6 Benefits Of Eating Radish On Your Health

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 radish because of the presence of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, polyphenols, and dietary fibers, etc in them.

# 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 radish provide stomach satiety, controls our urge to eat again and again, and thus controls overeating which is a major cause of obesity.The abundance of water (around 95 percent) in radish also contributes to weight management as it reduces calorie overload, controls overeating, improves digestion, and increases absorption of nutrients.

# 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 helps in controlling blood sugar levels. Eat radish 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.

# Boost Immunity

Radish contains antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, 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, and folate, etc in radish also contribute to better immune health.

# 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 radish strengthen our immune system and minimize the risk of cough, cold, fever, and flu, etc.

# 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, and cold hands or feet, etc.Iron increases the production of red blood cells that carries oxygenated blood to cells and tissues, nourishes them, and minimizes anemia risk.Vitamin C in the radish enhances iron absorption in the body and is beneficial against anemia.Iron provides several other benefits like strengthening immunity, converts blood sugar to energy, aids cognitive functions, and supports nail and skin health.

# Strengthens Bones

Radish makes our bones and teeth stronger as it contains bone-strengthening minerals like calcium, potassium, and 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 radish 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, and folate, etc also aid in making our bones healthier.