Green radish: health benefits and harms

Green or Chinese radish is one of the varieties of the more famous black radish, which is the richest source of nutrients for human health. It plays an important role in cooking, and is also often found in traditional medicine recipes. The homeland of green radish is China and Japan.

What is the difference between green and black radish

Both of these subspecies are representatives of a single genus Raphanus, and have several differences in color and potential health effects.

The mature root root of the black radish is characterized by a rounded shape (sometimes oval), its maximum weight can reach 2 kg, but the average weight does not exceed 300-500 g. Black radish is called only because of the characteristic skin tone, because its flesh is white. It has a spicy taste with a little bitterness, which is provided by its constituent components. In cooking, the fetus is most often used in fresh or pickled form. Less often it is baked or boiled.

In green radish, on the contrary, the fruit differs in an oblong shape, sometimes it is round. The hue of the skin is different: from pale green to pink. Some of its subspecies may resemble radishes, only larger ones. The pulp has a delicate, neutral taste, because of which it is most often used in salads.

Which radish is more useful: black or green

What is useful black radish:

1. A high concentration of dietary fiber improves the digestive tract.
2. It is an effective remedy against puffiness, stones in the gall and bladder.
3. An increased concentration of potassium salts will be useful for cardiovascular problems and high cholesterol.
4. The essential oils included in the composition act as an antibacterial agent, indirectly suppressing pathogenic microflora.

The benefits for the body of the Chinese (green) radish:

1. Stimulation of the generation of gastric juice.
2. Improving the functioning of the endocrine and nervous system due to thiamine.
3. Withdrawal of cholesterol (due to fiber).
4. Enrichment of the body with vitamins and macronutrients in the period of insufficient amounts of vitamins from food.
5. Normalization of hair condition.

The black variety has a wider spectrum of positive effects on the body, but it can also carry potential harm to the gallbladder and digestive organs if consumed in unlimited quantities. In particular, it increases acidity and is characterized by an increased choleretic effect.

Composition and calorie content

In 100 g of green radish - 32 kcal. At the same time, proteins account for 1.9 g, for fats - 0.3 g, for carbohydrates - 6.5 g. It is considered a real storehouse of vitamins, micro- and microelements, indispensable for the full implementation of all internal processes. It contains a high concentration of B vitamins, vitamin A, nicotinic acid, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, sulfur, essential amino acids, essential oils and fiber for the body.

Useful properties of green radish

General benefit

The root vegetable should definitely be added to the diet with a decrease in appetite, since it not only stimulates the appetite, but also performs the function of digestive enzymes - improves the digestion of food and the assimilation of all the beneficial substances present in it. With moderate consumption, Chinese radish helps in the fight against various pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, eliminates constipation.

Due to vitamin A, which is part of the green radish, it is worth paying attention to people suffering from vision problems. It also plays a key role in the full functioning of the nervous system.

The volatile phytoncides in combination with the choleretic effect make the vegetable an excellent tool in the prevention and control of helminths. In addition, 100 g of radish contains 1/3 of the body's daily requirement for vitamin C. It not only strengthens the immune system, but is also an excellent antioxidant that slows down the aging process.

For women

A huge plus of green radish is that it belongs to the category of low-calorie, so women can safely add it to the diet without fear of gaining extra pounds. Thanks to nicotinic acid, which is responsible for metabolic processes, the product helps to improve the condition of hair, nails and skin.

For men

One of the properties of radish that is relevant specifically for men's health is an increase in testosterone and the fight against prostatitis. But to achieve the desired results, it is advisable to use it regularly (at least several times a week). It cleanses blood vessels and strengthens the heart, indirectly protecting against a heart attack. Phytoncides will be useful for men who are actively involved in sports or physical labor, as they relieve pain and inflammatory processes in the muscles.

During pregnancy

Radish is recommended for use by women in position, since it can act as a safe laxative. The main thing is to eat it only in a limited amount and not every day, since the root crop can also greatly reduce the tone of the uterus, causing a miscarriage. It can also be useful in edema, which affects a large number of pregnant women.

