Radish ( मूली )

• Blood Pressure: Radishes are a great source of potassium, which has been found to help regulate blood pressure
• Blood Sugar Control: Radishes have a low impact on blood sugar levels
• They are very low on the glycemic index, which means that diabetics can eat them without worrying about their insulin levels
• Cancer Prevention: Radishes are part of the Brassica family, otherwise known as cruciferous vegetables
• Research suggests that the antioxidants and other compounds in cruciferous vegetables help in the prevention of cancer
• In addition, radishes are high in fibre, which helps fight colon cancer, while compounds known as isothiocyanates affect genetic pathways in cancer cells, even inducing apoptosis (cancer cell death)
• Detoxification: Radishes are believed to be a useful treatment for jaundice because they may help to purify the blood and raise oxygen levels
• Digestive Health: Radishes stimulate the production of bile
• Maintaining a healthy level of bile production is beneficial for digestion, as well as liver and gallbladder health
• Additionally, radishes can be used to treat constipation, because they are very high in fiber
• Diuretic: Diuretic in nature, radishes help with kidney and liver function and may be beneficial in the treatment of urinary disorders
• Heart Health: Studies have found that the antioxidants in radishes may reduce cholesterol levels in the body, which in turn will lower the risk of heart disease and heart attack
• The fibre, vitamins and minerals in radishes make them a smart choice for cardiovascular health
• They have been shown to regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels
• Insect Bites: It has anti pruritic properties and can be used as an effective treatment for insect bites, stings of bees, hornets, wasps etc
• Its juice also reduces pain and swelling and soothes the affected area
• Respiration: If you have chronic bronchial flare-ups, sinus infections or asthma, radishes can act as a natural decongestant
• Skin Disorders: Vitamin-C, phosphorus, zinc and some members of vitamin-B complex, which are present in radish, are good for skin
• The water in it helps maintaining moisture of the skin
• Smashed raw radish is a very good cleanser and serves as a very efficient face pack
• Due to its disinfectant properties, radish also helps cure skin disorders, such as drying up, rashes, cracks etc
• and also refreshes it
• Weight Loss: Because radishes are high in fibre, low in calories, and low on the glycemic index, they make a great part of any weight loss diet

Culinary Use:

• Ginisang Radish Labanos with ground beef
• The most commonly eaten portion is the napiform taproot, although the entire plant is edible and the tops can be used as a leaf vegetable
• It can also be eaten as a sprout
• The bulb of the radish is usually eaten raw, although tougher specimens can be steamed
• The raw flesh has a crisp texture and a pungent, peppery flavor, caused by glucosinolates and the enzyme myrosinase which combine when chewed to form allyl isothiocyanates, also present in mustard, horseradish, and wasabi
• Radish leaves are sometimes used in recipes, like potato soup or as a sauteed side dish
• They are also found to benefit homemade juices; some recipes even calling for them in fruit-based mixtures
• Radishes may be used in salads, as well as in many European dishes