The radish is a spicy vegetable often relegated to a salad ingredient or categorized as a component of Asian cuisine. Radish enthusiasts would probably say it deserves the respect its cruciferous relatives cabbage and kale often receive. The flavor and texture of radishes harvested in cool weather after an approximate 30-day growing period are so pleasant they can be eaten plain. And their healthy nutritional value provides several dietary benefits, including serving as a source of vitamins.
Vitamin C
A 1-cup serving of sliced radishes provides 17 mg of vitamin C, or 28 mg of the 60 mg daily value established by the Food and Drug Administration. A mild vitamin C deficiency permeates American society, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Obtaining at least 60 mg is necessary, and stress increases its requirement. Adding radishes to a bagel and cream cheese in the morning provides an additional opportunity to meet your body's vitamin C needs.
Folic Acid
The folic acid content in 1 cup of radishes is 29 mcg, or 7 percent of the 400 mcg daily value. Folic acid is a B vitamin that forms red blood cells and constructs DNA. Adding radishes to your diet is a measure women planning to become pregnant can take to help prevent neural tube defects that develop when the nutrient is lacking during fetal development.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is abundantly available for most people, because the healthy bacteria in the intestines create it. People sensitive to intestinal imbalances and nutrient absorption issues can bolster their vitamin K reserves by including radishes in their diet. A 1-cup serving of sliced radishes provides 1.5 mcg of vitamin K, or 2 percent of the 80 mcg daily value. As with all fat-soluble vitamins, your body can compensate for occasional dietary shortages of vitamin K by reaching into its stores of this vitamin.
Vitamin B-6
The vitamin B-6 content in 1 cup of radishes is .08 mg, or 4 percent of the 2 mg daily value. Vitamin B-6 is a nutrient your body needs to disassemble protein. The amount of protein in your diet roughly determines the requirement of vitamin B-6. Radishes complement high-protein foods. Adding a side of radish and cabbage cole slaw provides a nutritional complement to grilled beef or poultry.
Member Comments