Black radish: useful properties and contraindications

Today, radishes are among the somewhat forgotten products. And, by the way, completely undeservedly, as it contains many vitamins and minerals. At the same time, it has very few calories.

What is the difference between green and black radish?

Botanically, any radish belongs to the cabbage family. Both black and green are just varieties of a fairly large genus, which includes everyone's favorite spring radish and the only gaining popularity Japanese daikon.

Black radish is a traditional product of Slavic cuisine. But green is often called Margilan because it comes from Uzbekistan, where it was first bred in the city of Margilan. It is now grown throughout Asia, but is most commonly grown in Uzbekistan, China, South Korea, and Japan.

Both varieties contain many vitamins and are considered beneficial. However, black radish has a sharper and harsher taste. Green radish has a milder taste, so it is used in cooking much more often.

The taste of this root vegetable allows preparing all kinds of dishes from it, using such cooking methods as frying, stewing, pickling, etc. Black radish is more often used as a medicine, in cooking it is used mainly in raw form for cooking.

Which radish is healthier: black or green?

Although green radishes taste slightly milder, black radishes are actually healthier. Its spiciness is a consequence of its higher content of essential oils. It also contains more iron, potassium and magnesium than green radishes. Black radish is also considered a champion in terms of amino acids, which are necessary for the proper functioning of all systems in general and for improving the immune system in particular. Black radish also contains organic acids that stimulate metabolic processes and help to expel excess fats and "bad" cholesterol from tissues and blood.

Green radish contains fewer of these components, so it is not as useful. But she has a softer effect, its more pleasant taste is due to the fact that it has fewer substances that cause increased production of gastric juice. Therefore, unlike black radish, green radish can be safely eaten even with gastritis.

Composition and calories

Black radish is considered a root vegetable with low energy value - only 36 kcal per 100 g. But its unique chemical composition makes it an excellent remedy for viral infections, rheumatism and joint pain. It is widely used in cosmetology and folk medicine due to the presence of all these substances.

The composition of black radish includes:

1. Glycosides. These are substances that have antimicrobial properties.
2. Lysozyme. A natural antibacterial substance that suppresses the development of bacteria and even some types of fungi.
3. Phytoncides. Have antiseptic and immunomodulatory properties.
4. Mustard oils. They give the root vegetable a characteristic bitterness, although in principle they are also considered useful.
5. Minerals, including phosphorus (accelerates metabolic processes and improves cognitive functions), zinc, which has anti-inflammatory properties, and calcium, which normalizes blood pressure. In addition, radish contains potassium, iron (necessary for normal blood circulation), sodium, etc.
6. Ascorbic acid, B vitamins (riboflavin, thiamin, folic acid), K and A (retinol). All these substances are especially needed during the cold season to normalize metabolism, improve the condition of blood vessels, the proper functioning of the nervous system.

In addition, black radish contains a lot of fiber, which helps cleanse the intestines and improve digestion. However, you should treat it with caution. The fact is that it is quite coarse fiber, it is not suitable for everyone, as it can provoke gastrointestinal diseases - provided that a person already has problems (for example, exacerbation of a chronic form of gastritis). In addition, because of the bitterness caused by the mentioned oils, nutritionists recommend including radishes in the diet no more than 3 times a week.

Useful properties of black radish

General benefits

The healing properties of black radish have been known since ancient times. Modern research has only confirmed what ancient doctors and folk healers knew already. Black radish has anti-inflammatory properties, and this is partly due to the content of phytoncides, which can be called natural antibiotics.

Black radish:

1. Helps in the treatment of bronchitis and acute respiratory infections accompanied by cough.
2. It is a preventive agent against viral diseases, as it strengthens the body's immune system and provides it with energy.
3. Regulates lipid metabolism, prevents the formation of cholesterol plaques.
4. It contains active compounds needed to strengthen vascular walls, which helps to prevent cardiovascular disease.
5. Thanks to the presence of fiber, it helps to establish the digestive process and prevent dysbacteriosis, because such dietary fiber serves as food for beneficial microorganisms.

