Radishes have been a part of the Western diet since at least ancient Greece, where they were highly regarded. Radishes can be red, white or black and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. You can cook radishes, but they are generally served raw as a crudite or as an ingredient in fresh salads. They are crisp with a pungent, mustardy bite. Sliced raw radishes contain 2 g of carbohydrates,1 g of sugar and 22.6 mg of sodium per 1/2 cup.
Fiber
One-half cup of raw radish slices contains 1 g of fiber or about 4 percent of your daily fiber needs. Fiber aids digestion and prevents constipation. It also has a role in lowering cholesterol and maintaining proper blood sugar levels. A high-fiber diet may also help prevent certain colorectal cancers, although the data is mixed, notes MayoClinic.com. Fiber helps you feel full after a meal -- an especially nice benefit considering a 1/2 cup of radishes contains only 10 calories.
Vitamin C
Radishes are surprisingly rich in vitamin C. One-half cup of sliced raw radish supplies 14 percent of your daily vitamin C needs. Vitamin C supports your immune system and helps your body repair damaged tissue. It's an important antioxidant as well. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, antioxidants may help slow the aging process and contribute to the prevention of arthritis, heart disease and certain cancers.
Folate
Folate, which is folic acid in its natural form, is an essential nutrient for pregnant women and women intending to conceive. According to the National Institutes of Health, folate helps prevent certain spinal abnormalities that can occur during the first trimester of pregnancy. Folate is also important for preventing certain types of anemia. A half cup of radish slices contains 4 percent of your daily folate needs.
Potassium
One-half cup of raw radish slices provides 4 percent of your daily potassium needs. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure and also helps your muscles recover from stress. Low potassium due to dietary deficiencies is rare, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, but can cause heart arrhythmia as well as fatigue and muscle weakness.
References
- USDA Nutrients Database: Radishes, Raw
- Fruits and Veggies Matter: Vegetable of the Month: Radish
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid); Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD,; June 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Potassium; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; May 2009
- National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Folate
- MayoClinic.com; Dietary Fiber -- Essential for a Healthy Diet
Member Comments