Radishes are a very good source of vitamin C – 25% of the daily recommended value – helping to rebuild tissues and blood vessels, and keeping bones and teeth strong. Vitamin C fights disease and rescues the cells from an onslaught of destructive free radicals. This is done through electrolytes and natural antioxidant action of this one vitamin, increasing immunity of the body, and helping to fight against all kinds of diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
Folate, fiber, riboflavin, and potassium, as well as good amounts of copper, vitamin B6, magnesium, manganese, and calcium are less prominent nutrients that support the healthy properties of radishes.
It's probably no surprise that radishes contain fiber, aka indigestible carbohydrates. This keeps your system flushed and functioning with regularity and also aids in maintaining a healthy weight. Ironically, these naturally-heated veggies may help put an end to any burning sensation experienced during urination. That may be because radishes are a natural diuretic, purifying the kidney and urinary systems and relieving inflammation.
Radishes can also regulate blood pressure, relieve congestion, and prevent respiratory problems such as asthma or bronchitis. They have antibacterial, antifungal, and detoxifying properties, and contain compounds that soothe rashes, dryness, and other skin disorders.
Eating radishes can help in the removal of bilirubin, a condition evidenced by a yellow tinge in the skin, mucus membranes, or eyes, often present in newborns. This type of jaundice occurs when bilirubin builds up in bile faster than the liver can break it down and pass it through your body. Meanwhile, the beneficial properties in radishes also inhibit red blood cell damage by supplying fresh oxygen to your blood.
Another mouthful of phytochemical goodness in radishes includes detoxifying agents called indoles, and the powerful flavonoids zeaxanthin, lutein, and beta carotene. Radishes also contain an important isothiocyanate antioxidant compound called sulforaphane, a proven inhibitor of prostate, colon, breast, ovarian and other cancers.
Health Benefits of Radish
-Treats Jaundice
-Heals the Symptoms of Piles
-Treats Urinary Disorders
-Helps in Weight Loss
-Improves Cardiovascular System
-Treats Cancer
-Treats Leucoderma
-Treats Constipation
-Treats Respiratory Disorders
-Lowers Blood Pressure
-Controls Diabetes
-Treats Skin Disorders
-Treats Fever
-Protects Kidneys
-Treats Insect Bites
-Keeps you Hydrated
-Treats Respiratory Conditions
-Boosts your Immune System
-Protects Liver & Gallbladder
Growing Information.
CULTURE:Radishes require friable, well drained soils with a pH range of 5.8-6.8. Sow at any time during the season, beginning in early spring. Use 2-3" wide bands, seeds about 3/4-1" apart (about 35 seeds/ft. except 10 seeds/ft. for 624 Red Meat and 616 Nero Tondo), 1/2" deep, rows 1' apart, or any row or bedding scheme that will eliminate unplanted ground to discourage weeds. Radishes are adversely affected by hot, dry weather. They remain in prime condition only a few days and should be grown rapidly with plenty of moisture to be mild, tender, and attractive. If growth is checked, roots may become tough, pithy, and too spicy.
INSECT PESTS:Use floating row covers at time of planting to control flea beetles and cabbage root maggots (see index).
HARVEST AND STORAGE:Harvest promptly to avoid pithiness, beginning at about 3-4 weeks when roots are the size of a large marble. Bunch or top, hydrocool, and refrigerate. Topped radishes will keep 3-4 weeks in good, crisp condition if kept at 32°F (0°C), 95% relative humidity, and in breathable packaging.
AVG. DIRECT SEEDING RATE:1 oz./70', 14 oz./1,000', 21 lb./acre at 35 seeds/ft. in rows 18" apart, or 31 lb./acre in rows 12" apart.