Black radish : an ancestral remedy to cleanse the liver

Issa D | 05 March 2023
Reading time : about 8 minutes
Black radish :  an ancestral remedy to cleanse the liver
Contents

    Black radish is a variety of radish that is smaller and darker than the classic red radish. It has a stronger, more pungent flavor and is often used as an ingredient in salads and sandwiches. It is also often pickled or pickled. Some believe that black radish has medicinal properties, but this has not been scientifically proven.

    Description of black radish

    The black radish is a root vegetable grown for its thick, round stem. It belongs to the Brassicaceae family, like red radish and kohlrabi. It has a shiny black skin and a crisp white flesh inside. It has a stronger, more pungent taste than red radish, and is often used as an ingredient in salads, sandwiches and fish dishes. It is also used for pickling or pickling. It has diuretic properties and is rich in vitamins and minerals.

    History of its use

    The black radish originates from Asia and has been cultivated since ancient times in China, India and Japan. It was introduced to Europe in the Middle Ages, where it was used as a root vegetable. It was used as a folk remedy to treat digestive disorders and headaches. It is also eaten as a staple food for its diuretic properties.

    Over the centuries, it has been used in various culinary cultures, including Europe, Asia and North America. It is particularly popular in Germany, where it is often pickled and served as a side dish with sausages or cold cuts. In Asia, it is used to make pickles and chutneys. It is also used in North America for traditional recipes such as sandwiches and salads.

    What is the composition of black radish ?

    Black radish is rich in important health nutrients such as vitamins C and K, potassium and iron. It also contains antioxidants, dietary fiber and glucosinolates, organic compounds that have anti-cancer properties.

    It also contains a small amount of vitamin B9 (folate) and vitamin B6. It is also a good source of minerals such as magnesium, calcium and phosphorus. It is very low in calories, about 16 calories per 100 grams of black radish. It is also very low in fat and cholesterol.

    Properties of black radish

    Black radish is considered to have medicinal properties due to its high content of nutrients and plant compounds such as glucosinolates. Some of the potential health benefits of black radish include :

    • Aids in digestion : Black radish contains dietary fiber that can help improve digestion and regularity of bowel movements. It also has diuretic properties that can help remove toxins from the body by stimulating the kidneys.
    • Protects and stimulates liver function : Black radish has cholagogue and choleretic properties that help protect and stimulate the liver, especially when suffering from overwork that disturbs the lipid balance (Cholesterol, Triglycerides, NASH).
    • Anti-inflammatory action : The glucosinolates contained in black radish have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body and prevent certain chronic diseases.
    • Anti-cancer properties : The glucosinolates in black radish have anti-cancer properties that may help protect against cancer.
    • Helps heart health : Black radish is rich in potassium, a mineral that can help regulate blood pressure and protect against heart disease.

    It is important to note that most of the health benefits of black radish are based on animal or in vitro studies and there is not yet enough human research to conclusively prove the effect of these benefits.However, it is considered a health food because of its high nutrient and fiber content.

    If you wish to use black radish to cleanse your liver, you can consume it by cutting it into thin slices and eating it raw, or by incorporating it into a salad. It is important to remember, however, that black radish can be irritating to the stomach for some people and can cause heartburn and bloating. Therefore, it is always important to talk to a doctor before starting any new diet.

    Use and Dosage

    Black radish is usually eaten raw, sliced or diced, and is often used as an ingredient in salads, sandwiches and fish dishes. It can also be pickled or pickled to enhance its flavor. It can also be used to make juices, smoothies and dips.

    There is no specific dosage for black radish, as it depends on the individual and their nutrient needs. However, it is generally recommended to consume one serving of vegetables per day, which may include black radishes. It is also important to eat a variety of foods to get a full range of nutrients.

    It is important to note that black radish can cause bloating and gas for some people, so it is recommended to consume in moderation, especially if you have digestive problems. It is also not recommended for people with gastric ulcers or acid reflux to consume raw black radish as it can cause pain and heartburn. It is better to consume it cooked or pickled.

    Methods of use

    There are several ways to use black radish in cooking or as a natural remedy :

    • Raw consumption : Black radish is usually eaten raw, sliced or diced, and is often used as an ingredient in salads, sandwiches and fish dishes. It can also be added to juices and smoothies for a nutrient boost.
    • Pickled : Black radish can also be pickled in olive oil, vinegar and spices to enhance its flavor. It can also be pickled in apple cider or wine vinegar and spices for a stronger flavor.
    • Used as an infusion : Black radish leaves can also be used to make an infusion, which is said to relieve digestive disorders and headaches.
    • Applied to the skin : Black radish juice can also be used to treat skin problems such as acne and redness. It can be applied to the skin as a mask or used as a toner.

    It is important to note that the use of black radish as a natural remedy has not been scientifically proven. It is important to consult a physician before using it to treat a medical condition or to replace a treatment recommended by a health professional. It is also important to note that it may cause side effects for some people.

    What are the precautions for use and contraindications ?

    It is important to take certain precautions when using black radish, including :

    • People with digestive disorders : Black radish can cause bloating and gas for some people, so it is recommended to consume in moderation, especially if you have digestive problems such as gastric ulcer or acid reflux. It is best consumed cooked or pickled rather than raw.
    • Allergic people : Some people may be allergic to black radish, so it is important to watch for reactions after consumption.
    • Pregnancy and breastfeeding : There is not enough information on the use of black radish in pregnant or breastfeeding women, so it is preferable to consult a doctor before using it.
    • Drug Interactions : It is important to talk to a doctor if you are taking blood pressure medication as black radish contains potassium which may interact with these medications.
    • People with kidney problems : Black radish is a diuretic, so it is important to consult a doctor before using it if you have kidney problems.

    There are some contraindications to the use of black radish :

    • People with gastric ulcers or acid reflux : Black radish can cause pain and heartburn for people with stomach ulcers or acid reflux, so it is not recommended to consume raw black radish.
    • Allergic people : Some people may be allergic to black radish, so it is important to monitor reactions after consumption.
    • Pregnancy and breastfeeding : There is not enough information on the use of black radish in pregnant or breastfeeding women, so it is best to consult a doctor before using it.
    • People with kidney problems : Black radish is a diuretic, so it is important to consult a doctor before using it if you have kidney problems.
    • Drug Interactions : It is important to talk to a doctor if you are taking blood pressure medication as black radish contains potassium which may interact with these medications.

    It is important to note that these precautions and contraindications are based on animal or in vitro studies and there is not yet enough research on humans to conclusively prove the effect of these properties. It is therefore important to consult a physician before using it as a remedy and not to replace a medical treatment recommended by a health professional.

    Research on black radish

    There have been a number of studies on the potential medicinal properties of black radish, including its effects on digestion, inflammation, cancer and heart health. However, most of these studies have been conducted on animals or in vitro, and there is not yet enough research on humans to conclusively prove the effect of these properties.

    In vitro studies have shown that glucosinolates (organic compounds found in black radish) have anti-cancer properties. In vivo studies have also shown that black radish extracts have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects in animals.

    In vitro studies have also shown that black radish extracts have beneficial effects on blood pressure and heart health. However, it is important to note that these results need to be confirmed in human studies before they can be considered conclusive. It is also important to note that the use of black radish as a remedy should not replace medical treatment recommended by a health professional. It is important to consult a physician before using it to treat a medical condition or for advice on proper dosage.

    Published on 05 March 2023 at 13:37

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    Issa D

    Issa D

    Web Editor

    I am a doctor and the dean of the Naturopatandco team. My main role is to popularize the information as much as possible to make it pleasant to read. My family has always valued the use of nature and plants to heal itself.