contain thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, folate and vitamins B6, A and K, as well as iron, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc.

1. Helps Treat Jaundice

Radishes contain substances beneficial to the liver and stomach, and act as a powerful detoxifier too. Research shows that they are useful for treating jaundice, because they remove bilirubin. Radishes also diminish the destruction of red blood cells that jaundice causes by increasing the fresh oxygen supply to the blood.

Black radishes are usually used in the treatment of jaundice, and radish leaves are also useful.

2. Immune System Booster

A mere half cup of radishes per day amounts to nearly 15% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, which is needed to keep the immune system healthy.

Vitamin C can help regulate your metabolism, and contributes to the production of collagen, which strengthens the walls of the blood vessels and reduces the risk of atherosclerosis.

3. Digestive Aid

Radishes are fiber-rich, which helps promote healthy bowel movements and prevents constipation. Radish leaves can also help to stop diarrhea, and they also promote the production of bile. Bile is very important to good digestion, and helps to keep the liver and gallbladder running smoothly.

4. May Prevent Piles

Radishes are made up of indigestible carbohydrate, which helps promote digestion, water retention and helps reduce constipation – one of the major causes of piles.

Radish juice also helps soothe the digestive system, which can further diminish the symptoms of piles.

5. Could Prevent Cancer

Radishes contain vitamin C, folic acid and anthocyanins, which have been linked to treating different kinds of cancer, including colon, kidney, intestinal, stomach and oral cancer.

Research shows that as radishes are part of the Brassica family, they are full of antioxidants that help protect against cancer. Radishes also contain isothiocyanates, which have a big impact on the genetic pathways of cancerous cells, and can cause these cells to die.

6. Urinary Disorders

The diuretic nature of radishes means that they increase the production of urine, and radish juice helps reduce inflammation and any burning sensation during urination.

Radishes clean out the kidneys and can prevent kidney and urinary system infections. Radishes also have antifungal properties, and can combat a common fungus called Candida albicans, which can cause oral and vaginal yeast infections.

7. May Aid Weight Loss

Radishes are small, but they are very filling, and don’t contain many calories. They are low in digestible carbohydrates, high in fiber, and contain a lot of water, which makes them an ideal addition to a weight loss diet.

8. Improves the Cardiovascular System

Radishes are a good source of anthocyanins, which give them their color, but also gives several health benefits.

Anthocyanins have been positively linked with reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, as well as having anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties.

9. Treats Leukoderma

Radishes have detoxifying and anti-carcinogenic properties, and this makes them valuable in the treatment of leukoderma. Radish seeds powdered and soaked with vinegar, ginger juice or cow’s urine are applied to the white patches.

10. Relieves Respiratory Disorders

Radishes are anti-congestive, which means they can decrease congestion of the respiratory system, and as they are quite pungent, they help eliminate excess mucus and clear the sinuses.

11. Helps Lower Blood Pressure

Radishes contain potassium, which provides many health benefits, including reducing blood pressure. This is because it helps to relax the blood vessels and promote blood flow.

12. Manages Diabetes

Radishes are low on the glycemic index, which means that consuming them doesn’t cause a spike in blood sugar levels. One 2017 study showed that drinking radish root juice had a positive effect on the glucose levels of diabetics.

13. Healthy Skin

Radishes contain vitamin C, phosphorus, zinc and some B-complex vitamins, all of which are good for skin. The high water content in radishes also helps to hydrate the skin, and smashed raw radishes make a good cleanser and face pack. Radishes also help to soothe skin disorders such as dry skin and rashes.

14. Can Reduce Fever

Radishes can relive inflammation and help lower body temperature in someone with fever. Drinking radish juice mixed with black salt is a common way of reducing fever.

15. Protects Kidneys

The diuretic, cleansing and disinfecting properties of radishes help detoxify the kidneys and protect them from infections.

16. Insect Bites

Radishes can be used effectively on insect bites and bee stings. Applying radish juice to the affected area can reduce the pain and swelling.

17. Hydration

The high water content of radishes means they help to keep your body hydrated, which is essential for good health. Keeping hydrated relieves constipation, aids digestion, and helps facilitate proper uptake of nutrients from our food.

18. Protects the Liver and Gallbladder

Several studies have been done of the effect of radishes on the liver, and one study suggested that the enzyme in white radish extracts can help prevent hepatotoxicity.

Radishes also regulate the production of bile and bilirubin, acids and enzymes. They also contain enzymes such as myrosinase, diastase, amylase and esterase. Eating radishes regularly could protect your liver and gallbladder from infections, ulcers and gallstones.

19. Freshens Breath

Raw, crunchy radishes are a good way of cleansing your mouth after a meal, as they help to remove particles of food and plaque.

20. Other Benefits

Radishes also work as a treatment for headaches, acidity, nausea, sore throat, gastric issues and dyspepsia.