A post about RADISH because radish is awesome, and I mean, look at how cute radishes are.

A bit of history: the word radish originates from the Latin word “radix” that means “root”. And its biological name Raphanus in Greek translates to “quickly appearing”. Hence, the name radish and the biological nameRaphanus Sativus. The history of radishes dates back to China to 700 BC, who gave them as a mark of goodwill to the Japanese where it became the most preferred vegetable. The pharaohs of ancient Egypt were the next to cultivate them and historical writings show that they were being used even before the Egyptian pyramids were raised up. Even the ancient Greece wasn’t left behind and they revered the value of it so much that replicas made of gold were being offered to God Apollo. It was introduced in England in 1500 AD and slowly spread around the rest of the world.

Benefits:

• Radish has a high content of an important vitamin, vitamin C, which works in the body to rebuild tissues, blood vessels, maintains healthy bones and teeth, increases the immunity of the body, and helps fight against various diseases. This vitamin is also known to have anti-oxidant properties and is reported to fight the cellular damage and reducing the risk of cancerous formations.

• Radish has excellent detoxifier properties, it is good for the liver, and is found to be extremely useful for jaundice patients as it helps remove bilirubin and also checks its production at the same time. Black radish and radish leaves are known to be very effective in the treatment of jaundice. Further, it checks the damage of red blood cells by increasing the supply of fresh oxygen in the blood.

• Radish is full of indigestible carbohydrates or roughage. This not only facilitates a healthy digestion, retains water, cures constipation and gives relief from piles, but also helps in weight loss as it doesn’t add many calories to your system and still satisfies your hunger by filling your stomach.

• Radish, being diuretic in nature, cures inflammation and burning sensation during urinating and helps a great deal in getting rid of any urinary disorders by cleaning the kidneys and urinary systems.

• Sodium is known to raise blood pressure above normal and components like potassium, calcium and manganese are known to lower it. Radish is high on potassium, low on sodium, and is also a good source of calcium and manganese, which means that regular consumption of radish helps in regulating blood pressure levels.

• Radish is an excellent food source for people suffering from breathing disorders, such as asthma or bronchitis, by relieving congestion from within the respiratory system.

• Along with vitamin C, radish offers folate, B vitamins, and vitamin K as well as essential minerals that include manganese, magnesium, calcium, iron, phosphorous, copper and zinc.