Daikon – sources, health benefits, nutrients, uses and constituents at NaturalPedia.com

Friday, June 30, 2017 by Russel Davis

Daikon, which goes by many names — including Asian radish, Oriental radish, Chinese radish, or Japanese radish — is a nutritious root vegetable characterized by its smooth, white roots. It is one of the largest varieties of radishes that may grow up to 18 inches long and weigh between five to six pounds. While daikons can be eaten raw, health experts at the University of Illinois noted that those reaching more than eight inches in length are more matured vegetables, and thus should be cooked. These radishes are valued for their crisp white flesh and sweet, mildly peppery flavor.

List of known nutrients

Like other radish varieties, daikons are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals that are essential for human health. Among these are:

Beta-Carotene
Betaine
Calcium
Choline
Copper
Folates
Iron
Lutein
Magnesium
Manganese
Niacin
Pantothenic Acid
Phosphorus
Potassium
Pyridoxine
Riboflavin
Selenium
Sodium
Thiamin
Vitamin A
Vitamin B6
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Vitamin K
Zeaxanthin
Zinc

Medicinal uses for daikon

Daikons are best known for their beneficial effects on the digestive system. Daikon juice contains enzymes similar to those found in the digestive tract. This means that drinking daikon juice can aid in the digestion of complex carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. As a result, this promotes the body’s nutrient uptake and prevents constipation. On the other hand, the high fiber content in daikons help induce weight loss.

Daikons are also an excellent source of vitamin C, which stimulates white blood cell production and accelerates cell and tissue repair. Daikon leaves are particularly rich in this essential vitamin. Aside from this, daikons are touted for their diuretic effects that detoxifies and rids the body of toxins. The vegetable’s detoxifying properties also cleanse and fortify the kidneys by eliminating unwanted fats and even excess water.

In addition, daikons are notably high in anti-inflammatory compounds that significantly decreases inflammation in the body. The beneficial compounds found in daikon juice, leaves, and roots help promote heart health and prevent the onset of arthritis. Likewise, the anti-inflammatory compounds found in daikons are known to alleviate pain and discomfort stemming from muscle strain and injuries. The same compounds are known to dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow and circulation, thus preventing and treating migraines.

Moreover, daikons are known to promote respiratory health and bone density. Daikons are touted for their antibacterial and antiviral properties, as well as their expectorant effects that effectively rid the respiratory tract of mucus or phlegm. Daikon juice is also a potent treatment against respiratory bacteria and pathogens. On the other hand, the vegetable’s high calcium content in known to promote bone health and reduce the odds of developing osteoporosis.

Furthermore, daikons are valued for their ample supply of antioxidant phenolic compounds that may stave off certain types of cancers. Nitrosamine, a compound found in daikons, are also known to inhibit the development of many cancer-causing substances. On the other hand, essential oils derived from daikon are found to combat skin aging.

Body systems supported by daikon

Daikons are beneficial to the digestive, urinary, and immune systems. The root vegetable is also beneficial to the circulatory and respiratory systems. Likewise, daikons support the bones and the skin.

Ways to use daikon

Daikon is a staple in Asian cuisines and is used in a variety of recipes including pickles, salads, and vegetarian dishes. Likewise, the root vegetable can be used in cakes, sandwiches, and meat dishes. Daikon can also be used in soups and curries.