There is also a theory that regular consumption of black radish juice helps to remove gallstones from the gallbladder, but it has not been scientifically confirmed. In addition, not all stones can be removed without surgery because of their size and chemical composition. In general, doctors often believe that it is better to consume not the pulp with too much fiber, but its juice. It contains all the same useful substances, but does not cause attacks of flatulence and bloating.

For women

For ladies, black radish is interesting because it helps to lose weight. In addition, the components it contains improve fat metabolism, reduce the amount of harmful lipoproteins and help fight excess weight.

Due to its composition, black radish also has antibacterial properties, which allows you to use it in the treatment of inflammatory gynecological diseases. In addition, this root vegetable normalizes the hormonal balance and helps to relieve the pain of PMS. Finally, the syrup is an excellent remedy for cystitis.

For men

Since members of the stronger sex are more likely to suffer from cardiovascular diseases associated with high levels of bad cholesterol, they are also recommended to consume black radish - primarily as a preventive measure against early heart attacks. This root vegetable contains components that have anti-inflammatory properties, which can effectively treat prostatitis and prevent the development of tumors.

In pregnancy.

Of course, radishes can be very useful for expectant mothers, especially in the off-season, as they contain many vitamins and minerals. However, it also contains essential oils and some other components that can increase the tone of the uterus, and this often becomes the cause of miscarriage or premature labor. To reduce the amount of such components, radishes can be stewed with vegetables or roasted. However, you should still consult your doctor beforehand.

When breastfeeding

A woman in the postpartum period black radish can be useful because it will provide the body with all the vitamins and minerals it needs. In addition, it has been proven that the use of this product helps to increase the amount of milk and facilitate its flow to the ducts. However, since the baby may react negatively to the substances contained in this root vegetable, the use of black radish is contraindicated until the baby is two months old.

After that, radishes can be used to increase the flow of breast milk. To do this, you need to take the juice of the root vegetable, mixed in equal proportions with boiled water. To improve the taste, you can add a little honey to it. Once a day you need to take 1 tbsp of this mixture to improve lactation.

For Kids

Although radish contains many nutrients, children under the age of two are not given it, since their digestive system is not yet ready for products with such a content of essential oils. In the form of pulp radishes are given from the age of 3-4 years, only when the child is sick.

When losing weight

Black radish can not be the basis of a mono-diet, as it only stimulates the production of gastric juice and increases appetite. But it is added to various dishes like salads, including meat, based on boiled chicken breast. On the one hand, it improves the taste of the dish, on the other hand, it contains substances that accelerate the metabolism, so that its presence in the diet helps to lose excess weight. As a rule, for all these substances to be better absorbed, black radish is consumed in the form of juice (it does not affect the pancreas as much as the pulp).

But radishes can also be used externally to treat cellulite. For this purpose, its pulp is mixed with fine sea salt and honey and used as a mixture for a classic wrap, leaving it on the skin for 30 minutes under a plastic wrap. Means can not be used in the presence of wounds on the skin.

Black radish juice benefits

Black radish is a remedy that is useful for many diseases. Often it is consumed internally in the form of juice. It is best known as an expectorant, which is taken both for bronchitis and for acute respiratory infections accompanied by a severe cough. However, it is also effective in treating inflammatory diseases of the gallbladder and liver. Drink it only after consulting your doctor, as such a remedy has a number of contraindications (including cardiovascular diseases).

If the juice of black radish is used as an external medicine, then there will be much fewer restrictions - mainly it is an individual hypersensitivity to its components. Radish juice is an excellent rub for rheumatism, and radish compresses often help with gout and sciatica.

There are studies that have shown that black radish juice can be used to heal ulcers and purulent wounds.

The juice of black radish can be prepared immediately for the future. From 10 kg of root vegetable should get about 3 liters of juice. It should be stored in the refrigerator in a container with a tightly closed lid, as the smell he is not too pleasant.

