Radish, better known scientifically as Raphanus sativus, is a root vegetable that is similar in texture to turnips. It is crisp and has a biting translucent flavor. Surprisingly, radishes belong to the cruciferous family, notorious for being jam-packed with vegetables and nutrients. While majority of the cruciferous vegetables are green in color, radish is an exemption. (Murray)
Because it is a part of the cruciferous family, it contains a special oil that is responsible for its pungent smell. The radish has been cultivated into a lot of different varieties, with different colors. The main colors of radish have been red, white or black, ranging into different sizes and levels of pungency depending on the variety. (Murray)
In this particular article, we will be learning about the different health benefits that one can get from regularly eating radish.
- Radishes are perfectly for a healthy diet
A half-cup of radish contains only 12 calories, and virtually no fat. This makes it perfect as the crunchy, light snack that it is as to not derail any of your healthy eating plans. Radishes are also packed with various vitamins and minerals essential to keeping the body healthy. (Butler, Are radishes good for you?, 2016)
Radishes are especially high in vitamin C. In fact, half a cup of chopped radish already makes up for 14% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) for vitamin C. Vitamin C is especially important in keeping the immune system healthy, and fighting off free radicals that may cause the abrasion to the cells causing the activation of malignant cancer cells. (Butler, Are radishes good for you?, 2016)
Radishes also contain potassium, folate, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin K, magnesium, calcium, zinc, phosphorous, copper, manganese and sodium. (Butler, Are radishes good for you?)
- Radishes have anti-cancer properties
Radishes have been proven to the presence of various secondary metabolites, such as glucosinolates, polyphenols, and isothiocyanates. Interestingly, isothiocyanates help purge the body of toxins that may cause cancer (such as free radicals) and even prevent the development of tumors. In fact, the extract from radish is being studied regarding its capabilities to treat medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hepatic inflammation and oxidative stress. Conclusions have led to the general knowledge that radishes successfully reduce the risk of cancer by lowering the free radicals in the body that cause oxidative stress to the cells. (Abinaya Manivannan, 2019)
Countless of studies have found out that radish has anti-cancer properties. In fact, a 2010 study has led to the conclusion that radish contains several types of isothiocyanates and caused death in cancer cells. (Syed Sultan Beev, 2010)
An interesting fact, to note, however, is that radish was found to stop tumor growth by 95-100% for breast and stomach cancer. However, it may have increased tumor growth by 20-25% in pancreatic, brain, lung and kidney cancer. (Wark, 2018)
- Radish supports a healthy digestive system
Cruciferous vegetables are extremely well-known for being high in fiber. Radish is no exception. In fact, a half-cup serving of chopped radish contains 1 gram of fiber. This amount of fiber, when added to the other fiber from your diet, helps you reach your daily fiber goal. Fiber is extremely important, in weight loss and keeping away from irregular bowel movements as fiber helps bulk up the stool and promotes regular bowel movements. (Gunnars, 2018)
Studies have also found out that it is not only the root of radish that is high in fiber, but also its leaves. A study carried out in 2008 has found out that the leaves of radish help improve digestive function to rats that were fed a high-cholesterol diet. This may partially be attributed to the increase in bile production. (Jang, 2008)
Moreover, another study has led to the conclusion that radishes help prevent gastric ulcers by protecting the gastric tissues and strengthening the mucosal barrier in the intestine lining. The mucosal barrier is important in protecting the intestines from toxins and pathogens that may cause inflammation. (Butler, Are radishes good for you?, 2016)
- Radishes have antifungal properties
The research regarding the antifungal properties of radish has been extensive for the past ten years or so. The amount of antifungal compounds and plants are comparatively smaller to that of the ones in the field of antibiotics. Therefore, scientists are always on the lookout for promising plants that hold antifungal wonders. (Richards, 2017)
RsAFP2, is a particular plant medicine that is linked to antifungal properties. It has been found out that radish does contain RsAFP2. RsAFP2 has shown to cause apoptosis (cell death) to Candida albicans, a certain type of fungal pathogen that may cause vaginal and yeast infections. Another research has also found out that RsAFP2 interacts with the cells of Candida albicans very well, by damaging the cell walls and destroying the cell. (Richards, 2017)
- Radishes inhibit zen effects
Zen, better known as Zearalenone is a certain toxic fungus that cause precocious development to mamma and other estrogenic effects in young gilts and young barrows. In layman’s terms, it causes reproductive problems, to rodents, swine and to humans. While the effect of Zearalenone to humans is quite small, humans can still be affected when they ingest crops that are affected with the said mycotoxin. (Richard, 2016)
A 2008 study has found out that the injection of radish root extract administered to mice improves the antioxidant levels. A high level of antioxidants help combat the effects of Zen effectively. A high level of antioxidants also help combat other diseases related to free radicals. (Butler, Are radishes good for you?, 2016)
- Radishes prevent the development of hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which, the thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormone to keep the body functioning normally. Thankfully, it can be avoided by ingesting foods that are high in Sulphur. Radish is one of those foods that contain high levels of Sulphur. In which, it successfully prevents the development of hypothyroidism and risks of developing it, due to its high Sulphur content that keeps the thyroid gland healthy and stimulates the production of thyroid hormone. (Nandy, 2018)
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References:
Abinaya Manivannan, J.-H. K.-S.-S.-E. (2019, February 14). Deciphering the Nutraceutical Potential of Raphanus sativus—A Comprehensive Overview. Retrieved from PubMed: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6412475/
Butler, N. (2016, May 17). Are radishes good for you? Retrieved from Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/the-benefits-of-radishes#1
Butler, N. (n.d.). Are radishes good for you?
Gunnars, K. (2018, May 23). Why Is Fiber Good for You? The Crunchy Truth. Retrieved from Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/why-is-fiber-good-for-you
Jang, H. (2008). Effect of Radish Leaves Powder on the Gastrointestinal Function and Fecal Triglyceride, and Sterol Excretion in Rats Fed a Hypercholesterolemic Diet . Retrieved from Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations: http://agris.fao.org/agris-search/search.do?recordID=KR2009001541
Murray, M. T. (n.d.). What is a radish? Retrieved from Share Care: https://www.sharecare.com/health/health-value-of-foods/what-is-a-radish
Nandy, P. (2018, July 18). 10 Health Benefits of Radish: The Power Source of Potassium, Vitamin C and Fiber. Retrieved from NDTV Food: https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/10-incredible-radish-benefits-the-power-source-of-potassium-vitamin-c-and-fiber-1397076
Richard, J. L. (2016, April 11). What is Zearalenone? Retrieved from Romer Labs: https://www.romerlabs.com/knowledge-center/knowledge-library/articles/news/what-is-zearalenone/
Richards, L. (2017, November 26). Radish: A Natural Antifungal. Retrieved from The Candida Diet: https://www.thecandidadiet.com/radish-is-a-natural-antifungal/
Syed Sultan Beev, i. N. (2010, September). Hexane Extract of Raphanus sativus L. Roots Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis in Human Cancer Cells by Modulating Genes Related to Apoptotic Pathway. Retrieved from Springer Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11130-010-0178-0
Syed Sultan BeeviLakshmi Narasu Mangamoori, M. S. (n.d.). Hexane Extract of Raphanus sativus L. Roots Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis in Human Cancer Cells by Modulating Genes Related to Apoptotic Pathway. Retrieved from Springer Link.
Wark, C. (2018, July 5). The Top 10 Vegetables You Can Eat to Prevent and Reverse Cancer. Retrieved from Food Revolution: https://foodrevolution.org/blog/cancer-fighting-foods/
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