Radish is a versatile, quick-growing vegetable that can be grown in a variety of climates. Radishes come in numerous varieties that can be grown at different times of the year, so you can enjoy some type of this vegetable at any time. Having radishes on hand can be beneficial, as this type of vegetable offers numerous health benefits. No matter what your fitness or nutritional goals, radishes can be a healthy addition to your diet.
Calories
Radishes can be good for you because they are low in calories. A 100g serving of radishes contains just 16 calories, which makes this vegetable ideal for dieting. Radishes are significantly lower in calories than other vegetables; a 100g jacket potato contains 136 calories. If you began eating 100g of radish per day instead of 100g of potatoes, you'd reduce your weekly calorie intake by 840, enough to lose nearly 1/4 of a pound from that dietary change alone.
Fat
Radishes are low in fat, with just .1g in each 100g serving. Radishes do not contain any saturated fat or trans fat, which are types of fat that can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. Although no food can guarantee a lifetime free of cardiovascular disease, maintaining a diet full of foods low in, or devoid of, saturated and trans fat can promote heart health.
Fiber
Although radishes are relatively low in carbohydrates--each 100g serving contains just 3.4g--the vegetable is rich in fiber, as nearly half of the carbohydrates in radishes come from fiber. Dietary fiber is a nutrient that promotes numerous health benefits, including stable blood sugar levels, healthy cholesterol levels and regular bowel movements.
Potassium
Radishes are rich in potassium, a nutrient that is required for optimal health because it facilitates contraction of your muscles. Potassium may also aid in reducing blood pressure and promoting bone health, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Calcium
Radishes are healthy because they are rich in calcium, a nutrient that promotes strong teeth and bones. Some research also suggests that increased calcium intake can have other benefits; a study from the December 2010 edition of "Biological and Trace Element Research" indicates that calcium can increase testosterone levels.
Vitamin C
Radishes are rich in vitamin C, a nutrient that promotes a variety of health benefits. Vitamin C helps heal wounds, produce scar tissue and protects your body from free radical damage.
References
- University of Illinois Extension: Radish
- USDA National Nutrient Database: Radishes, Raw
- LIVESTRONG.COM MyPlate: Calories in 100g Jacket Potato
- PubMed Health; Tips for Losing Weight; October 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Dietary fats: Know which types to choose; February 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Dietary fiber: Essential for a healthy diet; November 2009
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