Black radish in medicine

In official medicine, for a long time, black radish was mainly used as a cough remedy. However, it has been proven that it can also be useful for other diseases, such as diabetes and gout.

For Diabetes.

Black radish contains many useful substances, including organic acids, vitamins, macro and trace elements, enzymes. They normalize the metabolism and digestion, and all together they help to lose excess weight. And even the essential oils, which give bitterness and a characteristic smell, have useful properties and help normalize blood sugar levels.

Black radish in the treatment of diabetes can be used in different ways:

1. The juice in pure form itself is a medicine, it should be drunk before the main meals, three times a day, 1 tsp.
2. Juice, mixed in equal proportions with honey, is also used three times a day, but already 1 tbsp. and an hour before a meal.
3. A combined remedy consisting of one part radish juice, one part carrot juice and two parts milk. Drink it only twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, immediately before a meal, 1 tbsp.

The common folk recipe, in which radishes are grated, then a little sugar is added and left to infuse for 8 hours, is treated with caution in this disease. It is better to just use grated radish in salads, casseroles and soups, provided there are no contraindications. In any case, you should consult a doctor before starting the treatment.

Important: The glycemic index of black radish is 10 units.

In pancreatitis

In the acute form of pancreatitis, vegetables that contain a lot of essential oils are contraindicated. This also applies to radishes. But in this disease, it can not be consumed in the chronic form of pancreatitis, because it too increases the activity of the pancreas because of the essential oils and fiber.

In case of gout

In this disease, use the pulp of black radish as a warming lotion. For this, the cake obtained after grinding the root vegetable on a grater and squeezing the juice, wrapped in gauze and applied to the affected joint for 15-20 minutes. This helps to relieve pain.

Folk medicine recipes based on black radish

The recipes of folk medicine most often use the juice of black radish or syrup from this root vegetable. There are the following ways of obtaining this healing remedy:

1. Traditional method. They take a large root vegetable, wash it and carefully cut off the top along with the tops with a sharp knife. Then cut a hole in the pulp, it should be of such a size that it would fit 1 tbsp. honey (best to take lime) and still be a little space for the incoming juice. The prepared root vegetable is closed with a cut off the top instead of the lid and left in a dark place for 10 hours. After that, the syrup formed inside can be used to treat coughs - 1 tbsp. a day before breakfast, lunch and dinner. The root vegetable is not thrown away, but a new portion of honey is added to it, so that the syrup is formed anew. The vegetable can be used for three days, then it will have to be replaced.
2. Syrup for acute respiratory infections. A large black radish is washed, peeled, then cut its flesh into small cubes and placed in a liter jar. There is also poured 2 tablespoons of honey and leave the remedy for at least one day. Do not cover the container with a lid, and folded double gauze napkin. The resulting syrup is taken 1 tsp. spoon before each meal.
3. Express method is used when there is no possibility for a long time to infuse the syrup. Wash one root vegetable, remove its skin, grind it on a grater and strain the juice through gauze. All the resulting amount of juice is mixed with 2 tsp. honey. Drink it three times a day by 1 tbsp. a spoonful immediately before meals.
4. Also on the basis of radish make an analogue of mustard. To get the desired warming effect, a couple of cloves of garlic are taken per 1 cup of grated pulp. Such a composition is applied to the skin under the shoulder blade. He should warm, but with a strong burning on the skin, the improvised "mustard seed" is immediately removed. Even if there was no burning, the skin in this place will be red, but so it should be. It is necessary to lubricate it with oil or nourishing cream. The procedure is carried out at night.
5. Similar compresses are made for rheumatism and radiculitis. There is another version of them - for three parts of radish juice take two parts of honey and one part of vodka. You can add a little salt. All this is mixed and applied to the problematic joint, which is previously recommended to steamed. The mixture is lightly rubbed to get the desired effect, but you can simply fix it for 10 minutes with a bandage.

