The first time I saw a black radish in my farm share box, I was immediately smitten with it due to its striking black skin and white flesh! It quickly became a beloved side dish or ingredient to meals. It was a little while later that I found out that it is also known for and has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. This crisp and slightly bitter radish is also called nero tondo radish, winter radish, or black Spanish radish, and this root vegetable belongs to the Brassicaceae family. Read on to learn about the health benefits of black radish!
What Are The Health Benefits of Black Radish?
Black radish benefits are plentiful! It includes high amounts of dietary fiber. This can be a great help with your digestive system, as it regulates your bowel movements, and reduces bloating and gas. In addition to fiber, black radish is also rich in nutrients. It includes magnesium, calcium, and potassium, all of which help lower high blood pressure. Winter radishes are a good source of vitamin C. It is also a rich source of vitamin-B complex, and contains moderate levels of iron, which can help reduce fatigue and generally help with your overall energy level.
Spanish black radish contains anti-inflammatory compounds, which can reduce inflammation in the body. While inflammation is a natural response to injury or infection, too much of it can cause many negative health conditions and chronic diseases. It is, therefore, beneficial to consume whole foods, such as black radish, that can help naturally lower one’s inflammation.
If you’re looking to get some vitamin K, then consume the radish greens! The green tops of radishes are edible and contain vitamins C and K. Making pesto out of these is a great way to use them.
Is Black Radish Rich In Nutrients?
Yes, black radishes are filled with wonderful nutrients. As mentioned above, they contain fiber, magnesium, calcium, potassium, Vitamins B and C (as well as vitamin K in the greens), iron, and anti-inflammatory compounds. It’s really an amazing root vegetable full of health benefits!
Are Radishes Good for Your Gallbladder?
Yes, the radish family vegetables are good for your gallbladder health, because they are rich in folate (folic acid), potassium, dietary fiber, and calcium. Consuming these nutrients often can help you fight gallbladder disease. Traditional medicine has also used black radish to treat gallbladder stones. Additionally, the detoxifying action caused by black radish also helps your liver health!*
Can Black Radish Help Fight Cancer?
In addition to the already mentioned health benefits of consuming black radish, it is thought that it might help prevent cancer. Radish varieties contain antioxidants that can help reduce the risk of several cancers. Adding black radish can therefore be a flavorful addition to your meal, that might also shield you from cancer.
However, cancer is a serious health issue that more and more people are facing. Eating black radish won’t eradicate your risk of cancer, especially if you are smoking or have other such unhealthy habits. And if you have been diagnosed with cancer, you should work with your doctors to find the best treatment plan for you on your journey to being cancer-free. The beauty of black radish is that you can likely add it to your treatment plan without much effort or side effects, but with the hopes of it adding health benefits as you try to battle cancer.*
How Do You Prepare Black Radish?
Organic black radish is great in various ways. You can use this whole food raw – just slice it thin and mix it into salads. Black radish is also great for pickling, if that is something you do. I personally mostly use it in stews, or roasted with various other vegetables. My favorite way to eat it, though, is by cutting it into thin slices, spreading olive oil over it and seasoning it with salt. Then roast it in the oven and either eat it on its own as a type of chips, or as a side dish. Read this post for the exact recipe and step by step. It’s so easy and so delicious! Don’t worry about the serving size, have as much as your heart desires!
Can You Eat The Skin Of Black Radish?
Yes, you absolutely can and should eat the skin of black radish! Don’t waste your time and food by peeling it. Simply wash and enjoy! There really are no waste materials to radishes – eat the skin AND the greens too!
Where Do You Buy Black Radish?
Now that you know about the various health benefits of black radish, you might be wondering how to get some. I personally can’t remember seeing it in the grocery store and always get mine through my CSA (farm share). I HIGHLY recommend you look into getting a CSA too. It’s a wonderful way to support your local farmers, to be environmentally friendly (less packaging, less travel for the veggies to get to you) and it’s actually quite an affordable way to eat fresh, organic vegetables. Once you get used to eating farm-fresh vegetables, you will never go back! (Check out this website to see if you can get a CSA near you.)
However, if you can’t find black radish in your local grocery store (I suggest you check at Wholefoods), then try your local farmer’s market. Your best bet is definitely to find this vegetable in the cooler winter months of the year.
Can I get Black Radish Supplements?
Don’t want to eat black radish all the time, but still get the benefits? There are black radish supplements to be had. Finding vegan ones is a little harder. I’ve personally never had the need to take these supplements, because radishes are a common ingredient in my meals, but I did find this supplement that is both vegan and includes black radish. I have ordered other supplements through this website and have always had great experiences. You can also try black radish extract, though I would recommend you speak to your physician before you start taking either of these.
Can Eating Black Radish Help Me Lose Weight?
Eating black radish root, as well as other cruciferous vegetables, can indeed help you in your weight loss journey.* Honestly, eating vegetables in general will help you with that. Make vegetables a bigger part of your daily meals, and it will likely result in you cutting down on the amount of calories you consume without leaving you feeling hungry. Plus, all the nutrients will help you feel healthier and boost your energy level, which will help you stay more active. It’s a win-win!
In Sum
In conclusion, there are many ways in which black radish can function as a natural remedy to various health conditions, and it has certainly been used as such in folk medicine. Whether you are seeking to boost your immune system (Got a sore throat you want to get rid of?), help your liver function, blood circulation, or even fight hair loss, consuming more black radish (or a variety of radish) is a great way to naturally try and heal from various health conditions. This has been done since ancient times.
*Disclaimer: I am not a doctor or dietician. I have simply spent a lot of time researching vegetables, healthy vegan meals and lifestyle, and have written the above to the best of my knowledge. Do consult to your doctor before changing anything radical to your diet or health routine.
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