The radish is already well-known for its strong yet refreshing flavor, but it also has a number of health benefits. Here are just a few reasons why the health conscious should be adding more radishes to their diet.
Reducing Cardiovascular Disease
Radishes get their bright red color and many of their health benefits from the flavonoid anthocyanin. Not only have multiple studies linked anthocyanins to reduced incidents of cardiovascular disease, but anthocyanins also have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Radishes are also rich in vitamin C, which are important in keeping cholesterol levels in check and strengthening blood vessel walls.
Radishes and Preventing Urinary Tract Infections
Radishes are naturally diuretic, which makes them ideal for preventing and even healing urinary tract infections. Radish juice can also help ease the burning many people feel when they have bladder and urinary tract infections.
Lowering Blood Pressure
Radishes are high in potassium, which can relax blood vessels and improve blood flow. This in turn lowers blood pressure since blood doesn’t have to force itself through narrow vessels.
These are just a few of the many health benefits of eating radishes. The best part about this is that radishes are easy to prepare and put into any meal. They can be sliced up and put into a salad, cut up julienne style and added to a risotto for a tangy crunch or just eaten raw as a snack. You can even roast them for about 20 minutes with some butter and lemon juice if you want to try something really new. No matter how you choose to prepare and eat radishes, you will be reaping the benefits of these tasty vegetables.
