Radish

It is an annual or biennial plant grown for its large, succulent root. The edible part of the root, together with some of the seedling stem, forms a structure, varying in shape from spherical through oblong to long cylindrical or tapered. The outside colour of the root varies from white through pink to red, purple and black; the size of the edible fruit varies from a few grams to 2 kg. The seeds are borne in a pod called a silicle.

The small quick growing spring varieties have a mildly crisp, moderately firm flesh and are quickly perishable. The large slow growing summer and winter types have pungent, firm flesh. Winter varieties can be stored throughout the winter. The common radish is probably of oriental origin. The roots are usually eaten raw or cooked and the young tops are shredded and added to salads and curry.

Radish contains vitamin C in plenty and appreciable amounts of vitamin B1 and G, iron, potassium, sodium and magnesium which heal and soothe the mucous membranes. The juice of fresh radishes including the top is too potent to be taken alone. It should be mixed with carrot juice in order to have the effect of soothing and healing the membranes and cleansing the body of the mucus.

Benefit and uses of Radish.

• Radish is one of the richest sources of iron, calcium and sodium of all the common vegetables. Radish leaves have more calcium, phosphorus, Vitamin C and protein.
• The leaves of radish are diuretic, antiscorbutic and laxative.
• The vitamin C in radishes is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and has been shown to have a positive effect on asthma symptoms because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Potassium can help lower your risk of kidney stones and strokes, and radishes along a diet high in other fruits and vegetables can significantly lower your risk of multiple sclerosis.
• The juice has been used in the treatment of cholelithiasis as an aid in preventing the formation of biliary calculi.
• The juice of the fresh radish leaves is diuretic and laxative.
• The leaves have been used since those times to clean wounds. Olive leaves lower blood pressure and help to improve the function of the circulatory system.
• Radish are mildly diuretic and may be used to treat conditions such as cystitis. Possessing some ability to lower blood sugar levels, the leaves have been taken for diabetes.