Radishes are a type of cucumber native to China, Greece and Italy. The health benefits of radishes vary from one region of the vegetable to another. The edible portion of this Radish includes different parts which go by various names, such as Raphanus Sativa or Raphanus niger, belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family.
Radish leaves can be eaten fresh or juiced. The juice is very beneficial for health as it contains vitamins A, C and K to help improve eyesight and strengthen the immune system.
Radish leaves can also be used in soups, salads and as a great source of protein. Juicing of leaves makes a delicious and nutritious drink. Radish juice is made from the entire leaves and radish seeds and should not be consumed raw.
In the southern part of China, radish greens are cooked and prepared as a vegetable, while in Greece it is eaten raw or cooked. Radish greens have high fibre content and are a great source of a soluble fibre called pectin, which plays a major role in strengthening the bones and teeth. Radish greens are considered a great alternative to meat, especially organ meat. It is high in potassium, calcium and magnesium and low in sodium.
Benefits of Radish Juice
Radish juice is considered a good source of potassium. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure and is needed to increase muscle strength and endurance. Potassium helps make nerve cells work faster, enabling your body to respond to injuries faster and reduce inflammation and pain.
It is known as alkaline food because it contains high levels of sodium, but lower levels of potassium. It does contain potassium but is not as rich in this mineral as cucumber, tomato and leek.
A number of gastrointestinal problems can be treated by drinking radish juice. Radish is known to help relieve diarrhoea by strengthening the intestinal lining. The high water content helps wash away food particles that could clog the digestive system.
Radish leaves have a strong odour which can help with digestive system problems as it helps get rid of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, two substances that are believed to cause stomach upset and indigestion.
Radish supports healthy bone development, so it helps keep your tendons strong. It also helps maintain good blood circulation and reduce cholesterol content in the blood. It is known to contain a lot of iron, an essential nutrient that helps keep you healthy and prevents diseases like arteriosclerosis.
Radish juice is rich in vitamin c and vitamin B-12, both of which are essential to maintain a healthy nervous system and bone strength. This juice also contains an abundant amount of potassium, another nutrient that keeps you healthy and prevents dehydration.