Black radish in cosmetology

For the face

Thanks to its unique composition, black radish is widely used in home cosmetology. For example, on its basis you can prepare the following remedies:

1. Nourishing mask. Take one root vegetable, grind it on a grater, select 1 tbsp. of the resulting mass, mix it with 1 tsp. flower honey and 1 tbsp. spoon of fat sour cream, add a little olive oil. The mixture should be applied in one layer to cleansed and smeared with nourishing face cream. If an unpleasant burning sensation occurs, it is better to wash the composition off immediately. If they do not, you can apply a second layer. After 10 minutes the mask is washed with warm water, and then washed again with cool water and nourishing cream. The remedy not only nourishes the skin, but also tightens it, gives a healthy color.
2. Mask for oily skin. Take 1 tablespoon of crushed radish pulp, mixed with whipped raw egg yolk. The product is applied to the skin for 20 minutes, then remove it with a cotton pad soaked in mild green tea. After 10 minutes you can wash your face with cool water.
3. Rejuvenating mask. Take 2 tablespoons finely grated radish, mix with 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed aloe juice and the same amount of green tea brew. All the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and applied to the previously prepared skin of the face for 15 minutes, then rinse with cool water.

Rather caustic substances contained in the pulp of radish help get rid of freckles. Different recipes are used for this purpose. For example, juice is extracted from the grated pulp, diluted with clean water in equal proportions and wiped problem areas of the skin with a cotton disc soaked in this liquid. The procedure should be repeated in the morning and evening. It also has a whitening effect.

You can make a simpler mask. The radish is carefully washed, peeled of the skin, cut into as thin slices as possible. They are applied to the problem areas of the face, pre-lubricated with cosmetic oil. Such an application is kept on the skin for about 20-25 minutes, if there is no burning. Then remove the slices, and then wipe the face after a tampon soaked in cool milk. After 15-20 minutes, wash your face with cool water.

For hair

Also on the basis of radish you can make a mask for oily hair. As in other cases, grind the pulp on a grater and add a decoction of nettle (1 tbsp. vegetable raw material per glass of boiling water). The mixture is applied to the scalp, gently rubbing into the roots of the hair. After that, a polyethylene cap is put on, and a towel is tied on top. In half an hour remove the mask. The course of treatment - 4-8 times a month, followed by a long break for 8 weeks.

Harm and contraindications

Although in general radish contains many useful elements and is recognized by official medicine, its excessive consumption can lead to negative consequences. In particular, the substances in its composition can destroy the enamel of teeth. Studies have also shown that when used for a long time, radish can have a negative impact on the psycho-emotional state and even cause depression. This is especially true when a person consumes radish tincture in alcohol or vodka.

If radish is not just included from time to time in the diet, but is used as a therapeutic agent on a regular basis, this should be taken into account. In general, it is recommended to carry out a course of treatment no longer than three weeks, after which a break will have to be taken. At the same time, no more than two therapeutic courses per year should be carried out. These restrictions apply to adults. For children, they will be even stricter - the course should last for more than a week.

The absolute contraindications to the use of radish include cardiovascular disease, abnormalities of the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys and hepatobiliary system. Also, this root vegetable should not be used in the presence of individual intolerance.

How to choose and store the black radish

When choosing a radish, the main thing to pay attention to the fact that it was whole, without cracks. Each root vegetable should be checked for weight - a quality radish should be heavy. If it seems light, it means that it is either empty or has flabby flesh inside.

Radishes can be stored over the winter, and all this time they will retain their healing properties. The main thing is to select high-quality specimens for storage, and the rest should be either thrown away or used immediately (especially if they are small). Do not leave for storage sluggish and soft root vegetables, as well as those that have mechanical damage and signs of rot. If there is even minor damage, there is a high probability that the fruit will not only spoil itself, but will also provoke spoilage of other vegetables.

To prepare a radish for storage, first you need to get rid of its haulm. By the way, in the old days, this root vegetable was used without waste, and even today some cooks assure that radish tops can be added to salads. Be that as it may, it should be cut with a sharp knife, so that the fruit retains moisture for a long time. If you tear it off with your hands, you can damage the vegetable, and it will quickly spoil.

