Radish (Muli) Benefits, Uses and Side Effects

Diabetes is one of the major health concerns in the world. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), diabetes is a trouble faced by almost 371 million people worldwide today. Since, most antibiotics are associated with side effects, WHO highly encourages the exploration of antidiabetic agents of plant origin. Lots of research is done on the antidiabetic potential of various plants and their products all over the globe. Radish is one such plant. Studies have suggested that radish exercises its antidiabetic activity by affecting certain hormones that act on glucose homeostasis. Japanese radish sprouts were found to reduce the level of plasma insulin in streptozocin-induced in vivo (animal models) diabetes models. It has been further suggested that antioxidants like anthocyanins, present in radish, might be the chemical components that are responsible for such hypoglycemic (blood sugar reducing) response. Moreover, Radish extracts also reduce glucose absorption which could prove functional for the management and inhibition of diabetes.

The liver is assigned with the task of clearing various chemicals, which enter the body in the form of drugs and medicines. These medicinal and chemical agents sometimes have an adverse effect on or even injure the liver. They are known as hepatotoxins and the damage caused to the liver is called hepatotoxicity. Radishes have been studied to have remedial properties against hepatotoxicity. Findings of a toxicology research confirm that radish enzyme extracts can be used for the improvement of liver disorders.

Thyroid is a condition caused by over or under functioning of the thyroid gland. It affects the secretion of the thyroid hormones which is responsible for maintaining body metabolism. A dysfunctional thyroid thus disrupts the entire working of the body and causes symptoms like fatigue, muscle and joint pain, weight gain or weight loss, constipation, depression, etc. Fortunately, thyroid disorder can be prevented by consuming cruciferous vegetables like radish. These vegetables contain goitrogenic (increases release of thyroid stimulating hormones) substances, which,  along with the intake of iodine in certain patterns, can increase the weight of the thyroid gland, reduce thyroid hormone profiles, and elevate the level of thyrotropin. All of these factors are desirable in case of a hyperactive thyroid condition. Besides, radish contains raphanin, which balances the secretion of thyroid hormones in the body leading to more balanced body functions.

(Read more: Hyperthyroidism treatment)

Hypertension or high blood pressure are very common conditions which are otherwise associated with a high mortality rate all over the world . Several studies have been done to find a natural solution for hypertension. The seeds of the radish plant, scientifically known as Raphani Semen, are mentioned in Chinese records as a treatment for hypertension. In a study, water-soluble alkaloids from the seeds were revealed to have a noteworthy hypotensive (reduces blood pressure) function. It has been claimed that the blood pressure lowering effect of radish may be brought about by its vasodilation function, which is basically widening of blood vessels, resulting in reduced blood pressure.

Obesity is a disease charecterised by the accumulation of excess body fat..It is a cause of major discomfort for the person and extreme cases it can lead to chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure. Sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy dietary choices have turned obesity into a disease of epidemic proportions worldwide. Radish is considered an excellent weight loss agent in some traditional medicine systems. Methanol extracts from radish seeds were taken into consideration as a treatment for obesity and tested for their effects on inhibition of pancreatic lipase (a digestive enzyme secreted by the pancreas). Though these extracts were found to have weak inhibitory activity, they acted significantly in suppressing the activity of pancreatic lipase in vivo studies.

Moreover, the seeds carry fatty acids like linolenic acid, nervonic acid, stearic acid, and palmitoleic acid which have beneficial implications for obesity-related disorders.

More studies are still needed to confirm the anti-obesity effects of radish.

(Read more: Diet chart for weight loss)

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The deteriorating quality of diet is quickly leading to the prevalence of various gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Quite frequently, we hear people complaining of stomach aches, burning sensations in the stomach, and constipation. Natural remedies for such problems are gradually coming in vogue. It was reported by University of Saudi Arabia in 2008, that the fresh juice obtained from leaves have carminative (reduce bloating) and laxative (regulate bowel movement) properties. Radish root can be used for reducing the severity of various gastric ailments including constipation and stomach gas. It has high fiber content which gives bulk to the food in the intestine, thus easing the passage of stools.

Additionally, the seeds are potential digestive which means they help regulate the digestion and absorption of food in the body.

So, it could be said that radish works wonderfully against gastric problems.

A rise in herbal research and extraction of numerous bioactive phytochemicals (plant-based chemicals) has lead to the widespread use of herbal therapies in the modern century. Many diseases have found their cure and prevention in the natural chemicals present in agricultural products. Kidney stones is one such condition. It is developed by the deposition of small crystals in the urinary tract which includes kidneys, ureter or urinary bladder. The condition is quite distressing and may lead to symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and painful urination in some cases. Radish is one of the food items recommended for prevention of calculi or stone formation. It works in multiple ways, performing antioxidant, anti-microbial, analgesic (pain relieving), anti-inflammatory, and diuretic (removes excess salt) activities. A study reveals that radish influences and increases urinary calcium oxalate excretion, and regulates oxalate metabolism, avoiding the risk of a stone.

Jaundice is a liver disorder which obstructs the proper functioning of the bile-producing liver cells, leading to an increased bilirubin level in the body. High bilirubin levels then show up as a yellowish discoloration of the skin, tongue, and eyes, which is one of the identifying symptoms of Jaundice. Unfortunately, poor sanitary and hygienic conditions have made jaundice to be a very common disease in certain parts of India. Radish is one of the traditional remedies used for reducing the symptoms of jaundice in India. Consuming boiled and strained juice of radish leaves and eating raw radish as salad are known to have remedial effects on patients of jaundice.

A condition of chronic constipation, rectal swelling and bleeding, and acute bowel discomfort is identified as hemorrhoids or piles in common language. In a research based on herbal treatment for piles, it was found that consuming raw radish along with a topical application of a paste of a honey radish blend may help soothe the condition.

Infertility is an issue faced by many couples these days. A number of physical and physiological factors have been associated with the occurrence of infertility in both males and females. In the case of male infertility, the amount of semen produced is a major concern. Several studies are being done globally to understand the link between diet and infertility. According to a study done in Iran, consumption of nutritional food may be beneficial in reducing the risk of fertility in men. It was further claimed that any nutritious food that is warming to the body and causes flatulence is very beneficial for the sexual functions. Radish is one of the foods included in a list of foods named for their semen-increasing function.