It is said that “the worm in the radish doesn’t think there is anything sweeter.”

Well, we couldn’t agree more. Deemed as the king of fiber, there is almost nothing one cannot accomplish, health-wise, with the help of the humble and sweet radish.

While all radishes come with their set of benefits, it is the white radish that is the most celebrated and consumed of all. With its high-fiber and low-calorie characteristics, the white radish has anti-cancer, immunity-boosting, and medicinal properties, which make it a popular choice in most kitchens.

White radish, popularly known as daikon, is one of the most common types of radishes consumed the world over. Known for their medicinal properties, the root vegetable adds a mildly sweet flavor and crunch to every dish it is added to.

White radishes find their origin in China, Korea, and Asia, varying in flavor and texture. However, they share similar characteristics in terms of health benefits. Known for their anti-cancer properties, white radish may cause gas and bloat if overeaten, but water, exercise, and probiotics can help.

As discussed, white radishes are quite a rage and the most common and accessible type of radish. However, there are several types of white radishes. These differ in origin, flavor, and look among others. Before moving on to the benefits of white radishes, let’s look at some of the most popular types.

Daikon: The most common variety of white radish originated in China and has been a common winter radish across Asia ever since. Daikon radishes grow as long as 12 inches and have a crunchy texture. Their mild peppery sweetness brings a lot of body and flavor to any dish they are a part of. From salads to soups and from sandwiches to cakes, daikon finds its place with almost all dishes.

While kimchi, pickles, and parathas are some cultural cuisine adaptations of the daikon, it is eaten raw too. Its leaves are equally nutritious and delicious and usually find their place in herbal teas and salads.

Korean Radish: Usually taken as the alternative to daikon, Korean radishes find their origin in Korea and are slightly different from their tuber counterpart. Unlike daikon, they are short and round. They also carry a pale green hue over their heads. Korean radishes are also hotter than daikon radishes and are usually used in pickles and kimchis.

Both these types of white radishes come with their flavor profiles and texture. Both are low in calories and fibrous. But there is a lot more that rides on the back of these humble white radishes. From weight loss to anti-cancer properties, the white radish is good for multiple reasons.

Here are some of the most compelling reasons we could find for you.

What is White Radish Good For?

Radishes are, perhaps, one of the most versatile vegetables there is. From salads to pickles to kimchis, they find their way into every dish to bring more flavor and panache. Whether you consume them in any form, raw or cooked, radishes add substantial nutrition and benefits to your overall wellness.

White radishes are arguably the most well-known variety of radishes. Their low-calorie, high-fiber content places them at the top position on the nutrition chart. Here are some of the things white radishes are good for:

High in Antioxidants

White radishes are a rich source of ferulic acid which has been linked to a long list of health benefits. Consuming foods such as white radishes, which are rich in antioxidants, can help fight against several chronic conditions.

Promotes Weight Loss

According to a 2009 study published in the Journal of Nutrition, increasing total fiber intake was tied to a decreased risk of weight gain and fat gain in women. (1 https://draxe.com/nutrition/daikon-radish/).

Aids in Digestion

White radish is a strong source of digestive fiber. It helps in smooth bowel movements and eases issues due to constipation. Regular consumption of white radishes helps eliminate problems of piles and fishers.

Fights Cough and Cold

White radishes have anti-congestive properties. It helps fight against cough and the common cold during winters. It also helps clear all the mucus from the throat and respiratory tract.

Good for the Brain

Integrate white radish in your daily diet through salads, sandwiches, roasts, and other sides. They help reduce the risk of multiple sclerosis significantly.

Medicine of Diabetes

White radishes have a low glycemic index. Moreover, they have low levels of carbohydrates. These properties make them an ideal medicine to help with diabetes. White radishes can function as a mid-meal snack or in soups to reap the best results.

Anti-Cancer Properties. As a diuretic, radishes are known to help cleanse the system via urination. The phosphorous and potassium content in radishes is known to help prevent certain types of cancers such as stomach, gut, and liver.

Heart-Friendly. Radishes help remove heart blockages. They help manage blood pressure and blood sugar levels. The high fiber content in the white radish helps through digestion and prevents high sugar release after each meal.

There are several other reasons why one must eat white radish regularly. But discussing its nutritional value helps understand the real impact this root vegetable can have on our body. Here are some of the key nutritional facts about the humble white radish.

White Radish Nutritional Facts

Serving Portion 100g

Calcium 25mg
Protein 0.7g
Dietary Fiber 1.6g
Vitamin C 14.8mg
Folate 25mcg
Iron 0.34mg
Potassium 233mg
Phosphorous 20mg
Total Calories: 16

*All data sourced from here.

It is obvious to the naked eye that radishes truly help with weight loss and overall wellness. But some of the high levels of essential vitamins and minerals require further discussion.

Vitamin C: As an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory element, vitamin C helps in recovery from internal and external swelling as well as asthma. It also plays a key role in building collagen, needed by cartilage. This, in turn, helps build stronger bones. Therefore, white radish is an absolute must for patients with arthritis.

