Radishes are a very low-calorie root vegetable and a common ingredient in salads. They are well known for a strong, peppery taste that can clear out your sinuses. Radishes are a good source of some vitamins, dietary fiber and antioxidants, but not a great source of most minerals. However, the mineral content of radishes and all other vegetables and fruits is dependent on the quality of soil. Furthermore, different varieties of radish contain slightly different ratios of minerals.
The radish, or Raphanus sativus, is a member of the Brassicaceae family along with broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and turnips. The word raphanus is Greek for “fast growing,” whereas the word radish is derived from Latin and means root. The radish is a fast-growing root vegetable. The radish was domesticated in Europe in ancient times, but they are now grown and eaten throughout the world. Most types of radish are red on the outside and off-white on the inside, but not all varieties.
Radishes contain many minerals, but they are not a rich source of any in particular. Potassium is the most prevalent mineral in radish; one cup of raw radish contains about 230 milligrams of potassium, which is about 7 percent of the recommended daily amount for adults. Potassium becomes an electrolyte in your body when you consume it, which means it dissolves in water and can conduct electricity. Calcium, magnesium, copper, manganese, phosphorus and sodium can all be found in radishes in smaller amounts, while iron, selenium, zinc and molybdenum are present in trace amounts. The red globe variety of radish is higher in molybdenum, whereas the daikon type provides a little more potassium and copper.
Fresh, raw radish is a good source of vitamin C; one cup of radish contains about 15 milligrams of vitamin C, which is 25 percent of the recommended daily amount for adults. Radish is a reasonable source of many B vitamins, especially folic acid, riboflavin, thiamin and B6. Furthermore, radishes are fairly high in fiber and phytochemicals that display antioxidant behavior, especially indoles and flavonoids. It’s interesting to note that radish greens contain far more vitamin C, calcium and protein than the root portion, according to the book “Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy: Modern Herbal Medicine."
Potential Health Benefits
Potassium is a primary electrolyte in your body, along with sodium. Potassium is essential for fluid movement and distribution in the body. Profuse sweating and excessive vomiting or diarrhea can deplete your body of electrolytes. Radishes contain some sodium also, but are much better sources of potassium.
- The Nutribase Complete Book of Food Counts; Art Ulene
- Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy: Modern Herbal Medicine; Simon Mills, et al.
- radishes image by cherie from Fotolia.com