When breastfeeding

When breast-feeding a baby, doctors recommend temporarily setting aside green radish, as it can change the taste of milk. And this can lead to the fact that the baby refuses food.

For children

Children under 3 years of age should not be given a radish, since it damages the mucous membrane and can stimulate increased gas formation due to sulfur. This will lead to a breakdown in digestion or an allergic reaction. Older children are better off not giving radish with the following problems:

1. Cardiac tachycardia and arrhythmia.
2. Kidney disease (chronic or acute).
3. Digestive problems (pancreatitis, colitis, gastritis, stomach ulcers or 12 duodenal ulcers).
4. With oxaluria and uraturia (purines in radishes can aggravate the disease).

In other cases, the product is allowed for children, it is especially effective in combating diseases of the nasopharynx, with coughing, and also as maintenance therapy during the flu or colds.

When losing weight

Those who set themselves the goal of losing weight should pay attention to the radish, since one of its strengths is the activation of metabolism. Accelerating metabolic processes will help in getting rid of body fat. At the same time, the root crop does not belong to the category of “empty” - it has enough vitamins for daily saturation of the body.

On the basis of green radish, you can make a salad with celery, carrots and cucumber, and use olive oil, lemon juice or natural yogurt as a dressing. The use of such salads will contribute to the full cleansing of the body, the removal of toxins and toxins.

The benefits of green radish juice

In addition to using as an additive to salads or main dishes, you can make natural juice from radish. It is widely used for therapeutic purposes, but to achieve a healing effect it must be prepared strictly according to a specific recipe. It is necessary to take the largest root crop and squeeze the core out of it.The result should be a small notch. It is necessary to add natural honey to it, which will contribute to the allocation of juice from radish.

If you have a powerful juicer from green radish, you can also get juice by squeezing. But for this, only an expensive screw-type apparatus suitable for working with root crops is suitable.

Juice is no less useful than the root crop itself. Most often it is used as lotions, in the fight against skin diseases, suppuration and eczema. This is due to its bactericidal properties. With equal dilution with water, it can be used in the treatment of inflammation of the upper respiratory tract.

Green radish juice also has a strong choleretic effect. To do this, it must be diluted in advance with water in a ratio of 1: 3. The allowable volume that you can drink during the day is 0.5 liters. It is advisable to start with small dosages (from 50 ml daily increasing the amount).

Green radish in medicine

Traditional medicine constantly uses this root crop in the fight against various diseases.

With diabetes

Many people wonder if radish can be used for diabetes? Since its glycemic index is only 12 units, its content in the diet of people with diabetes, both the first and second types, is acceptable. The root crop accelerates metabolic processes, contributes to the slow entry of glucose into the blood, gently stabilizes pressure and increases hemoglobin (thanks to the iron that is part of it). In combination with other vegetables, radish will make the taste of the dish bright and rich, while it perfectly satisfies hunger. The optimal amount of product per day is no more than 100 grams. The frequency of admission is no more than 2-3 days a week.

People with diabetes can use the following recipe based on green radish. To prepare it, you need 3 kg of root vegetables and 550 ml of vodka. Grind the radish on a coarse grater, pass through a meat grinder or puree in a blender. Pour the resulting slurry with vodka. Pour into a jar and remove to insist for 1.5 months. After it is necessary to take 25 ml of the obtained product 3-4 times a day.

With gastritis

Gastritis is one of the diseases in which it is worth removing green radish from the diet. Despite the bactericidal effect, it will stimulate the production of gastric juice, which can only aggravate the course of the disease.

With gout

Radish has a positive effect on the joints, relieves soreness. It removes excess salt from the body, an excessive amount of which often leads to joint inflammation. Therefore, it is advisable to use it not only as a prophylactic against gout, but also as part of a comprehensive treatment of the disease.

With gout, it can be used both externally, in the form of lotions, and inside. In the first case, 120-130 ml of fresh root juice, 120 ml of vodka and 50 g of salt will be required. Radish must be grated and squeezed well to obtain juice from the pulp, then pour it with vodka and mix with salt (it should completely dissolve). In the resulting solution, moisten cotton or a cotton pad and attach it to the affected area of ​​the body. Leave for half an hour.

