Since ancient times, China has “eat radish summer ginger, without a doctor’s prescription,” the saying, these days dinner, the family stewed on the radish ribs soup, after work from the cold wind shivering home, drink a bowl is really comfortable.
However, why is there always a winter to eat the radish argument? Is there anything special about radish? Is there really a special benefit to eating radish in winter? Let’s talk about eating radish in winter.
Carrot and radish, not a family
Speaking of radish, we have to mention the carrot. These two are just one word away from each other, and everyone will treat them as a family. But you know what? Carrots and radishes are not the same family, carrots are not really considered “radishes”.
The history of radish cultivation is very long, with records from Egypt 4,000 years ago and China 2,000 years ago. There are more than 2,000 varieties of radishes grown in China, including cherry radish, red radish, green radish, white radish, heart radish and so on, all of which are members of the radish family.
If you look closely you will find that they are all vegetables of the cruciferous family. Carrots, however, are members of the genus Carrot in the Umbelliferae family. These two families are very different in terms of botanical classification. So, carrots are not radishes.
Radish is watery, high in dietary fiber and low in calories
But there is nothing special compared to other vegetables
There are many ways to eat radish, such as raw, cold, soup, kimchi and so on, each practice is very delicious, but also a bunch of food lovers. Many people say that radish is good and has high nutritional value, is it really so?
According to the food nutrition database of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, per 100 grams of white radish, the data of the three major nutrients are: sugar is 1.86 grams, protein 0.68 grams, fat content 0.1 grams; dietary fiber content 1.6 grams, vitamin C 14.8 mg.
From the analysis of nutritional data, as an edible vegetable, the nutritional characteristics of radish are mainly.
1. High water content and low heat: the water content of radish is above 90%, and the content is about 20 kcal per 100 grams. In the dry winter weather, it is still good to eat more food with high water content to replenish the water needed by the body.
2. High dietary fiber content: radish contains a lot of dietary fiber, which can increase the sense of satiety, plus the radish contains mustard oil, which can promote intestinal peristalsis and help laxative.
3. The vitamin content is quite rich and also contains many trace elements: for example, the vitamin C content of radish is medium, and eating more radish is also good for getting vitamin C. However, from the analysis of nutrient composition, these nutrients of radish are not outstanding among vegetables.
For example, the vitamin C content in every 100 grams of green pepper are above 60 mg, and the dietary fiber in every 100 grams of peas is also quite richer than that of radish.
Overall, radish can be used as a vegetable that provides humans with a wide variety of nutritional sources, but it is not particularly overpowering either.
Is eating radish in winter better than a small ginseng?
In fact, it’s because there were few vegetables in winter.
There are many health legends about radish, for example, some people say that radish is “small ginseng”, “eat radish in winter and eat ginger in summer, no need for doctors to prescribe”, “radish on the market, the doctor is fine”. And so on. Does the radish really have such a magical effect?
Eat radish in winter is good, the reason why these sayings are prevalent, I think an important reason is – in the past, there were few vegetables in winter, radish as a very cold-resistant vegetables, but also one of the few vegetables that people can eat in winter. In ancient times, being able to eat fresh radish during the long winter was still a great help for people to replenish their nutrition, especially vitamin C. So, at that time, people would think it was good to eat radish in winter.
However, in modern times, with the development of food technology, especially the cold chain, fruit and vegetable storage and fruit and vegetable planting technology, we can eat all kinds of vegetables and fruits all year round, and the role of radish is not so amazing.
In fact, although the radish has its own nutritional advantages, it does not have any special ingredients. The nutrients contained in the radish are found in many fruits and vegetables, and are also very common, and can be obtained by eating other fruits and vegetables.
Moreover, if you are really sick, you cannot achieve a therapeutic effect simply by eating the few nutrients provided by radish.
The real treatment of the disease still requires diagnosis and effective treatment of the symptoms and causes of the disease, so as not to delay the disease and ensure the health of the body.
Is there an anti-cancer factor in radish?
It has not been fully confirmed in humans
Scientists have also discovered some possible health components from radish. For example, in recent years, many media reports have mentioned an anti-cancer factor – radish sulfur, mustard oleoresin, etc.
Some studies have found that these substances have “antioxidant” and “anti-cancer” effects, but most of them have been found in cellular and animal experiments, and there is no sufficient evidence in humans, so it is too early to think that they are effective in humans and can fight cancer.
Overall, from the current research evidence, although the radish is delicious, but there is really no special health effects, we should not be too superstitious, sick or promptly see a doctor.
Of course, if you like to eat radish, I still support it. After all, the basic concept of nutrition and health lies in dietary diversity and balanced nutrition. As a vegetable, radish can also enrich our recipes, and is still good for increasing food diversity and balancing the diet.
