Radish (Mooli): Benefits, Uses and Side effects

2022-05-02 12:21:01

Radish, commonly known as Mooli, is a root vegetable which belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It contains a special oil that is the source of its strong flavor. There are a number of different varieties of radishes around the world- varying in size, color and weight such as Daikon White Radish, Pink Radish, Zlata Radish, and Watermelon Radish. Its scientific name is Raphanus Sativus.

Nutritional Values of Radish (Mooli)

Radish is a rich source of nutrients and vitamins and offers many benefits when included in diet. Radish is very low in calories and contains no cholesterol. It contains a large amount of protein and fiber.

Radish is high in vitamin C, which is important for boosting immunity and also serves a number of other health purposes. It contains minerals such as potassium, calcium, iron and manganese, as well as folate, present in abundance.

Benefits of Radish

Boosts immunity-

The presence of vitamin C in radish makes it an excellent choice to include in your diet to boost immunity. Vitamin C helps regulate the body's metabolism and increases collagen formation. Collagen helps strengthen the walls of blood vessels and prevents various cardiovascular diseases.

Regulates blood flow and treats diabetes-

Radish contains potassium, a vasodilator that helps relax blood vessels and increases blood flow. Thus it helps lower down the blood pressure by regulating blood flow.

Radish regulates the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, eating it does not affect blood sugar levels because it has a low glycemic index, making it safe to consume in diabetes.

Helps in weight loss-

If you want to lose weight, you can include radish in your diet because it is low in digestible carbohydrates, high in fiber and water. As it is high in fiber, it adds bulk to your stool and facilitates its easy expulsion. The high fiber content also keeps you full and protects you from overeating. Thus, helping in weight loss.

Treats jaundice-

Radish is useful in controlling jaundice as it removes bilirubin and even regulates its production due to the presence of vitamin C and iron. Radish also helps in preventing the breakdown of red blood cells in people suffering from jaundice by increasing oxygen supply.

Treats cancer-

Including radish in your diet can help fight various types of cancers, such as colon, stomach, oral, and kidney cancer. This is due to the presence of folic acid, vitamin C and anthocyanins. In addition, radish contain isothiocyanates, which alter the genetic pathways of cancer cells, causing apoptosis, or cell death. This prevents cancer cells from multiplying.

Good for rheumatoid arthritis-

Vitamin C in radish acts against free radicals in our body and encourages the formation of collagen, a substance that builds cartilage in our bodies. Hence, eating radish helps prevent or delay the onset of conditions like arthritis.

Effective for skin-

Radish is good for the skin because it contains vitamin C, vitamin B, zinc, and phosphorus. The water content in this vegetable helps to keep your skin hydrated. Radish also has antimicrobial properties that prevent skin diseases such as dry skin, rashes and cracks.

Helps remove acne & pimples-

Radish has plenty of vitamins C, B complexes, Zinc and phosphorus which is helpful in removing acne and pimples. Apply radish juice on the face for 20 minutes, wash your face with cold water. Do it twice a week to remove acne and pimples from the face.

Side effects of Radish

Radish is a useful vegetable that can help get rid of various problems, but its excessive intake can also harm the body. As it is already said, radish is rich in vitamin C and an excess of vitamin C in the body can cause the following problems:

• Stomach ache or burning
• Diarrhea