A member of the Brassicaceae family, the radish is a root vegetable that originates from China. Although people use different types of radishes for cooking or pickling, they are also popular juicing vegetables. Since ancient times, folk medicine utilized radishes for different conditions, including the regulation of bile production. Although some limited studies show that radishes may have some beneficial properties, such as antioxidant effects, no conclusive scientific evidence exists for radish's efficacy in these uses.
Nutritional Benefits of Radishes
Radishes, which are good sources of various nutrients, vitamins and minerals, come in a variety of types, including red globe, daikon and black radish. While the red globe variety is a source of the nutrients potassium, molybdenum and folic acid, all radish types and their leaves can be good sources of vitamin C. The nutritional content of 3.5 oz. of raw radish root contains 233mg of potassium, 25mg of calcium, 14.8mg of vitamin C and many other nutrients, according to Elements4Health.com.
To make radish root juice, you can either remove the red skin and use the white part only or use the entire root. Because this juice may be strong, it may be beneficial to mix it with other juices, such as carrot or apple, suggests the website Juicing Book.
Radishes May Lower Cholesterol
A limited study on the antioxidant effects of black radish juice in rats with hyperlipidemia seems to indicate that it may lower lipid levels, according to a July 2005 scientific study in "Phytotherapy Research." Although scientists evidenced the beneficial effects of black radish juice in hyperlipidemic rats, it is not clear how the active substances in black radish play a role in the metabolism of lipids. Results from this recent study may show that radishes may potentially be effective for lowering lipid levels, including cholesterol. However, more studies are necessary.
Radish Juice for Gallbladder and Jaundice
Used in folk medicine and Ayurvedic medicine, black radish juice is purportedly useful for the gallbladder. Radish may be good for gallbladder health because they have chemicals and enzymes that help regulation of bile production, explains Organic Facts.
An Ayurvedic remedy for jaundice, a condition associated with an excess of bilirubin in the body, uses the extracted juice from radish leaves. Adults with jaundice should take a 1/2 L of this juice for a period of about 10 days, suggests AyurvedicCure.com.
Other Purported Benefits of Radish Juice
Radish juice may also be beneficial for ailments that include skin disorders, liver, respiratory problems, constipation, obesity and sinus congestion associated with colds, according to the website Organic Facts.
A radish juice cocktail, prepared by mixing equal parts of cucumber, radish and green pepper juices, may be beneficial for sinus congestion, gallbladder and liver health, notes Health-Care-Clinic.org.
Although radish and radish leaves have been used in many folk remedies and Ayurvedic medicine to treat different ailments, there is no conclusive scientific evidence for its use as treatment for any of these medical conditions. Before using herbal remedies, juices or other alternative treatments for any medical condition, you should seek the advice of your doctor.
References
- CDC: Fruits & Vegetables of the Month: Radish
- "Phytotherapy Research": Antioxidant Effect of Squeezed Juice From Black Radish (Raphanus sativus L. var niger) in Alimentary Hyperlipidaemia in Rats; July 2005
- Elements4Health: The Health Benefits of Radishes
- Juicing Book: Radish Juice
- Organic Facts: Health Benefits of Radish
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