Radishes: What are the 5 Health Benefits?

RADISHES are probably the most underutilized vegetable on the market. They are so simple but packed with many good nutritional benefits.

Radishes are rarely sold in low income neighborhood’s grocery stores in Brooklyn New York. The reason for this is because they are usually not reflective of peoples diets in these communities. In comparison, you will readily find radishes in more affluent neighborhoods. Radishes can be found with different skin colors: Red, Pink, purple, yellow, black and white.

WHERE CAN YOU PURCHASE RADISH?

The first time I saw radishes for sale was at my local  Grand Army Plaza Farmer Market and the Union Square Farmers Market in New York City  At your local farmer market, you will be opened to a variety  fruits and vegetables that you may not be sold at your local grocery store.

Secondly, you will be able to find organic red radishes at the Whole Foods Supermarket  and Flatbush Food Coop

There is a rapid increase in the gentrification of  many low income neighborhoods in New York City, especially in Brooklyn. Consequently, certain types of restaurants, shops, grocery stores, and supermarkets that you would most often find in affluent neighborhoods,  start to flood into these low income communities to accommodate the growing and changing demographic.

With increased gentrification, more people have more easy access to  organic foods items such as radishes.

Health Benefits of Radishes

Health Benefit 1: Helps Control Blood Sugar

The National Institute of Health posted a research article called Radish (Raphanus sativus) and Diabetes. Saleen Ali Banihali pointed out that the bioactive compounds found in radish have shown to decrease Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) . ROS, inflammatory biomarker, increases oxidative stress in people living with Diabetes.

Radishes can have anti-diabetic effects. Interestingly, according to the author, an extract from the Radish has shown to inhibit the activity of  the enzymes: α-amylase and α-glucosidase . These enzymes are responsible for the breakdown of starch into glucose.

Health Benefit 2: Detoxification

Radishes contain a compound called glucoraphasatin that can be metabolized and converted to Raphasatin.

Raphasatin in studies have shown to promote increased production of detoxification enzymes such as cytochrome P450 and quinone reductase. In addition, these enzymes help to get rid of toxins and heavy metals in our bodies that can lead to different kinds of illnesses.

Health Benefit 3: Low in Calories

1/2 cup of raw red radish only has approximately 12 calories and 1 gram of fiber. Radishes are low in carbohydrate and basically has no fat.

Health Benefit 4: Anti-Cancer Properties

Radishes are part of the cruciferous vegetable as: cabbage, turnip, kale, broccoli, cauliflower. Sulforaphane, a compound found in cruciferous vegetables, has been shown to  help to fight the growth of cancer cells in the body.

Health Benefit 5: Healthy Skin and Reduce Ageing

Radishes are around 90% water and provide approximately 23% of your recommended daily intake of Vitamin C. These nutrients help to promote collagen formation and reduced skin related stress that promote healthy skin and reduce the process of ageing.

How to Include Radishes in Your Diet.

Radishes are very crunch and has a slight peppery taste when eaten raw.

• Add thin slices of radishes to your sandwiches and salads.
• oven roast with other vegetables such as tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, and turnips and serve as a side dish
• Check out my blog on Carrots and Boosting Immunity
• Pickle then as you would cucumber or other vegetables.
• Julienne and add then to your tacos or tortilla wraps for extra zesty crunch.
• Add then to tune or chicken salad for texture.
• Make a dip by blending: plain greek yogurt, chopped radishes, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, honey and pepper.

Check out these radish recipes below: 

Red Radish Salad

Please clink on link to check out this recipe from Rachel Ray’s 30 Minute Meal .

Roasted Radishes and Carrots

Please clink on link to also check out this recipe from Food Network’s Melissa-D’Arabian