Radish is a light-colored healthy root vegetable with a crunchy texture and a mildly spicy and peppery taste and abundantly packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It was used in ancient Greek and Rome for medicinal purposes about 2,500 years ago as it is loaded with vitamin C that protects your cells from damage.
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Here is a list of five health benefits of radish:
- Beneficial for weight loss
Radish is helpful in your weight loss journey as it contains almost zero fat, low carbohydrates, fewer calories and fiber in it keeps you full for a longer time, thereby preventing overeating and increasing metabolism of the body. The high water content in radish keeps you hydrated which is essential for weight loss.
- Anti-diabetic properties
Radish has anti-diabetic properties such as low amount of carbohydrates and low glycemic index which improve your glucose intake and lowers blood sugar. You can consume radish daily to improve your glucose metabolism and insulin response.
It also contains a compound that regulates adiponectin, a hormone responsible for reducing blood sugar levels in the blood.
- Improves Skin health
Packed with disinfectant properties, radish reduces problems associated with dry skin and wrinkles. Radish has high amounts of Vitamin C, B-complex, and zinc that are known to be extremely beneficial in the formation of collagen which helps to increase the elasticity of your skin. The high water content in it helps to keep your skin fresh and hydrated.
- Improves heart health
Radish helps protect your heart and keeps cardiovascular diseases at bay as it is packed with essential antioxidants called anthocyanins, and other heart-protective nutrients like calcium, folic acid, vitamin C, flavonoids, and potassium. Natural nitrates in this root vegetable also improve blood flow whereas the fiber content helps in lowering cholesterol levels and preventing the risk of heart ailments.
- Boosts your immunity
Consuming this healthy vegetable daily also helps control the development of harmful free radicals, inflammation, and early aging. Radish boosts your overall immunity and protects you from common colds and coughs as it is loaded with high amounts of vitamin C. If you have difficulty coughing or spitting out the thick mucus, consuming radish soup or juice might be helpful as it expels phlegm.