He radish (Raphanus sativus) belongs to the family of cruciferouswhose multiple species occupy the top positions on the list of anticancer vegetables. Among its varieties is the black radish, the most used for medicinal purposes for its multiple therapeutic properties.
Its skin is hard and difficult to digest, but it has white meat that is very digestible. The traditional chinese medicine He prescribes it in cases of fever, digestive disorders, intestinal infection, ulcer and flatulence.
Its health properties
Although it is less nutritious than roots such as carrots or beets, black radish has a unique combination of phytochemicals that gives it a long list of properties:
- anticancer
- antimicrobial
- antioxidants
- diuretics
- purifying
- anti-inflammatory
- hepatoprotective
- digestive
- mucolytic
- immunostimulants
Specifically, in the black radish composition We find glucosinolates, isothiocyanates and indoles, as well as various sulfur substances, vitamins, minerals and fiber.
The glucosinolates They are spicy molecules with the ability to eliminate harmful parasites. The isothiocyanates and indoles promote detoxification and contribute to the prevention of cancer. Organic sulfur compounds such as raphanol and raphanin They provide cholagogue, choleretic and antibiotic properties.
Also notable is the content in vitamin C and folates. As for minerals, potassium and iodine stand out.
When is black radish indicated
Black radish is especially indicated in the following cases:
- Liver and biliary conditions. Stimulates the production of bile and emptying of the gallbladder, promotes the drainage of toxic waste accumulated in the liver and helps prevent stone formation. Improves migraines of hepatic origin and keeps cholesterol and triglycerides at bay.
- Digestive disorders. Open your appetite, stimulates the production of gastric juicesrelieves dyspepsia, constipation and bloating, fights intestinal infections and exerts a mild laxative effect.
- Immunostimulant and anticancer. Counteracts the action of free radicals, eliminates pathogens harbored by the digestive, urinary and respiratory mucous membranes, modulates detoxification enzymes and inhibits the progression of cancer cells.
- Cardiovascular problems. Increases diuresis and lowers blood pressurewhich helps prevent complications of the circulatory system.
- Sinusitis and bronchitis. With a mucolytic effect, it softens mucus and promotes expectoration.
How to take
Including black radish in your regular diet can have both a preventive and curative effect. It also comes encapsulated or in liquid form along with other medicinal plants, such as artichoke, milk thistle or dandelion.
The therapeutic dose ranges between 200 and 600 mg daily or one ampoule daily on an empty stomach. dissolved in a glass of water or juice.