Radish: more color and flavor to salads and health benefits

Radish. Some love it, some hate it… But it’s impossible that its consumption goes unnoticed, after all, it has a peculiar flavor and a beautiful color, which usually decorates many salads!

Nutritionist Regina Teixeira comments that the radish is a tuber with a reddish color and a white inner part. “It has a peculiar, spicy and acidic flavor, is low in calories and rich in fiber, protein, calcium, magnesium, among other vitamins and minerals”, she adds.

To get an idea of ​​how nutritious the radish is, the nutritionist cites its composition: 100 g of radish contains 16 kcal; 3.4 g of carbohydrate; 0.7 g of protein; 0.1 g of fat and 1.6 g of fiber. In addition to being rich in fiber, the tuber has diuretic and antioxidant properties. So, if you haven’t already, it’s worth including radish in your diet!

6 health benefits of radish

Discover the main benefits of radish consumption:

1. Ally in weight loss: Regina comments that the radish is a good ally for those who want to lose weight, since it is a source of fiber (promotes a feeling of satiety), has few calories and a low glycemic index (does not cause glucose spikes in the blood), among other important properties.

2. Diuretic power: the nutritionist highlights that the radish also helps in weight loss due to its diuretic power, in addition to helping to prevent the emergence of infections in the organs and urinary system.

3. Heart ally: Regina explains that radish is also a good ally in cardiovascular health, as it has anthocyanins, an excellent antioxidant.

4. Source of fiber: according to the nutritionist, as it is rich in fiber, radish helps in the proper functioning of the intestine.

5. More immunity: consumption of radish, highlights Regina, also helps with immunity, since it is rich in vitamins (such as vitamin C) that help defend the human body.

6. More beauty for the skin: Regina explains that the radish has a high water content, in addition to being rich in vitamins, zinc and phosphorus – which makes it an ally in the health and beauty of the skin.

It is worth remembering that, to enjoy all these benefits, it is important to consume radish regularly and associated with a healthy and balanced diet.

Tasty and nutritious recipes with radish

The radish can be used in salads, pie fillings, omelets, soups, among other options… Just use your creativity! Get inspired by some suggestions:

1. Radish Pickles: A simple and easy-to-adapt recipe. The spices that will flavor the pickles are up to your taste… Some examples are black pepper, cumin and coriander seeds, dried herbs, garlic cloves and onions.

2. Radish salad with orange and sesame dressing: if you want to make a different salad with radishes, you should try this suggestion! In addition to the radishes, you will use orange, lemon, chopped parsley, toasted sesame, extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper.

3. Greek salad with chickpeas and radish: great starter for a family lunch. Refreshing and full of flavor! You will need chickpeas, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, radishes, olives, fresh parsley and fresh mint.

4. Radish with chickpeas, feta and pecan: this is a salad that has the radish as the visual protagonist amid barley and brown rice, and with all the support of the flavor of feta, pecans and herbs.

5. Roasted radish with dill and feta: a very different way to serve radishes. In addition to it, you will use mini onions (or sliced ​​red onion), chopped dill, feta cheese, olive oil, salt and pepper.

6. Arugula salad with radishes and red onion: an easy combination, but with delicious colors and flavors. For seasoning, you will only use extra virgin olive oil, lemon, salt and pepper. Great tip for the everyday salad!

7. Radish and broccoli salad: in this recipe, broccoli is made in the microwave… Just put it properly sanitized in a plastic bag and take it to the microwave for a minute and a half. It will be on point and with an incredible color. Then just add the chopped radish and the other ingredients and season.

8. Pasta salad with radishes: colorful and tasty… Good tip for a summer Sunday lunch! The preparation is very simple and the recipe yields four servings.

9. Fresh shitake sauteed with radishes and clover sprouts: great option for a different, quick and healthy dinner. You will only use fresh shitake, radishes, semi-ready gnocchi, clover sprouts, fresh chives, soy sauce, garlic, olive oil and salt.

Now you know that you don’t necessarily have to always stick to that “basic salad”… It’s possible to include radish in delicious recipes!

Contraindications and warnings about consumption

Regina explains that the biggest contraindication is only in relation to intolerance to radish. “It can, in some cases of sensitivity, cause flatulence, indigestion… In addition, people with ulcers and gastritis should also reduce their consumption,” she says.

But, for those who don’t have any kind of sensitivity to radish consumption, of course, it’s worth including it in the diet! Now you have good reasons for it and recipe inspirations!

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.