Radish juice can also be drunk. Its use in gout is the ability to normalize the exchange of purine bases, which provoke similar problems with joints.

For the liver

With inflammatory processes in the liver, green radish is contraindicated, since it can enhance the course of the disease. Under normal conditions, the root crop helps cleanse the blood and removes decay products from the body, reducing part of the load on the liver.

Against cough

This is one of the most common ways to use radish. Due to its bactericidal properties, it has established itself as an effective tool in the fight against chronic cough. To do this, it is necessary to cut off the top of the fetus, in the center make a recess in which it is necessary to pour honey.Leave for 7 hours, during which time juice begins to stand out from the radish. It should be consumed in small portions (1 tsp. 3 times a day).

Recipes of traditional medicine based on green radish

1. With bruises and burns, the radish can be used externally. To do this, a small amount of pulp needs to be chopped on a coarse grater and applied to the damaged area. Leave on for 30 minutes. The process must be repeated several times a day.
2. In case of edema, the following recipe is suitable: for 500 grams of fetal pulp, 1 liter of pure water and 1 tsp will be required. salt. Pass the radish through a meat grinder, add water and add salt. The resulting composition should be boiled for 10 minutes, cooled and consumed instead of water.
3. The peel of the radish contains 2 times more vitamin C than the flesh, so on its basis you can prepare an excellent drink to enhance immunity. To prepare it, you need to very carefully wash the peel, subtly remove it from the fruit and pour boiling water. The resulting tool improves the condition for colds and flu better than many pharmaceutical drugs.
4. A very effective grind can be prepared from green radish, but it is advisable to use it only for adults. For its preparation, the pulp of the root crop (no more than 200 g) will be required, vodka - 150 ml and 1 tsp. honey (it is better to take acacia or May). Mix everything and stand at room temperature for 2 days. The resulting infusion can rub the chest in case of bronchitis or flu.

Green radish in cosmetology

This affordable product is also widely used for cosmetic purposes. Based on it, natural masks are prepared that improve the complexion and relieve minor skin problems.

Nourishing mask

For its preparation, a small root crop will be required. It needs to be grated and combined 3 tbsp. the resulting mass with the same amount of fat sour cream. Add 1 tsp. honey, mix thoroughly. The mask must be applied to the face with a thin layer and left for 10 minutes. After applying a second layer and leave for another 5 minutes. Wash off with warm water.

Mask for removing oily face shine

Beat three chicken yolks and add 3 tablespoons to them. radish, chopped on a fine grater. Stir the components and apply on the face, leave the mask for 20 minutes. Remove the residue with tonic, warm water or a cotton pad soaked in green tea.

Anti-aging mask

This mask is suitable for those who are looking for an affordable tool to combat aging skin. To make it, you need 30 ml of aloe juice, the same amount of natural green tea and 4 tbsp. grated pulp of green radish. The components must be mixed until a homogeneous composition is applied and applied to the face, hold for at least 15 minutes. The mask can be washed off with plain warm water.

For oily hair

Based on this variety of radish, you can prepare a mask that eliminates the oily sheen of hair. This will require:

• 2 tbsp nettles;
• 1 liter of water;
• 50 ml of fresh radish juice.

Pour nettles with boiling water and leave to insist. Strain, after adding the radish juice. Rub into roots or use as a rinse aid after each hair wash.

For sensitive skin

To soothe irritated skin and eliminate dryness, you can prepare a mask of pulp of Chinese radish, 1 coffee spoon of lemon juice and 1 tsp. olive oil. The radish should first be washed, peeled and ground on a grater, mixed with other components and applied to the face, left for 15 minutes.

Harm and contraindications

Despite the enormous benefits that green radish can bring for human health, in some cases it is worth giving up. It is strictly prohibited for use with stomach ulcers and 12-gut, with gastritis with high acidity, inflammation of the large and small intestines, problems with the genitourinary system and gall bladder.

