Thousands of years ago in Egypt, Greece, Rome and China, they knew about black radish! There are illustrations with black radishes in Egyption tumbs, 2000 BC, and Herodutus (648-625 B.C.), the Greek historian, wrote about large crops and offers to Apollo. (Can this be the reason for Apollo’s beauty?)
Why black magic? Well, black because it’s black, and magic because when we eat a black radish salad, we have no idea what it does to our body, only see the good results. Without knowing we were treating ourselves.
It is also known by Spanish Black Radish. It contains: a high vitamin C content, B-vitamins, vitamins A and E, raphanin, protein, fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, fatty acids, linoleic acid, alpha linolenic acid and sulfur.
Here are 11 benefits of consuming black radish:
1. Helps the liver
It serves as a liver tonic, helping detoxifying it. How? It encourages the liver to produce fat- and protein-digesting bile and lowers the tension of the bile ducts. It also improves peristaltic movement activating and regenerating liver cells. This action also helps to cleanse and purify the blood and reduce gravel in the gallbladder. This is why it is not recommended to take it in large amounts if you know you have gallbladder stones. The process of eliminating them will be activated, and this should be done only under medical care, so that a stone cannot remain stuck on a smaller duct.
By inhibiting damage to red blood cells and boosting oxygen supply to the blood, black radish can be highly useful in the treatment of jaundice.
2. Detoxifies the body
By helping to increase the bile production, the black radish will facilitate the elimination of stagnating food and toxins. It contains a variety of minerals that increases the flow of digestive juices, thus reducing indigestion, abdominal bloating, flatulence and acid regurgitation.
It is also a diuretic, the black radish will encourage the production of urine; and thus the elimination of toxins and stones in the increased urine flow.
3. Fights constipation
Black radish are high in fiber and digestive stimulants, which means that a regular consumption will regulate the bowels movements. Also, since dehydration is a major cause of constipation, radishes help hydrate and lubricate the intestines and encourage relaxed bowel movements.
4. Assists the immune system
The black radish has antimicrobial effect, stimulates mucous membranes and clear congestion. All these makes it perfect for improving the resistance against common microbial infections, such as colds, sore throats, ear infections, and flu.
In 1987, Prahoveanu described a study in which liquid radish extract was administered to mice before they were inoculated with an influenza virus. There was a significant decrease in the mortality rate and a significant increase in the rate of survival as compared to the untreated controls.
Another study was done in 1947 (!) by Ivanovics, who found it to be protective against E. coli–more so than penicillin G.
It is also effective in treating colds and cough, by reducing pain and swelling (inflammation) of the mouth and throat and also the inflammation of the airways, such as bronchitis. The black radish syrup has a good taste, can be taken very easily by children and has no side-effects. Maybe except of peeing. Which is going to be a lot. 🙂
5. Balances thyroid hormones
It does that by means of a substance called raphanin, which is believed to reduce the symptoms of hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid. Some believe this substance is beneficial in the treatment of Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid. (I found a guy on Amazon, reviewing black radish capsules, who said the radish treated this condition.)
6. Aids in weigh loss
Black radish is low in fat, calories and cholesterol. It’s also rich in fiber and water, which suppresses the appetite and curbs cravings. And the fact that it supplies the body with different nutrients means more energy for weight loss physical activities. 🙂
7. Helps prevent cancer
The good radish is a good source of anthocyanins and sulforaphane. According to recent research, these can help combat cancers of the breast, prostate, colon, ovary, mouth, stomach and kidney.
8. Maintains proper levels of blood pressure
The high amount of potassium of black radish helps keep levels of blood pressure in their normal limits.
9. Benefits the hair
The black radish stimulates the hair roots and boosts blood circulation in the scalp. It also strengthens the hair shaft. A glass of black radish juice a day can significantly reduce hair fall. That’s good to know for all men over 40. (If they can drink that much radish juice!)
It also solves another hair issue, like dryness or oiliness, and dandruff. To combat these problems, apply black radish juice to the hair, or make use of a black radish hair mask.
10. Treats skin disorders
Having so many antioxidants like vitamin C, black radish can slow down skin aging by neutralizing harmful free radicals inside the body. The result is a younger-looking skin free of fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of premature skin aging.
Black radish juice helps get rid of blemishes on your face including blackheads, dark spots, acne or acne marks. It’s also a great idea to use a face pack made with black radish pulp.
11. Treats scurvy
Though this is not a problem of these days, we must remember that in the past scurvy was treated with black radish, because of its high content of Vitamin C.
Do you know any other uses for black radish? In your black magic book, have you read of some other benefits of it?
Leave a comment here, because everybody wants to know.
References:
http://www.lef.org/protocols/gastrointestinal/digestive_disorders_06.htm;
http://www.healwithfood.org/health-benefits/black-spanish-radish.php;
http://www.wisegeekhealth.com/what-are-the-benefits-of-black-radish.htm;
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-502-radish.aspx?activeingredientid=502&activeingredientname=radish;
http://www.iashpaz.com/index.php/places-to-eat/item/11672-black-radish-with-honey-cough-remedy#.VCKmjZSSwhM;
http://www.livenedup.com/14-amazing-skin-health-benefits-black-radish/;
“Reading the book” picture credit inarik via bigstockphoto.com
