Radishes

Radishes

By: Christian Dischler

Ever wonder what secrets these little root vegetables hold for our health?

Within their crimson spectrum is a variety of health benefits that are more than enough reason to incorporate these spicy veggies into your Spring time diet.  Today, we’ll be looking at the two components to radishes: the root bulb and the greens (or tops). 
Radish bulbs come in many shapes and sizes. 

Radish bulbs come in many shapes and sizes. Ranging from the small watermelon radish, to the elongated and light daikon radish. Found in specialty dishes, like kimchi, or in a more casual setting like garnish on a fresh salad, these bulbous veggies are wonderful helpers to our bodies. They’re cruciferous vegetables and contain a healthy amount of sulfur, iron and iodine. 

These minerals assist our bodies by acting as a natural pesticide which works to kill intestinal parasites. They also preserve the cleanliness of our arteries by creating a barrier in blood vessels to prevent plaque build-up.  This cardiovascular support leads to a healthier you by preventing heart disease and increasing good cholesterol, while reducing bad cholesterol. Radish skin repels almost every cancer type, while simultaneously restoring your kidney, liver, pancreas and spleen. Talk about a lot of help from a little root!

The tops of radishes have a case for being the most thrown away veggie component of all time. 

The tops of radishes have a case for being the most thrown away veggie component of all time. They’re often left to rot, when in fact they’re full of wonderful benefits for our bodies. They’re considered the second most naturally occurring prebiotic. On top of that title, they’re packed with minerals, phytochemicals, vitamins and antioxidants that help fight cancer. 

The tops of radishes have a case for being the most thrown away veggie component of all time. They’re often left to rot, when in fact they’re full of wonderful benefits for our bodies. They’re considered the second most naturally occurring prebiotic. On top of that title, they’re packed with minerals, phytochemicals, vitamins and antioxidants that help fight cancer. 

Next time you’re browsing the local market grab a radish bundle to take home and experiment with. Try them raw on a salad to keep their spicy flavor profile intact. Or roast them with some garlic oil and herbs to calm down their pepperiness. And don’t forget to save the greens! Rinse them off and add them into a chopped salad, or sauté them quickly like you would spinach. Your body will thank you.

rumchatta eggnog recipe

Rumchata Eggnog

Ingredients 4 eggs, separated 3 tsp granulated sugar 3 cups whole milk 6 ounces Rumchata 1 tsp nutmeg 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Read More »
Eating the rainbow - red, orange, green, blue

Eating The Rainbow!

By:Amber Arevalos Nothing is more naturally beautiful than a rainbow. Believe it or not, there are foods of every color in the rainbow. From vibrant

Read More »

Breaking Bad Habits

Are you looking to break a few bad habits this year?  Ready to keep those end-of-the-year resolutions and lifestyle changes that will make you happier,

Read More »

What is Hospice?

Hospice is a comprehensive program of medical care and support for people dealing with end-of-life issues. The hospice philosophy is based on the ideas that

Read More »

Facing Baldness Head-On

September is Alopecia Awareness Month. If you would like to donate to NAAF or read more about Deirdre’s journey with alopecia areata, please visit support.naaf.org/deirdrenero.

Read More »