Benefits of radish

Botanical Name: Raphanus sativus. Radish originates from the word for root in Roman—‘radix’. It belongs to the Cruciferae family as does mustard –that may explain the taste. Though the name originates from the Roman word, it was used around 700 BC in China. There is no documentary evidence to show how it reached across to Egypt and Greece. The radish was so much revered in ancient Greece, that gold replicas were offered to God Apollo; and its use in Egypt before the building of the pyramids has been documented.

The radish was an important part of the Pharaoh’s diet and the workers building the pyramids too were fed on it. This reveals that it mainly was used for its healing properties and not as a vegetable. The Chinese introduced the radish to Japan where it is still a popular vegetable. They were grown in England around 1500 and they in turn introduced it to their colonies.

The radish is a good source of vitamin C, antioxidants and glucosinolates.

Radish has a lot of benefits:-

• It is low in calories and hence beneficial for those trying to reduce weight
• Provides protection from cancer.
• Improves digestive function to balances the thyroid function
• Cures acidity and flatulence
• Cures constipation
• Cures jaundice
• Eliminates bad breath
• Cures skin diseases like ringworms and eczema
• Purifies blood and cures itching
• Keeps the face and body glowing with a smooth texture eliminating wrinkles, black spots, pimples and freckles.
• Prevents the formation of kidney stones and gallstones and eliminates them
• Alleviates pain and cures urinary infection
• Relieves menstrual pain.
• Eliminates intestinal worms.
• Ensures the body remains active by getting rid of the lethargic feeling.

So do not miss out on a radish a day it will keep us as active, healthy and alert as a rabbit!