Black radishes belong to the family of cruciferous vegetables. We think that this ancient vegetable comes from Asia, although we know the Egyptian were making oil from radish seeds. It is a root vegetable with a black skin and white flesh.
1. Detoxifies Your Blood
By eating black radish, you can eliminate the toxic agents present in your blood and bone marrow and enhance detoxification. By working alongside your liver and lymphatic system, black radish increases the activity of detoxifying enzymes and effectively cleanses the blood of toxins.1 If toxic blood isn’t treated, it can kill the friendly bacteria in your gut, impair RBC function, and hinder the normal functioning of your body organs.
2. Detoxifies Your Liver
If you are on medication and are regularly consuming drugs like paracetamol, your liver could face the brunt. Your liver is detoxified in 2 phases.
During the first phase, certain detoxifying enzymes deactivate the toxins present in your liver. However, this detoxification produces free radicals, which can cause damage to the healthy cells in your body.
During the 2nd phase, the free radicals are eliminated and the liver is completely detoxified. For the 2nd phase to occur, your liver needs certain antioxidants like GSH, which is provided by black radish. Thus, consuming black radish can help in the process of liver detoxification.2
3. Boosts Immunity
[pullquote]Black radish remedy for cough
- Cut a cap in the radish, as you would to a watermelon.
- Leave it overnight and let the juice gather.
- Extract the juice and add 1 tsp sugar.
- Drink 1 tsp juice after every meal.[/pullquote]
Black radish contains antioxidants that boost your immunity and reduce the duration of illnesses.
It is, in fact, one of the most common remedies for common cold and cough.
3. Regulates Blood Pressure
Rich in fiber, black radish can play a role in reducing high blood pressure or hypertension. Studies have observed that a high-fiber diet can significantly reduce and even prevent hypertension, especially in older individuals. However, only black radish will not do the trick. To regulate blood pressure, also include other high-fiber foods like lentils, broccoli, and peas in your diet.3
4. Prevents Constipation
A member of the family of cruciferous vegetables, black radish is known to help in the treatment of digestive disorders. The fiber content of black radish helps reduce constipation and promote smooth bowel movement. Furthermore, black radish juice helps enhance the activity of digestive juices, thereby improving digestion. It also keeps you hydrated and contributes to the maintenance of bowel health.4
5. Reduces Cholesterol Levels
Black radish is beneficial for those with high cholesterol levels. The juice extracted from black radish root possesses antioxidant properties that manage lipid (fat and cholesterol) metabolism and reduce your risk of hyperlipidaemia.5
5. Prevents Cancer
Black radish is rich in carotenoids, which an antioxidant known for its anti-cancer effects. Black radish contains glucosinolates, a naturally occurring component of cruciferous vegetables. During food preparation, chewing, and digestion, these glucosinates are broken down into chemicals that can prevent cancer. Certain studies reveal that consumption of a diet composed of cruciferous vegetables is associated with a decreased risk of cancer – of the breast, prostate, and lung. However, the results of these studies are not conclusive and require further research.6
6. Promotes Weight Loss
If you’re struggling to lose those extra pounds, you might want to opt for black radish. A cruciferous vegetable, black radish is rich in fiber, which increases satiety and reduces your chances of overeating. This reduces the number of extra calories you consume, thereby facilitating weight loss.7 8
7. Keeps Your Skin Healthy
Rich in antioxidants, black radish can give improve your skin health. By applying a black radish face mask, you can treat acne, pimples, and remove any blemishes from your skin. It also lightens your skin tone, removes signs of premature aging, and keeps your skin looking young and healthy.
References
| ↑1 | N’jai, Alhaji U., Michael Q. Kemp, Brandon T. Metzger, Paul R. Hanlon, Melissa Robbins, Charles Czuyprynski, and David M. Barnes. “Spanish black radish (Raphanus sativus L. Var. niger) diet enhances clearance of DMBA and diminishes toxic effects on bone marrow progenitor cells.” Nutrition and cancer 64, no. 7 (2012): 1038-1048. |
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| ↑2 | Evans, Malkanthi, Elaine Paterson, and David M. Barnes. “An open label pilot study to evaluate the efficacy of Spanish black radish on the induction of phase I and phase II enzymes in healthy male subjects.” BMC complementary and alternative medicine 14, no. 1 (2014): 475. |
| ↑3 | Streppel, Martinette T., Lidia R. Arends, Pieter van’t Veer, Diederick E. Grobbee, and Johanna M. Geleijnse. “Dietary fiber and blood pressure: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials.” Archives of internal medicine 165, no. 2 (2005): 150-156. |
| ↑4 | Lattimer, James M., and Mark D. Haub. “Effects of dietary fiber and its components on metabolic health.” Nutrients 2, no. 12 (2010): 1266-1289. |
| ↑5 | Lugasi, Andrea, Anna Blázovics, Krisztina Hagymási, Ibolya Kocsis, and Ágnes Kéry. “Antioxidant effect of squeezed juice from black radish (Raphanus sativus L. var niger) in alimentary hyperlipidaemia in rats.” Phytotherapy research 19, no. 7 (2005): 587-591. |
| ↑6 | Vegetables and Cancer Prevention. National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health. |
| ↑7 | Making one change — getting more fiber — can help with weight loss. Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School. |
| ↑8 | The Beginner’s Guide to Cruciferous Vegetables. Eat Right, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. |