Green radish: useful properties and contraindications

Green or Chinese radish is one of the varieties of the better known black radish, which is the richest source of beneficial substances for human health. It plays an important role in cooking, and is also often found in folk medicine recipes. The green radish is native to China and Japan.

What is the difference between green and black radish

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

A mature black radish has a rounded (sometimes oval) shape, with a maximum weight of up to 2 kg, but the average does not exceed 300-500 g. A black radish is called a black radish only because of the characteristic shade of the skin, as its flesh is white. It has a tangy taste with a slight bitterness, which is provided by its constituent components. In cooking, the fruit is used most often in fresh or pickled form. Less often it is baked or boiled.

The green radish, on the contrary, has an elongated shape and is sometimes rounded. They vary in color from pale green to pink. Some of its subspecies may resemble a radish, only larger. The pulp has a delicate, neutral flavor, which is why it is most often used in salads.

Which radish is healthier: black or green?

What are the benefits of black radish:

1. The high concentration of dietary fiber helps to improve the function of the gastrointestinal tract.
2. It is an effective remedy against swelling, gallstones and bladder stones.
3. The high concentration of potassium salts will be useful for cardiovascular problems and high cholesterol.
4. The natural essential oils included act as an antibacterial agent, indirectly suppressing pathogenic microflora.

Benefits to the body from Chinese (green) radish:

1. Stimulation of the generation of gastric juice.
2. Improvement of the functioning of the endocrine and nervous system due to thiamine.
3. Extraction of cholesterol (thanks to fiber).
4. Enrichment of the body with vitamins and macronutrients at a time of insufficient vitamins coming from food.
5. Normalization of hair condition.

The black variety has a wider range 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 has an increased choleretic effect.

Composition and calories

In 100 grams of green radish - 32 kcal. In this case, 1.9 g of protein, 0.3 g of fat and 6.5 g of carbohydrates. It is considered a real treasure trove of vitamins, micro-and micronutrients, indispensable for the complete performance of all internal processes. Its composition has a high concentration of B vitamins, vitamin A, nicotinic acid, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, sulfur, essential amino acids for the body, essential oils and fiber.

Useful properties of green radish

General benefits

The radish is definitely worth adding to the diet when you have a reduced appetite, because it not only stimulates appetite, but also performs the function of digestive enzymes - it improves digestion and assimilation of all the useful substances present in it. When consumed in moderation, Chinese radish helps in the fight against various GI pathologies, eliminates constipation.

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

The phytoncides that it contains along with the choleretic effect make this vegetable an excellent remedy in the prevention and control of worms. In addition, 100 grams of radish contains 1/3 of the daily requirement of vitamin C. It not only strengthens the immune system, but is also an excellent antioxidant that slows the aging process.

For women

A huge advantage 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, relevant specifically for men's health - increasing testosterone and combating prostatitis. But to achieve the desired results, it is desirable to consume it regularly (at least - several times a week). It cleanses blood vessels and strengthens the heart, indirectly protecting against heart attack. Phytoncides will be useful for men who are actively engaged in sports or physical labor, because they relieve pain and inflammation in the muscles.

When pregnant

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

When breastfeeding.

When breastfeeding a baby, doctors recommend postponing green radish for a while, because it can change the taste of milk. And this can cause the baby to refuse food.

For kids

Children under the age of 3 years should not be given radish, as it damages the mucosa and due to the sulfur can stimulate increased gas formation. This will lead to disruption of digestion or an allergic reaction. Older children should not be given radishes for the following problems:

1. Cardiac tachycardia and arrhythmia.
2. Kidney disease (chronic or acute).
3. Digestive tract problems (pancreatitis, colitis, gastritis, gastric or duodenal ulcers).
4. In oxaluria and uraturia (purines in radish can aggravate the disease).

In other cases, the product is allowed for children, it is especially effective in the fight against diseases of the nasopharynx, for coughs, and as a supportive therapy during the flu or colds.

For weight loss.

Those who set a goal to lose weight should pay attention to radish, because one of its strengths is the activation of the metabolism. The acceleration of metabolic processes will help in getting rid of fat deposits. At the same time, the root vegetable 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 prepare a salad with celery, carrots and cucumber, and as a dressing use olive oil, lemon juice or natural yogurt. The use of such salads will contribute to the full purification of the body, removal of toxins.