How to choose and store green radish

A good, ripe radish will always have a small tail. Her skin should be solid, without any damage.When pressing on the root crop, the finger should not sag, since a good radish should be solid. If it is not used for cooking, but for squeezing juice, it is better to buy larger fruits. This simplifies the process of obtaining it.

Like any other vegetables, radish loves rooms prepared in advance for storage. Therefore, you must do the following:

1. Protect the basement or pantry from potential rodent entry.
2. Disinfect all surfaces to prevent mold.
3. Dry the room and ventilate it.
4. If the root crop will be stored on an earthen floor, it is better to place it in small boxes or baskets filled with dried river sand 3-5 cm thick.

Before harvesting the cellar, each root crop must be checked for damage, rot or disease. In winter, this must be done again, and in case of any defects, the damaged fruit must be discarded. Radish should not be stored next to apples and pears.

If the root crop has been frostbite, it is deformed, there are cracks or rot on the surface, it can not be removed for storage. Too large or small fruits are also better not to leave for the winter.

What can be cooked from green radish: recipes

In addition to the fact that radish is an excellent source of a huge number of macro- and microelements, it also has a characteristic taste, which makes even everyday salads original at first glance.

Radish, fresh cucumber and carrot salad

To prepare a simple and simultaneous healthy salad you will need:

• carrots - 2 pcs.;
• green radish - 2 pcs.;
• cucumber - 1 pc.;
• boiled chicken egg - 1 pc.;
• lettuce - to taste;
• garlic - 2 cloves;
• sour cream 15% - 3 tbsp;
• salt / pepper - to taste.

Cooking:

1. First of all, we carefully wash all these vegetables, remove the skin from carrots and radishes.
2. Boil the egg to the state of "hard boiled".
3. We rub the whole radish on a grater (ideally you need to use a shredder), put it in a bowl and completely fill it with cold water. We leave it for 10 minutes (all the bitterness from the root crop will go into the water).
4. We squeeze the radish from the water, chop the carrots on a grater, cut the cucumber into strips or into small cubes. Grind the garlic using a press. Tear lettuce leaves by hand, cut the egg into cubes.
5. We mix all the ingredients in a large bowl or salad bowl, season with sour cream, salt or pepper.

Green radish, cheese and garlic salad

The preparation of this salad involves a minimum of components and time-consuming. To do this, take the following ingredients:

• hard cheese - 100 g;
• green radish - 2 pcs.;
• garlic - 2 cloves;
• mayonnaise - 100 g;
• dill and parsley - 3 branches (for decoration).

The process involves the following sequence of actions:

1. Wash the radish from the dirt, peel it, grind it and soak in cold water to remove excess bitterness from it for 10 minutes.
2. Grind hard cheese on exactly the same size grater.
3. Finely chop the garlic or pass through a press.
4. Add cheese, radish and garlic to a bowl, fill with mayonnaise and mix well. We use greens as a decor.

Korean green radish salad

This salad option is suitable for the autumn-winter period and will be an excellent prevention of viral diseases. Its undoubted plus is the available components and the elementary recipe.

What do you need:

• 500-700 g of green radish;
• 15 g of garlic;
• 15 ml of table vinegar;
• 15 ml of vegetable oil;
• 2 g of red hot pepper;
• ground black pepper - on the tip of a knife.

Cooking:

1. Traditionally, we wash the radish, remove the skin from it, grind it on a coarse grater and pour it with vinegar. It will relieve the root vegetable from the characteristic smell and bitterness, and also will not allow it to secrete too much juice when refueling.
2. We shift the finished radish into a bowl, add both types of pepper and chopped garlic to it.
3. Pour all the boiling sunflower oil and mix.

Garnish salad from green radish to barbecue

Those who do not know what to eat barbecue with, should write down the recipe for this salad:

• Tomatoes - 2-3 pcs.;
• white cabbage - 1 kg;
• green radish - 1 pc.;
• onions - 1 pc.;
• greens (dill, parsley) - 1 bunch;
• carrots - 2 pcs.;
• apple bite - 1 tsp;
• sugar - 0.5 tsp;
• vegetable oil - 1 tablespoon;
• salt / pepper - a pinch.

