This post will provide information on "What are the health benefits of daikon (Raphanus sativus)?" as well as provide answers to questions like: Can you eat the leaves of daikon radish? Why do Japanese eat daikon? When did daikon come to America? What is daikon leaf? Are daikon greens good for you? Can you eat radish leaves benefits? Can you eat radish daikon leaves? Do radish leaves have vitamins? Does radish have side effects? Are radish leaves healthy? Is radish leaves good for kidney? Is it OK to eat daikon everyday?
Daikon (Japanese for 'big root') or mooli, Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus, is a mild-flavored winter radish usually characterized by fast-growing leaves and a long, white, napiform root. Originally native to continental East Asia, daikon is harvested and consumed throughout the region, as well as in South Asia, and is now available internationally. In some locations daikon is planted for its ability to break up compacted soils and recover nutrients, but not harvested. In culinary contexts, daikon (romanized: daikon, lit.?'big root') or daikon radish are the most common names in all forms of English. Historical ties to South Asia permit mooli (from its Hindi/Panjabi name and also in Urdu) as a general synonym in English. The generic terms white radish, winter radish, Oriental radish, long white radish, and other terms are also used. Other synonyms usually vary by region or describe regional varieties of the vegetable. When it is necessary to distinguish the usual Japanese form from others, it is sometimes known as Japanese radish. The Chinese and Indian varieties tolerate higher temperatures than the Japanese one. These varieties also grow well at lower elevations in East Africa. If moisture is abundant, it can grow quickly; otherwise, the flesh becomes overly tough and pungent.[15] The variety Long White Icicle is available as seed in Britain, and will grow very successfully in Southern England, producing roots resembling a parsnip by midsummer in good garden soil in an average year.
- Extracts of daikon may display strong antibacterial activity against a host of diseases causing microbes like Hafnia alvei, Lactobacillus, and Bacillus thuringiensis as well as fungal species such as Penicillium lilacinum
- Enzymes present in daikon might help prevent constipation and increase nutrient uptake efficiency in the gut
- The present in daikon enzymes may facilitate more efficient digestion of complex carbohydrates, proteins, and fats
- Daikon has long been known as a diuretic by nature, which means that it may stimulate urination thereby detoxifying the body
- Daikon sprouts contain certain antioxidant phenolic compounds that have been shown to have antioxidant/radical scavenging properties which help lower the risk of colon cancer
- Daikon leaves might also be the richest source of vitamin C which boost immune system
- Like most other cruciferous vegetables, daikon may be a rich source of calcium, which is essential for bone health
- The anti-inflammatory compounds found in daikon juice, its roots, and leaves might significantly decrease inflammation throughout the body
- Intake of daikon may fill you up and provide your body with essential nutrients, without significantly increasing the calorie count or cholesterol intake in your daily diet which aids weight loss
- Daikon oil is relatively rare, but it can be applied directly to the skin for anti-aging effects
- Daikon is also considered harmful for those suffering from gallstones
- The compound in daikon that has been found to prevent or fight cancer also has an effect on the functioning of the thyroid gland
- Pregnant and breast-feeding women are also advised to refrain from consuming this vegetable