The benefits of green radish juice

In addition to being used as an additive to salads or second courses, you can prepare a natural juice from the radish. It is widely used for therapeutic purposes, but to achieve a healing effect, it must be prepared strictly according to a certain recipe. You need to take as large a root vegetable as possible and squeeze out its core. As a result, you should get a small indentation. In it, you need to add natural honey, which will contribute to the secretion of juice from the radish.

If you have a powerful juicer from a green radish, you can get juice and by squeezing. But only an expensive auger-type machine, sharpened to work with root crops, is suitable for this.

Juice is no less useful than the root vegetable itself. Most often it is used as a lotions, in the fight against skin diseases, abscesses and eczema. This is due to its bactericidal properties. When equally diluted with water, it can be used in the treatment of inflammation of the upper respiratory tract.

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

Green radish in medicine

Folk medicine constantly uses this root vegetable in the fight against various diseases.

With diabetes mellitus.

Many people ask the question, is it possible to use radish with diabetes? Since its glycemic index is only 12 units, its content in the diet of people suffering from diabetes, both type I and type II, is acceptable. The root vegetable speeds up metabolic processes, promotes a slow flow of glucose into the blood, gently stabilizes blood pressure and increases hemoglobin (thanks to the included iron). In combination with other vegetables radish will make the taste of a dish bright and rich, while it is an excellent quencher of hunger. The optimal amount of the product per day - no more than 100 grams. The regularity of intake - no more than 2-3 days a week.

People suffering from diabetes can use the following recipe based on green radish. For its preparation you will need 3 kg of root and 550 ml of vodka. Grind radish on a coarse grater, put through a meat grinder or puree in a blender. The resulting mush pour vodka. Pour into a jar and leave to insist for 1.5 months. After you need to take 25 ml of the resulting remedy 3-4 times a day.

Gastritis

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

For Gout

Radish has a positive effect on the joints, relieves pain. It removes from the body excess salt, an excessive amount of which often leads to inflammation of the joints. Therefore, it is advisable to use it not only as a prophylactic agent 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 internally. In the first case, you will need 120-130 ml of fresh juice of the root, 120 ml of vodka and 50 g of salt. Grate radish and squeeze well to get juice from the pulp, then pour it with vodka and mix with salt (it should completely dissolve). In the resulting solution, soak a absorbent cotton or a cotton pad and apply it to the affected area of the body. Leave it for half an hour.

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

For the liver

With inflammatory processes in the liver, green radish is contraindicated, since it can intensify the course of the ailment. Under normal conditions, the root vegetable helps to clean the blood and removes decay products from the body, reducing some of the burden that falls on the liver.

For coughs.

This is one of the most common uses of radishes. Because of its bactericidal properties, it has proven to be an effective remedy for chronic coughs. To do this, cut off the top of the fruit, make a hole in the center, in which you need to pour honey. Leave for 7 hours, during which time the radish will begin to secrete juice. It should be consumed in small portions (1 tsp. 3 times a day).

Traditional Medicine Recipes on the Basis of Green Radish

1. With bruises and burns, radish can be used externally. For this purpose, a small amount of pulp should be crushed on a coarse grater and put to the damaged area. Leave it for 30 minutes. The process should be repeated several times a day.
2. In the case of edema fit the following recipe: 500 grams of fruit pulp requires 1 liter of pure water and 1 tsp. salt. Pass the radish through a mincer, pour water and add salt. The resulting composition should be boiled for 10 minutes, cool and use instead of water.
3. The radish rind contains twice as much vitamin C as the flesh, so you can use it to make an excellent drink to strengthen the immune system. To prepare it, you need to wash the rind very carefully, remove it thinly from the fruit and pour boiling water over it. The resulting remedy improves the state of the cold and flu better than many pharmaceutical drugs.
4. You can prepare a very effective rubbing from the green radish, but it is desirable to use it only for adults. Its preparation will require the pulp of the root (no more than 200 grams), vodka - 150 ml and 1 tsp. honey (preferably take acacia or May). All mixed and leave at room temperature for 2 days. The resulting infusion can be rubbed on the chest in case of bronchitis or flu.