Much depends on exactly when the fruit was picked. If, as is often the case in autumn, in wet weather, then you need to dry them beforehand in a ventilated room so that they do not get direct sunlight. The maximum period for which radishes can be kept in a normal room is 2 weeks from the time of picking. After that, it should be placed in the cellar.

Store radishes in wooden containers during the winter. But at the same time, it is necessary to pour wet sand on the bottom of such a box. And each next layer of vegetables also pour wet sand. He also forms the top layer in a wooden box. During the winter, the condition of the radish in this box should be monitored, the sand as it dries should be slightly moistened with water.

Radishes should not be stored near fruit of fruit trees. They release substances into the air, which will provoke the sprouting of root crops, which will cause them to spoil faster. The best neighbors for radishes are considered other root crops, such as potatoes and carrots. The fact is that potatoes themselves release a little moisture into the air, which also allows the radish to remain quite elastic and juicy.

Clearly, not everyone has the opportunity to store radishes in the cellar. In this case, a balcony will do, but only if it is glazed, and the temperature on it even in winter does not drop below zero. Root vegetables should be placed in sturdy plastic bags, in which you carefully make holes for air circulation. In severe frosts, when the temperature on the balcony drops, it is recommended to cover the vegetables with a warm blanket.

Can I freeze

Black radish can be frozen, in which case it retains all the useful substances. To do this, take whole fruits, wash them thoroughly under running water, and then dry them indoors naturally. Although many people believe that the skin can not be removed, you should remember that after freezing the radish will be much harder to peel, so it is better to do it in advance.

As already mentioned, the tops of the root vegetables are cut off with a sharp knife, right along with the tops, the roots are also trimmed. Prepared vegetables can be cut into slices, small pieces or even chopped on a coarse grater. In either case, they are allowed to drain for a while and then put into the containers or plastic bags used for freezing.

Some hostesses even freeze mixtures, which are then used to make snacks. As an example, you can take a preparation of black radish, carrots and not too sweet variety of apples (all components are taken in a ratio of 1:1:3). Radish peel and grate on a coarse grater, and the juice is squeezed. Raw carrots and apples are cut into small julienne. Then all the components are mixed, put in prepared containers and put in the freezer.

The grated radish itself is frozen for medicinal purposes. It is washed, peeled, ground on a coarse grater, allow the juice to drain, making sure that the mass does not dry out completely. Then the grated vegetables are placed in plastic bags or plastic containers (preferably portioned) and put in the freezer.

What can be cooked from black radish: Recipes

Black radish is most often eaten raw, adding it to salads. Indeed, in this case (without heat treatment), much more useful substances are preserved. However, this does not mean that radishes should not be used for anything else. Its white flesh in the raw form is crisp and has a spicy taste, but it has distinguishable creamy tones, which become more pronounced after heat treatment.

Black radish, if you remove the bitterness, can be roasted, stewed, boiled and marinated, added to soups and make it into a puree. Some cooks advise cutting the radish into thin slices and making them into chips, which are particularly delicious when combined with a thick and sweet sauce. Black radish can also be boiled with pumpkin, add honey and make a spicy-sweet dessert.

Vegetable snack

Although black radishes can be stored in suitable conditions all winter, they also make excellent preserves. For example, you can prepare a vegetable snack, which will need 400 g of black radish for 100 g of carrots and bell peppers, a few cloves of garlic, dill herbs - up to 50 g. Sugar and salt take 1 tbsp. each. It also needs table vinegar - 40 ml.

There is nothing difficult in the process of preparation. The radish is washed, peeled and ground on a coarse grater, then add the slices of garlic and chopped herbs. Peppers are cut into julienne, carrots should also be grated on a coarse grater. Bring the peppers and carrots to a boil and leave on low heat for 5 minutes, and then drain, add to the radish, put salt, add sugar and vinegar, mix thoroughly. Vegetable mass is placed in jars, which previously undergo the process of sterilization and pour boiling water so that it slightly covered the vegetables. Jars are pasteurized for 10-15 minutes, depending on volume. Then they close and put under a blanket until they cool.

