Radish Tops: Benefits And Uses

The next time you buy radishes, don’t throw the tops away. In addition to their usefulness in all kinds of recipes, these green leaves may have health benefits. Discover their benefits!

Radish tops aren’t one of the most popular foods in the kitchen. However, if you knew all the benefits, you would surely include them in your diet. In addition, their mild flavor allows them to go well with all kinds of salad or recipe.

When you buy radishes, the first thing you do is cut the tops. However, these green leaves contain nutritional components that could have a positive influence on health. If you haven’t tasted them yet, we’ll tell you more about their properties and how to consume them.

Radish tops, what are their benefits?

Although there are not many studies on its properties,  radish is used in popular culture as an adjunct to treat certain mild ailments  such as fever, sore throat, biliary disorders as well as inflammation. If you want to know more about its benefits, this article is for you.

Radish tops help supplement the diet

Due to their low calorie intake, radish tops can be included in any diet to get the most of their benefits. Indeed, you can mix them with kale or other green leafy vegetable in a salad.

In this regard, a publication from Illinois University Extension detailing the nutritional components of a wide variety of plants, reports that half a cup of radish contains about 12 calories  and virtually no fat.

They contribute to digestive health

Radish tops may aid digestion. Although scientific evidence is still insufficient, some animal studies suggest that their fiber content is responsible for this digestive benefit.

Indeed, research published in Food and Agricultural Organization of The United States indicates that consuming this part of the plant can improve gastrointestinal function as well as fat metabolism.

Radish tops may have effects on diabetes

Diabetes is a disease in which the glucose in the blood rises beyond what is considered normal. It is a widespread disease in the world population, caused by low production of insulin in the pancreas or by tissue resistance to its action.

According to an article published in the journal Nutrients, it seems that  all parts of the radish have anti-diabetic properties. As for the tops, they could reduce the absorption of glucose in the intestine. However, there is a lack of more clinical studies on these effects.

How to use radish tops to benefit from their benefits?

The most common way to consume radishes is to slice them and eat them raw. However, radish tops can be used in different recipes just like any green leafy plant. Here are some preparations made from radish tops:

• Salads: Like lettuce or spinach, radish tops can be added to any salad.
• Soups: they can be part of a soup accompanied by various vegetables.
• Smoothies: when preparing these drinks, you can add some radish tops that will bring their properties and will not affect the taste.
• Omelette: this dish is simple to make and appreciated by everyone. Its preparation is the same as for a tortilla with eggs and spinach, but instead of spinach, add radish tops.
• Sautéed vegetables: you can also sauté them in a wok with other vegetables. All you need to do is add a little salt and whatever spices you like.

Contraindications and adverse effects

Consumption of radish leaves is almost always considered safe. However, in large amounts, they can irritate the stomach. On the other hand, some people show an allergy to this food, although this is rare.

In addition,  pregnant or breastfeeding women should be particularly careful with radishes. Indeed, there is insufficient data on their effects during this period.

Additionally, since radish helps lower blood sugar levels, people with hypoglycemia should avoid ingesting it in excess. If you are suffering from gallstones, it is best to be careful with this food. This is because radish increases the flow of bile and this can cause sudden pain due to blockage of stones.

Finally, do not forget that in  moderate quantities, the use of this plant has no adverse effects. You can therefore include it in your diet without any problem and check its benefits. If you have any symptoms, your best bet is to see a doctor.