The cooking process is as follows:

1. Peel the carrots and radishes, peel them and grind on a coarse grater.
2. Shred the cabbage and lightly sprinkle with salt, then thoroughly mix.
3. Remove the peel from the onion and cut into half rings.
4. Cut the tomatoes into slices.
5. We wash the greens well and finely chop.
6. We mix all the ingredients in a deep bowl, add sugar and apple cider vinegar to them.

This salad goes well with any type of fried meat, fish. Due to the high concentration of fiber, it will accelerate the digestion and at the same time guarantee a feeling of satiety.

Chicken Salad with Green Radish

A feature of green radish is that it is in perfect harmony with any kind of meat. This recipe uses chicken fillet, but if desired, it can be replaced with boiled veal or beef:

• one small green radish;
• carrots - 2 pcs.;
• chicken fillet - 1 pc.;
• onions - 1 pc.;
• eggs - 3 pcs.;
• sugar - 1 tsp;
• salt - 1 tsp;
• mayonnaise - 60 g.

Cooking:

1. The first thing to do is boil the chicken. Next, we beat all the eggs indicated in the recipe with a whisk and fry the egg pancakes on their basis.
2. Then we proceed to the preparation of vegetables: grind carrots and radishes on a medium grater.
3. We fill the radish with a small amount of salt and knead it with our hands so that it starts up the juice. On the contrary, we add carrots to sugar for a more expressive taste.
4. We chop the onion in half rings and necessarily pour over boiling water. This will remove bitterness from him and add softness.
5. We cut egg pancakes into small strips, meat into small cubes.
6. We shift all the components of the salad into a deep bowl, season with mayonnaise and mix - for this it is advisable to use special devices designed for salad bowls. They will allow you to mix well all the components of the dish, while not distorting them in the process. If necessary, the salad can be additionally decorated with greens.

Green radish also goes well with avocados, tomatoes, apples, sweet peppers and almost any greens (cilantro, parsley and dill). It can solo in a dish or shade other components.

In addition to salads, it can also act as a side dish, but in this case it is advisable to steam it in advance. And you can supplement it with turnips, broccoli, cauliflower or celery. It must first be cut into slices or small circles. In order to give the radish a more expressive taste after such a heat treatment, it is desirable to pour it with soy sauce or balsamic vinegar.

Can animals give green radish

Since a high concentration of vitamins and minerals is noted in green radish, many pet owners wonder if it is possible to feed them with this root crop. The main cause of fear is a possible manifestation of an allergic reaction and severe gas formation.

Experienced dog breeders believe that it is permissible to give animals a radish, but strictly in a limited amount and not every day. For a sample, you can give no more than 1 teaspoon of the product, gradually increasing to 100 g. The final daily volume depends on the weight of the pet, but in the case of radish it is better to give less. Cats do not like green radish too much, but if the animal asks for it, one small piece can be given for testing.

Some breeders give green radish and rabbits. Unlike black, it has a lower concentration of essential oils, due to which its addition does not carry potential harm to the state of the digestive tract of the animal. For rabbits, it is useful in that it improves the condition of fur and skin integument. But it can be introduced into the diet no earlier than from 2 months of age. Enough once a week and no more than 75 g.

Interesting Radish Facts

1. Initially, radish was cultivated in ancient Egypt, after it was actively grown in ancient Greece, where it became a staple food.
2. In Egypt, radish in combination with garlic and onions was the only root crop available to slaves and workers. This is indicated on the corresponding inscription found in the pyramid of Cheops.
3. The root crop appeared for the first time in China and Japan, and it was actively used not only in cooking, but also as an effective drug.
4. The well-known radish is considered a variety of radish.
5. Green radish is a two-year-old crop. In the first year, root crops are obtained, in the second - seeds.
6. Radish - the most popular root crop, found in proverbs and sayings: "tired of the bitter radish," "radish horseradish is not sweeter."

Photo of green radish