India is blessed with plenty of delicious vegetables. Each of them possesses a unique nutritional profile that is important for the smooth functioning of our body. Some of them are available year-round, while the rest can be enjoyed in different seasons. Since now we are enjoying autumn, some of the most popular vegetables of this moment are beet, turnip, cauliflower, mustard, moringa, and radish.
Speaking particularly about radish, this is a root vegetable that has a spicy, pungent, and zesty flavour along with a crisp and crunchy texture. Relished in a variety of ways, it is very popular across the country. This versatile vegetable can be consumed in salads, parathas, curry, chutney, sambar, poriyal, soup, pickles, and so on.
Here are seven reasons to include radish in your daily diet:
Supports Digestion
Fibre is an essential nutrient to maintain a healthy digestive system. According to HealthifyMe, one cup of raw radish contains approximately 1.9 grams of fibre. Consuming this vegetable daily can prevent acid reflux, constipation, gastric ulcers, irritable bowel movements, and other digestive disorders.
Lowers Risk Of Diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes, then this vegetable is a great addition to your diet. According to WebMD, radishes are high in chemical compounds like glucosinolate and isothiocyanate that help regulate blood sugar levels. It is also known to improve liver function and detoxify harmful toxins.
Improves Skin
Vitamin C is a vital nutrient to maintain healthy skin, and radish is blessed abundantly with this antioxidant. According to HealthifyMe, it improves skin elasticity by forming collagen in the body. Folate and vitamin B6 fight against the free radicals that cause oxidative damage. Besides these benefits, radish is extremely hydrating as well.
Lowers Blood Pressure
According to HealthifyMe, radish contains a decent amount of potassium, which is known for managing diabetes. This mineral balances the fluids in the body and helps to bring blood pressure to a normal level. The compounds present in radish are also known to strengthen the blood vessel walls.
Boosts Immunity
As mentioned earlier, radish is loaded with vitamin C, which not only improves skin health but also boosts immunity. It is an important nutrient for tissue growth and repair as well. This powerful antioxidant can help reduce the risk of several seasonal illnesses, like the flu and the common cold.
Weight Loss
Radishes have a high content of fibre and water, which makes them perfect for adding to your weight-loss diet. Besides this, it is also low in calories. According to WebMD, one cup of sliced radish contains only 18 calories. For the best results, try to incorporate this vegetable in raw form into your meals.
Good For The Heart
This root vegetable is high in vitamin C and minerals like calcium and potassium, which regulate blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. According to WebMD, radish is an ideal source of natural nitrates that improve blood vessel function and enhance the flow of blood.