Green radish in cosmetology

This available product is also widely used for cosmetological purposes. It is used to prepare natural masks that improve the complexion and get rid of minor skin problems.

Nourishing mask

For its preparation, you will need a small root vegetable. Grate it on a fine grater and combine 3 tbsp. of the resulting mass with the same amount of fat sour cream. Add 1 tsp. honey and mix thoroughly. The mask should be put on face with thin layer and leave for 10 minutes. Then put a second layer and leave it for 5 minutes more. Rinse off with lukewarm water.

Mask for removing greasy shine on the face

Whip three chicken yolks and add to them 3 tbsp. radish chopped on a fine grater. Mix the components and apply to the face, leave the mask for 20 minutes. Remove the rest with a tonic, warm water or a cotton pad dipped in green tea.

Rejuvenating mask

This mask is suitable for those who are looking for an affordable remedy to combat aging skin. To make it, you need 30 ml of aloe juice, the same amount of natural green tea and 4 tablespoons of grated green radish pulp. Mix the components until a homogeneous composition and apply to the face, keep for at least 15 minutes. The mask can be washed away with normal warm water.

For oily hair

On the basis of this variety of radish, you can prepare a mask that eliminates oily hair shine. For this you will need:

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

Nettles pour boiling water and leave to infuse. Strain, then add the juice of radish. Rub into the roots or use as a rinse after each wash.

For sensitive skin

To soothe irritated skin and eliminate dryness, you can prepare a mask of Chinese radish pulp, 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 the rest of the components and applied to the face, leave for 15 minutes.

Harm and contraindications

Despite the tremendous benefits that green radish can carry for human health, in some cases it should be abandoned. She is strictly forbidden to eat in the case of gastric ulcer and 12-finger ulcer, gastritis with high acidity, inflammation of the large and small intestine, problems with the urogenital system and gallbladder.

How to choose and store green radishes

A good, ripe radish will always have a small tail. Its skin should be whole, without any damage. When pressing on the rootcrop, your finger should not sag, since a good radish should be firm. If it is not used for cooking, but for juicing, it is better to buy larger fruits. This simplifies the process of getting it.

Like any other vegetables, radishes like to be prepared in advance for storage. Therefore, the following must be done:

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

Before storing the crop in the cellar, each root vegetable should be checked for damage, rot or disease. In winter, this should be done again, and if any defects appear, the spoiled fruit should be thrown out. Radishes should not be stored near apples and pears.

If the root crop is frostbitten, deformed, cracked or rotten, it should not be put into storage. It is also better not to leave too large or small fruits 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 distinctive taste, which makes even everyday at first glance salads original.

Salad with radish, fresh cucumber and carrots

To prepare a simple and at the same time healthy salad will require:

• carrots - 2 pcs;
• Green radish - 2 pcs;
• cucumber - 1 pc;
• Boiled chicken egg - 1 pc;
• salad leaves - to taste;
• garlic - 2 cloves;
• 15% sour cream - 3 tbsp;
• salt/pepper - to taste.

Preparation:

1. First of all wash all these vegetables thoroughly, with carrots and radishes remove the skin.
2. Boil the egg until it is "hard-boiled".
3. All the radish grate (ideally, you should use a shredder), put in a bowl and pour cold water completely. Leave it for 10 minutes (all the bitterness of the root will go into the water).
4. Squeeze the radish from the water, chop the carrot on a grater, cut the cucumber into julienne or small cubes. Crush the garlic with a press. Tear the lettuce leaves with your hands, cut the chicken egg into cubes.
5. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl or salad bowl, dress with sour cream, salt or pepper.

Salad with green radish, cheese and garlic

Preparation of this salad involves a minimum of components and time consumption. To do this, you need to take the following ingredients:

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

The process involves the following sequence of actions:

1. We wash radish of dirt, peel it, grate it and soak it in cold water in order to remove excessive bitterness for 10 minutes.
2. Shred the hard cheese with the same size grater.
3. Finely chop the garlic or pass it through the press.
4. Add the cheese, radish and garlic in a bowl, pour the mayonnaise and mix well. Use the greens as a decoration.

