Radish - A Source of Bountiful Nutrition

Radish is available all round the year with the peak season being winter and spring. Both, the root as well as the leaves are commonly eaten as vegetable, salad, stir fry, curry, soup etc.


Nutrient content of Radish and Radish Leaves are as follows:

Radish	Amount per 100grams (raw)	Thumbs up!
Calories	17Kcal	Low caloric yet filling
Fiber	2g	High in fiber
Vitamin C	15mg	Rich source amongst vegetables
Calcium	35mg	Fair source
Phosphorous	22mg	Fair source

Radish Leaves	Amount per 100grams (raw)	Thumbs up!
Calories	41Kcal	Low caloric
Protein	3.8g	Protein rich vegetable
Fiber	1g	Fair source
Vitamin C	81mg (meets twice the recommended amount for adults)	Excellent source
Beta carotene	5295 micrograms (meets more than the daily RDA of 2400 microgram for adults)	Excellent source
Calcium	400mg (meets 100 percent RDA for adults)	Excellent source
Phosphorous	59mg	Fair source

Health Benefits of Radish

1. Radish for Weight Loss:

Radish is an extremely low caloric vegetable, adding just 17 calories to the daily diet per 100 gram consumption. Just a little quantum can render a feeling of extreme fullness and satiation which in turn may aid weight loss.

2. Radish as an Antidiabetic agent:

Radish has been proved to be good for diabetics as well. A research study from the University of Allahabad, India, published in the Pharmaceutical Biology has revealed that radish root juice possesses hypoglycemic and antidiabetic potential with minimal or no side effects; and that is because radish is a low glycemic-index food that helps stabilize blood glucose levels and provides slow release energy.

3. Radish as an Immune Booster:

Fresh radish is rich in vitamin C and meets around 25 percent of the Indian Recommended Daily allowance (RDA) for vitamin C.

Radish leaves are a winner all the way. They contain large amount of vitamin C and beta carotene, which means consuming just 1 cup of this green veggie could make up for more than the daily requirements for the above mentioned nutrients.

Vitamin C and carotenoids are a powerful anti-oxidant required by the body for protection, energy, vitality and disease prevention.

4. Radish for Sound Digestion:

Radish improves digestion as it can provide relief from common digestion disorders such as acid reflux and constipation. Radish has a mild diuretic and laxative effect too. Due to its diuretic properties they are beneficial in treating urinary disorders.

5. Radish for Bone Health:

When it comes to calcium rich plant sources, greens stand second to the millet ragi. Radish leaves are one of the richest sources of calcium with just 100 grams of leaves fulfilling the daily adult calcium requirement of 400mg per day.