Salad

Black radishes can be added to salads. Especially since in winter, in the absence of tomatoes, cucumbers and sweet peppers, beets and cabbage quickly get bored. And black radish will help to bring variety to the diet. For example, you can prepare a salad with carrots, radishes and cumin. For this purpose, 1 black radish, a couple of cloves of garlic, half a lemon and a pinch of cumin are taken for 2 carrots. Salt and walnuts are to taste. Use olive oil for the dressing. Carrots and radishes are peeled, thoroughly washed, then rubbed on the finest grater. Chop garlic and nuts, mix with vegetables, season with lemon juice and olive oil, and sprinkle cumin seeds on top.

Stuffing for vegetarian dumplings

You can use black radishes to make a filling for vegetarian dumplings. For the dough you will need, as usual, for 1.5 cups of flour 1/2 cup water, half an egg, salt to taste. For the filling take 250 g of radish, a couple of green onion feathers and 1.5 tablespoons of vegetable or butter. Peel radishes, wash them and grate on a coarse grater. To get rid of the bitterness, the mass is lightly fried in vegetable or butter with the addition of sour cream. Then the radish is mixed with chopped green onions - this will be the stuffing. In general, the dumplings are cooked in the usual way.

How to remove bitterness from black radish

One of the reasons why black radish is not very popular in cooking is its bitter taste. Many housewives believe that to get rid of bitterness it is enough to simply remove the skin, because it is the source of the problem, and also gives an unpleasant smell. But in fact, to soften the taste of black radish, this is absolutely not enough. It is better to use one of the following ways:

1. The root vegetable is washed, peeled, cut into thin enough plates no more than 2 cm thick, pour a small amount of cold milk. If the radish turned out to be particularly bitter, it is better not even to cut it, and grind it on a coarse grater. Leave it in the milk for half an hour. After this, plates or pieces of radish are squeezed, rinsed with water if desired, and then cook the conceived dish with it.
2. The root vegetable is peeled from the skin, cut into slices, pour cold water with a little salt. The water is left for 20 minutes, then drained. This method allows you to keep the spiciness without bitterness.
3. The washed, peeled and grated radish pulp is mixed with chopped carrots. This mixture, in which the sweet root vegetable neutralizes the bitter, can serve as the basis for a variety of salads.
4. Peeled root-crops are shredded on a special grater designed for Korean carrots, and pour hot water, but not boiling water. The radish is poured over it with lemon juice and left for three minutes, then the water is poured off.
5. The radish is washed, peeled, rubbed on a coarse grater and sprinkled with salt. After a while the juice will start to flow out. It is squeezed, and the remaining pulp is washed, after which it will no longer be bitter.

Finally, there is another way. You need to put the grated radish pulp in cold water, and add as many ice cubes as possible. After 20 minutes, you can squeeze the pulp and use it for culinary purposes.

Interesting facts about radish

1. Although radish is considered a native Russian product, in fact, its homeland is the Mediterranean. In fact, this plant has been cultivated for over 4 000 years. To this day, even records have survived of how many radishes were used as food by the workers who built the pyramid of Cheops. From there, the radish made its way to ancient Greece, where it won acclaim from doctors, including the famous Hippocrates, the father of medicine. In the diet of the inhabitants of Hellas it played a prominent role along with carrots and beets, because potatoes were not known in Europe in those days.
2. Interestingly, other types of radish were common in Asia. But in both Japan and China it played an important role in the diet and in the home medicine cabinet.
3. In Russia, radish began to grow about 900 years ago. It was believed that seven dishes could be prepared from it. It was also added to turya, which was considered the food of the poor, and to more substantial appetizers. It was indeed a frequent guest on the table during Lent. So this is where the saying about something or someone being "worse than a bitter radish" comes from.
4. There are now eight species of the plant found in the wild, and all that is presented in stores is the same kind of radish, just different varieties.

Photo of a black radish