While radish is popular as healthy food, the seeds and radish leaves (Mooli ke patte) are quite nutritious as well. If you get to know the health benefits of radish leaves you may begin enjoying the leaves more than the radish root.
Studies have shown that radish has high nutritional and phytochemical potential, owing to the presence of flavonoids in them. The radish leaves and sprouts are considered to have the highest amount of many nutrients and phytochemicals. Radish leaves are rich in macronutrients, sodium, potassium, calcium, fiber, fatty acids and non-flavonoid polyphenols while its sprouts are rich in flavonoids, particularly anthocyanins, β-carotene, and vitamin C.1
8 Useful Benefits of Radish Leaves (Mooli Ke Patte)
Some of the health benefits of radish leaves include:
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Antioxidants Properties
One of the best health benefits of radish leaves is the ability to fight oxidative stress and the anti-oxidant properties offered by its Radish leaves are a rich source of great plant compounds, which have antioxidant properties, and can be of great benefit. They help to reduce oxidative damage to the cells that can reduce the accumulation of free radicals and inflammation. These properties and the antioxidant flavonoids present in radish leaves can help prevent or manage conditions arising due to cellular damage or inflammation.2
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Helps Control Blood Sugar
Owing to the antioxidant behavior and reduction in cellular damage, consuming radish leaves can be helpful in diabetic conditions. Being low in calories also makes radish leaves a good option for those planning a diabetic meal. One of the health benefits of radish leaves also includes the role of plant compounds in controlling blood sugar levels. Some studies have concluded that radish leaves could reduce intestinal glucose absorption and radish seeds could reduce insulin resistance and improve glucose uptake.3
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Helps Manage High Blood Pressure
The antioxidant properties of radish leaves make them a popular pick for their health benefits. In 2012, a study was done to evaluate the effects of radish leaves (ethyl acetate) extracts on hypertension in 11-week-old spontaneously hypertensive rats. It concluded that the consumption of radish leaves may have shown antihypertensive effects that resulted in reduced blood pressure and enhanced antioxidant effects in these rats.4 This suggests that a possible health benefit of radish leaves is their antihypertensive function, and they can be considered a medicinal food.
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Improved Heart Health
One of the possible health benefits of radish leaves is their role in improving heart health. The plant compounds offer antioxidant properties and reduce inflammatory processes. Reduction in oxidative stress and is rich in vitamin C can promote collagen synthesis that can improve the elasticity of blood vessels. This can help improve heart health thus offering a great health benefit. Some studies have shown that radish has the potential to reduce cholesterol levels in mice.3
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Promotes Weight Loss
One of the interesting health benefits of radish leaves is that they can help in weight loss. Radish leaves are a low-calorie food but contain all the necessary nutrients and have a great taste, thus making it a power-packed food. This is more beneficial for people who are trying to lose weight as radish leaves, which are low in calories, can be consumed in various ways. Radish leaves have properties that can promote glucose uptake and energy metabolism.3 This can promote appropriate use of energy and when clubbed with the right diet can help in promoting weight loss.
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Boosts Immunity
Radish leaves contain several nutrients and vitamin C is one of the important ones. Vitamin C helps build a strong immune system that can help prevent various diseases. Thus, along with the nutritious elements in radish leaves, one of the best health benefits of radish leaves is that the presence of vitamin C makes it more essential to promote immunity.
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Improved Gut Health
Radish leaves are rich in fiber and can help improve gut health in every way. It can help prevent constipation and improve gastric motility. Proper bowel movement helps in detoxification and removal of toxins, thus helping to improve health. Those with a sensitive gut may want to be careful and can plan their diet accordingly.
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Nutritious Food
One of the health benefits of radish leaves is that they are a rich source of vitamins and minerals. Being rich in a variety of nutrients, radish leaves are one of the best nutritious foods to have to maintain good health. They are loaded with essential vitamins and minerals that can offer protection from various illnesses and promote body functions. As it is rich in iron, it can be great food for those with iron deficiency or low hemoglobin levels.
These are some of the health benefits of radish leaves. Owing to the benefits of radish and its leaves, they are used in various preparations. The radish leaves can be easily added to your diet to make a part of your healthy routine.