Korean style salad with green radish

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

What you need:

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

Preparation:

1. Radish traditionally washed, remove the skin from it, grind on a coarse grater and pour the vinegar. It will get rid of the root vegetable from the characteristic smell and bitterness, and also will not let it release too much juice during dressing.
2. Put the cooked radish in a bowl, add both types of pepper and finely chopped garlic.
3. All pour boiling sunflower oil and mix.

Garnish salad with green radish for barbecue

Those who do not know what you can eat kebab with, you should write down the recipe for this salad:

• tomatoes - 2-3 pcs;
• white cabbage - 1 kg;
• green radish - 1 pc;
• onion - 1 pc;
• Greens (dill, parsley) - 1 bundle;
• carrots - 2 pcs;
• apple bite - 1 tsp;
• sugar - 0,5 tsp;
• vegetable oil - 1 tbsp;
• salt / pepper - 1 pinch.

The cooking process is as follows:

1. Peel carrots and radishes, remove the skin and grind on a coarse grater.
2. Shred the cabbage and lightly sprinkle with salt, then thoroughly mix.
3. Peel the onion and cut it into half rings.
4. Tomatoes slice.
5. Greens well washed and finely chopped.
6. All ingredients are mixed in a deep bowl, add sugar and apple cider vinegar.

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

Salad with chicken and green radish

The peculiarity of green radish is that it perfectly harmonizes with any kind of meat. This recipe uses chicken fillet, but it can be replaced with boiled veal or beef if desired:

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

Preparation:

1. The first thing to do is to boil the chicken fillet. Next, all the eggs specified in the recipe, whip well with a whisk and on their basis fry egg pancakes.
2. Then move on to the preparation of vegetables: chop carrots and radishes on a medium grater.
3. Cover the radish with a little salt and knead it with your hands to make it juice. Carrots, on the contrary, pour sugar for a more pronounced taste.
4. Shred the onions in half rings and be sure to scald them with boiling water. This will remove the bitterness from it and add softness.
5. Egg pancakes are cut into small strips, meat - small cubes.
6. All the components of the salad are shifted into a deep bowl, dressed with mayonnaise and mixed - it is desirable to use special tools designed for salad bowls. They will allow you to mix all the components of the dish well, without deforming them in the process. If necessary, the salad can be further decorated with greens.

Green radish also goes well with avocados, tomatoes, apples, bell peppers and almost any greens (cilantro, parsley and dill). It can solo a dish or set off other ingredients.

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

Can animals eat green radishes?

Since the green radish has a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, many pet owners wonder if they can be fed this root vegetable. The main reason for fear is the possible manifestation of an allergic reaction and strong gas.

Experienced dog owners believe that it is acceptable to give animals radishes, but strictly in a limited amount and not every day. You can give no more than 1 teaspoon of the product to try, gradually increasing to 100 g. The final daily amount depends on the weight of the pet, but in the case of radishes it is better to give less. Cats are not too fond of green radishes, but if the animal asks for them on its own, you can give one small piece to try.

Some breeders give green radishes to rabbits as well. Unlike black radishes, they have a lower concentration of essential oils, which means they are not potentially harmful to the animal's gastrointestinal tract. For rabbits it is useful in that it will improve the condition of the fur and skin. But it can be introduced into the diet not earlier than 2 months of age. Once a week and no more than 75 g is enough.

Interesting facts about radishes

1. The radish was originally cultivated in Ancient Egypt, after it was actively cultivated in Ancient Greece, where it became a staple food.
2. In Egypt, the radish, along with garlic and onions, was the only root vegetable available to slaves and workers. This is indicated by a corresponding inscription found in the pyramid of Cheops.
3. The root vegetable first appeared in China and Japan, and it was actively used not only in cooking, but also as an effective medicine.
4. The well-known radish is considered to be a type of radish.
5. Green radish refers to a two-year crop. In the first year you get root crops, in the second year - seeds.
6. Radish is the most popular root vegetable, found in proverbs and sayings: "bore worse than a bitter radish", "horseradish is not sweeter than a radish".

Photo of a green radish