Black radish

Radish is a vegetable that can vary in shape, color, and size. The most common of the radishes is the red one, but there is also the black radish, or winter radish, which is a little spicier and is much larger and rounder than the rest.

The radish

The origin of this peculiar radish dates from the years 2700 BC, when it was used by Romans and Greeks according to Egyptian hieroglyphics.

At present, black radish is cultivated in several countries in Europe and America , and is widely used in the gastronomic world to give a special flavor to vegetables, soups and stews. However, radish offers nutritional properties that are very beneficial for health, but especially for the proper functioning of the liver.

Properties of black radish

The black radish is a type of radish much larger and rounder than the pink radish that, although it is not as widely used in the culinary world, it offers impressive health benefits . This vegetable is rich in sulfur compounds that make it an excellent food to improve digestive processes in the body such as the purification of the liver and gallbladder.

For this reason, black radish is now considered to be an excellent natural remedy for preventing and treating gallstones.

The vast majority of the nutritional and healing substances contained in black radish are found in the white part of it. Thanks to the composition of this pulp, black radish has the following properties:

Beneficial properties for our body

• The black radish is rich in fiber , amino acids , enzymes digestive, carbohydrates and vitamins B and C .
• This vegetable is also rich in minerals that are essential for the health of the human body, such as potassium , magnesium and sulfur .
• The sulfur compounds that are responsible for most of the benefits of black radish are called glucosinolates and among these substances, sulforaphene isothiocyanate stands out , due to its power to eliminate bacteria in the body.

Black radish benefits

The substances present in black radish act in the body, benefiting, above all, the processes related to the digestive system, but this vegetable also offers benefits that help the optimal functioning of the urinary and respiratory systems . With that said, let’s learn about the main benefits of black radish below:

A hepatoprotective food

Black radish has a choleretic and cholagogue effect that stimulates in the body the optimal and faster drainage of toxins that are stored in the body. The liver and gallbladder are the main organs that benefit from this power, since they are responsible for filtering toxins and then discharging them from the body through substances such as bile.

Thanks to this function, black radish is considered a hepatoprotective food that also helps to eliminate gallstones .

Healthier digestion

Eupeptic foods are those that help the body to digest food. In addition to being eupeptic, black radish is also a snack that stimulates the production of gastric juices in the stomach in order to better process meals after their ingestion.

It is rich in fiber and water

The consumption of foods rich in fiber and water such as black radish, is of great help to more easily eliminate fat from the body and stimulate intestinal transit . For this reason this vegetable is an excellent ally to combat the discomfort of constipation and heaviness after meals.

In addition, foods rich in fiber produce a higher level of satiety after eating them, so black radish is an excellent option to include in your salads and control after-hours hunger and anxiety.

Ally against infections

As we mentioned earlier, black radish has antibacterial properties that make it easier to eliminate bacteria that may be causing an infection in the body. This benefit is of great help for people who suffer from cystitis or recurrent urinary infections.

Stimulates the functioning of the renal system

After the liver, the kidneys are the most important filter in the body , and thanks to these two small organs the body manages to release a large amount of toxins through the expulsion of urine.

For the kidneys to function properly, it is vital to eat foods that provide plenty of water and potassium , such as black radish . This vegetable helps purify the kidneys and helps prevent and eliminate kidney stones.

Helps the respiratory system

Diseases of the respiratory system usually congest the oxygen pathways of phlegm and other microorganisms that the body needs to expel through coughing, therefore, black radish has an expectorant effect that helps to properly decongest the airways to facilitate proper breathing. and the expulsion of phlegm.

This food also has a soothing effect that improves the discomfort caused by excessive coughing.

External use of black radish

• Black radish can be used topically to relieve discomfort caused by osteoarticular diseases. This benefit is due to the rubefacient action of radish, which stimulates the correct circulation of blood in the area to be treated and, therefore, relieves pain.
• Black radish is used as a poultice to fight infection in wounds , burns, and other skin lesions.

How to eat black radish

The same way you consume pink radish! Salads , stews and stir-fry vegetables are excellent options to cook with black radish and enjoy its special flavor. In the same way, we share with you some recipes that will allow you to get the most out of this vegetable and enjoy its benefits, let’s see:

Black radish purifying juice

Ingredients

• 2 black radishes, chopped
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• The juice of 1 orange
• 1 glass of water
• Sweetener to taste

Preparation

This juice is ideal for eliminating large amounts of toxins from the human body and stimulating the correct function of the digestive system.

To prepare it, you just have to add all the ingredients to the blender glass, process until you have a homogeneous mixture , serve with a little ice and enjoy.

We suggest you take this juice in the morning , as it has a diuretic effect .

Salad with black radish

Ingredients

• 3 black radishes, sliced.
• 300 gr of arugula.
• ¼ grated raw beets.
• 1/2 grated raw carrot.
• 1 handful of mixed nuts.
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• The juice of 1 lemon.
• 1 tablespoon of mustard.
• Salt and sugar to taste.

Preparation

1. Incorporate the arugula previously washed and disinfected with water and vinegar in a bowl or salad bowl.
2. Add the radishes, beets, carrots and nuts to the bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the oil, lemon juice, mustard, salt and sugar. Stir until you have a homogeneous dressing.
4. Add the dressing over the vegetables, mix all the ingredients to season correctly and enjoy.