Potassium: Potassium lessens the impact of sodium and is a critical element for those with high blood pressure. Eating more potassium-rich foods helps flush out excess sodium from the body. Also, most medicines that aid in managing high blood pressure, flush out both sodium and potassium from the body. White radishes help build up potassium levels in the body after the loss.

Vitamin B-Complex: Vitamin B-complex along with Vitamin C and zinc helps maintain healthy skin. Also, white radish has high water content which promotes proper hydration. Good hydration results in clear and glowing skin. The antibacterial properties of vitamin B and vitamin C help repair cracked skin and blemishes.

Vitamins/Minerals: White radish is rich in calcium, potassium, vitamin C, folic acid, and other nutrients. Together, they are a great source of fiber and help in lowering cholesterol levels. It is a promise for a healthy heart.

This is all about its nutritional benefits in a nutshell. While the humble radish has several other benefits, modern dieticians and nutritionists have highlighted its ‘weight loss’ properties to divert maximum attention towards this neglected vegetable.

The low-calorie and high-fiber factors of this root vegetable, make it an ideal choice for weight loss. Some of the most basic reasons are:

They have low carbohydrates
They have zero fat (almost)
A bowl of radish contains 16 calories only
They have a high water content

These are some of the most generic reasons as to how radishes can assist in weight loss. However, some others require detailed discussions.

High-Fiber: Since the fiber content in radishes is high it helps with two things. First, it helps with digestion and building better wellness in the body. Second, it takes longer to digest. Therefore when one has radish as a mid-meal snack, one feels full for a longer period. This helps resist the temptation of eating unhealthy snacks.

High Water Content: White radish contains a high amount of water. This water helps hydrate the skin and body while also keeping one full after eating a small bowl of radishes.

Low-Calorie: Snack away at radishes without a worry for the world. Each bowl containing 100g of radish contains only 16 calories! This makes it an ideal candidate for all dietary plans.

Vitamin C Magic: Among other things such as immunity-boosting, better skin health, and protection against illnesses, vitamin C helps build metabolism. This helps in better digestion and in eliminating toxic waste. A strong metabolism is essential for fitness and weight loss.

Low-Glycemic Index: Foods with high glycemic index break down faster and increase the blood sugar levels in the body after every meal. As white radish has a low glycemic index, it takes much longer to digest and releases comparatively less sugar.

Including white radish in one’s diet then helps build better health and wellness. Even if one is not looking out to lose weight, it helps maintain weight and lends an armor against illnesses.

But while there are ample reasons to consume radish, there is one concern that stops one in the short. Gas. Radishes have been infamous for causing foul smell and gas. While its digestive properties are celebrated, they have also been deemed as the cause for bad odor and gastric issues.

Does White Radish Cause Gas?

High fiber foods that are rich in soluble fiber can cause gas. Radishes have a high fiber content. The bacteria within the colon produce gas as a result of the digestion of the fiber. The soluble fiber within these kinds of vegetables does not break down until it has reached the small intestine. Since it takes this long for the breaking down and digestion, it causes unease and gas. Having said that, these problems only arise if over 70g of fiber is taken in a day.

Radishes also contain sulfur in the form of amino acids. These are the feed for the gut bacteria which in turn produce all the gas. The sulfur in the radishes also adds a foul smell which causes unpleasant burps and gas.

While there are these issues with consuming radishes, some of the following tips might help prevent the problem.

Avoid having radishes after 4:00 pm. This way the gas won’t interfere at night.
Limit the intake of radishes to about 30g-40g a day.
Integrate radishes with other vegetables in salads to balance things.
Having radishes in kimchis and pickles will reduce their gaseous impact remarkably.

Some of these tips will work, but say one consumes more radish or any other cruciferous vegetable with similar characteristics, what can be done? We bring you some of the remedies to ease the pain and manage the gas better.

Hydrate. It may seem silly, but the best remedy to gas and bloating is to drink enough water. Having warm water with lemon further helps balance the PH level and release gloating.

Probiotics. Include probiotics in your diet with radishes. They help break down the bacteria and reduce the chances of gas and gloating.

Exercise. The more you exercise, the higher chances of avoiding gas and bloating.

Soothe the Stomach. Ginger, peppermint, fennel seeds are stomach soothers. Brew good peppermint or ginger tea and it will help with the bloating.

Salad Dressing ACV. Use apple cider vinegar for your salad dressing. It will have a counter effect on the issues white radish may bring with digestion.

Thus, radishes do arrive with certain complications, they are negligible and quite easy to manage. Having radishes in pickles and kimchis helps prevent gas and bloating; while still ensuring your daily dose of health.

To Conclude

All of this is not to say that other radishes are not good enough. It is more about access. And as far as that factor is in play, white radish will always rule. They are the most common and found in all grocery stores and produce shops. Moreover, their qualities and taste make them the perfect companion for winters. Happy Indulging!