Radish health benefits come from the fiber, vitamins, and minerals they provide. They have traditionally been used in home remedies, and some research shows that they might have specific health benefits, including antidiabetic and anticancer properties.
Radishes (Raphanus sativus) are a root vegetable from the Brassicaceae (mustard) family. The red radish is commonly found in grocery stores and looks like a little red globe with a white interior. While radishes are generally considered a healthy food, they should not be consumed in excess, and they may present side effects for some people. Those who are pregnant should avoid consuming raw radishes.
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Reduced Risk for Diabetes
One review of studies on radishes’ health effects suggests radishes have anti-diabetic properties. Researchers concluded that the health benefits of radishes in diabetes prevention are linked to their rich antioxidant content and the active mechanism of removing from the body unstable molecules during cell division known as free radicals.
Radishes may help promote blood sugar balance (hormone-induced glucose hemostasis), improve energy metabolism, and reduce glucose absorption in the intestine.
Better Liver Function
There is some evidence that radishes might help clean or “detoxify” the liver. Animal research suggests that glucosinolate and isothiocyanate in radishes have antioxidant properties that can help reduce liver damage. Glucosinolate and isothiocyanate are plant compounds found in cruciferous vegetables.
According to another review, animal studies indicate the nutritional properties of radish can help support liver functioning. The reason radishes can help with liver functioning comes down to nutrients called anthocyanins (flavonoids that give radishes their red color) and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10, an antioxidant that fights cell damage and inflammation).
Cancer Prevention
Radishes are potentially a cancer-fighting food. Anticancer properties in radishes come from a unique mix of antioxidants like vitamin C and other nutrients. The spiciness in radishes is attributed to plant chemical compounds, including myrosinase, glucosinolate, and isothiocyanate.
These naturally occurring substances in radishes, particularly isothiocyanate, may be behind their potential anticancer properties. Studies have shown that radishes may have anticancer properties that may benefit people with or at risk of certain types of cancers, including breast and prostate cancer.
Another study specifically investigated the way that sulforaphane—another plant compound—affects breast cancer cells. Sulforaphene is found in radish seeds. Researchers conducted an in vitro (test tube) study and found that the compound had damaging effects on breast cancer cells and could be potentially considered as an anti-cancer agent.
Fight Fungus
Several small studies have investigated the potential anti-fungal activity of white radish extracts. One study, in particular, evaluated the effects of radish essential oil against Candida albicans, the fungus responsible for vulvovaginal candidiasis, commonly known as a yeast infection.
The in vitro study showed that the white radish essential oil was more effective at treating the fungus than itraconazole, a common antifungal medicine. And other in vitro studies have had similar findings.
However, it is important to remember that these studies were conducted in test tubes, not on humans. More research needs to be done to fully understand the relationship between the radishes you buy in the store and the treatment of fungal infections.
Support Heart Health
Radishes are also known for their healthy effects on blood pressure, which is a predominant risk factor for cardiovascular and heart health. The green leaves of the radish may be the most beneficial. One study suggested that the leaf ethyl acetate extract was responsible for both lowering blood pressure and lowering heart rate.
Another study suggests a certain variety of radishes known as Sakurajima daikon could be even more beneficial because they contain more naturally occurring trigonelline (a plant alkaloid). Trigonelline was shown to be beneficial to blood vessel health in this study of healthy volunteers.
Improve Digestion
Radish extracts have also been used in the treatment of stomach disorders and constipation. In fact, the use of radish extracts to treat stomach disorders dates back to ancient times. But more current research (again) points to glucosinolates, polyphenols, and isothiocyanates as the active agents.
Another 2023 study suggests that polysaccharides found in radish greens have prebiotic effects and may be a beneficial prebiotic for gut health and obesity. A polysaccharide is a type of carbohydrate that has multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Boost Immunity
Studies have suggested that radish extracts may also boost immunity.
A 2019 study published in Nutrients showed that radish extract significantly improved the health of immune cells, particularly lymphocytes, immunoglobulins, T-cells, B-cells, and interleukins.
Another study that investigated various plant foods concluded that both carrots and radishes help improve immune cell health. Study authors wrote that they also help in forming healthy tissues in the lungs and increase resistance against respiratory infections.
Make Skin Healthy
Polyphenols found in radishes and other foods such as onions, leeks, capers, and celery may help to improve overall skin health by protecting the skin against harmful factors, such as ultraviolet radiation and free radicals.
A 2022 report published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences reported that polyphenolic compounds have an antioxidant effect that can promote anti-inflammatory properties in addition to “moisturizing, smoothing, soothing, anti-aging, UV-protective, antibacterial, and capillary stabilizing properties.”
Nutrition Facts for Radishes
Radishes are rich in water content, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a naturally healthy food. The following nutrition facts are provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for a serving — 1/2 cup (58 grams) — of sliced, raw radish:
- Calories: 9.28 kcal
- Fat: 0.058 grams (g)
- Sodium: 22.6 milligrams (mg)
- Carbohydrates: 1.97 g
- Fiber: 0.928 g
- Sugar: 1.08 g
- Protein: 0.394 g
- Calcium: 14.4 mg
- Magnesium: 5.8 mg
- Iron: 0.197 mg
- Vitamin C: 8.58 mg (which is roughly 10 percent of one’s recommended daily intake)
- Phosphorus: 11.6 mg
- Potassium: 135 mg
Radishes come in different varieties. Radish varieties boast colors like purple, yellow, white-pink, and even black. The color inside, as well as any striped markings, can vary by the variety.
Radishes can be consumed in many ways. They can be eaten raw or shaved and diced and added to salads. They can be roasted, sautéed, or grilled. They can even be pureed into a dip or pickled with vinegar.
Radish greens or leaves are also edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. The greens have been shown to be high in nutrients, and a 2021 study suggests that they can promote gut health and may have anti-obesity properties.
Side Effects of Radishes
Although generally regarded as safe in food form, there may be side effects with radish consumption. These may include allergic reactions or those related to eating too much of the root vegetable.
- Food allergies: People who are allergic to other foods in the mustard family may experience an allergy to radishes, too. Allergic reaction symptoms vary but may include a rash or otherwise inflamed skin (urticaria), lip swelling (angioedema), throat swelling, and difficulty breathing with anaphylaxis (in severe and rare cases).
- Impaired thyroid functioning: One older animal study (from 2006) indicated that chronic consumption of raw and cooked radishes could impair thyroid hormone production. However, more recent studies have debunked this theory.
In general, pregnant people should not consume raw radishes (or raw sprouts of any kind) due to the risk of bacterial contamination, like listeria, through the sprout seed. This bacteria cannot be removed through washing.
Summary
Radishes are root vegetables from the mustard family with many health benefits. They are good for helping prevent or fight disease, due to their unique mix of essential nutrients such as vitamin C. Other nutrients in radish include CoQ10, B vitamins, calcium, potassium, and more. They can be eaten raw, roasted, sautéed, pickled, pureed, or grilled.
Food allergy to radishes is possible. Symptoms include rash, swollen lips, or, in severe and rare cases, anaphylaxis. Excessive consumption of radishes may impact thyroid functioning, among other side effects.
