Phosphorus, protein, sodium, iron, calcium and magnesium, nicotinic acid, vitamins C, B1, B6 and B12. And all this is in a small radish. This vegetable can be baked, cooked into soups, made salads or added to okroshka. Even radish leaves can be used to prepare delicious meals. This root vegetable is especially popular in the spring, when the body is deficient in vitamins. What other useful properties does radish have and why it should be included in your diet during quarantine, said gastroenterologist Anna Komarova.
Protects against viral diseases and strengthens the immune system.
“Radish is valuable because it contains natural antibiotics - phytoncides, which protect the respiratory system from viruses and infections. The spicy-tasting vegetable relieves the body of excess mucus, which is especially useful for colds, sore throats and asthma. Moreover, radish soothes sore throat. "
Improves metabolism and digestion.
“Radishes are high in fiber, which helps normalize bowel function. This root vegetable promotes the elimination of toxins from the body and has a cleansing effect on the digestive system, and also effectively fights nausea and disorders. The recommended intake of radishes is 200-300 grams twice a week. Children can be given from 2 years old, but it is very careful to introduce this product into the diet. "Prevents vitamin deficiency.
“There is a lot of vitamin C in radishes, especially in tubers. A bunch of radishes can replenish the daily requirement of this vitamin by 50%. The vegetable also contains B vitamins, vitamin PP and minerals: sodium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and most of all - iron. "
Promotes weight loss.
“This is a dietary product that perfectly satisfies hunger and normalizes metabolism. Radish is a low-calorie product: 100 grams - only 20 kilocalories. But at the same time, it contains a large number of nutrients. In addition, radishes are rich in fiber and valuable trace elements, making them an ideal dietary supplement. However, you should not eat this vegetable at night, as the essential oils contained in it increase the appetite. The best time to consume is breakfast or lunch. "
Strengthens the cardiovascular system.
“The high concentration of potassium in radishes helps lower blood pressure and helps improve blood flow. Anthocyanins, which are part of the root vegetable, reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. "
Experts from the Useful Program recommend eating not only the rhizome, but also the tops of radish, as it also has beneficial properties. From the leaves of the plant, you can prepare soups, side dishes and salads, as well as add to meat when stewing.
But some people should still stop eating radishes. “It is important to remember that this root crop has a number of contraindications,” says Anna Komarova. - Because of the large amount of essential oils in its composition, radish is not recommended for people with diseases of the gallbladder, pancreas and liver, as well as for gout and gastritis.
According to the agronomist Grigory Ivanov, you need to choose radishes very carefully in the spring so as not to buy a root crop, not only without nutrients, but also with a large amount of nitrates. What to look for when choosing a radish:- Healthy and healthy radishes should have a smooth and even surface without cracks. If you have black spots, you should not buy radishes: the process of decay has already begun in it.
- It is advisable to buy fruits with tops. With green and juicy tops, you can be sure that the radishes are fresh.
- It is worth touching the fruit when choosing, make sure that it does not slip under your fingers. If the fruit is soft, it means that the radish is either overripe or already lying and sluggish.
“Do not buy large-diameter radishes: there is a possibility that chemical fertilizers were used in their cultivation,” explains Grigory Ivanov. - Elongated fruits most often contain more nitrates than round ones, this must also be taken into account when choosing. Before eating, radishes can be soaked in salt water for half an hour, this helps to get rid of harmful substances. "
For even more helpful advice about radishes, check out the Quality of Life Talk Show Useful Program
