Benefits of Daikon | Daikon Health Benefits
Daikon has many amazing benefits that include cancer prevention, stronger immune system, lower inflammation, and improved digestion. Further, it helps strengthen bones, detoxify the body, improve respiratory health, and stimulate weight loss.
What is Daikon?
Daikon is an unusual type of white, winter radish that grows primarily in Southeast and East Asia. It is characterized by large, rapidly growing leaves and a long, white root. It is technically considered a cruciferous vegetable and, therefore, has many of the same benefits in its leaves as those other popular vegetables. It is also praised for the nutrient content of its root, which is commonly pickled and eaten as a vegetable in Japan, China, and other Asian countries as a part of their cuisine.
Daikon is also commonly used in diced form as an ingredient in soups, salads, curries, rice dishes, and various condiments, while the leaves are often consumed as a typical green salad vegetable. The juice is most commonly marketed as a healthy beverage for a wide range of conditions.
The impressive qualities of daikon, including its low food energy levels and high nutrient content, make it a highly sought after ingredient in many foods. Further, the health benefits of daikon have been well known for generations.
Health Benefits of Daikon
Let’s take a closer look at the health benefits of daikon:
Improves Digestion
Daikon juice has also been shown to possess similar enzymes to those found in the human digestive tract, including amylase and esterase. These enzymes can facilitate more efficient digestion of complex carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. This can prevent constipation and increase nutrient uptake efficiency in the gut.
Boosts Immune System
The high concentration of vitamin C in daikon makes it an ideal partner for your immune system, as it stimulates the production of white blood cells and helps to speed up healing and repair of the cells and tissues throughout the body. Daikon leaves are the richest source of vitamin C, so if you want a health boost, have a daikon leaf salad with some daikon juice on the side!
Weight Loss
Intake of daikon fills you up and provides your body with the essential nutrients, without significantly increasing calorie count or cholesterol in your daily diet. This is due to its low calorie and cholesterol nature, combined with its high fiber and nutrient content, making it perfect for a weight loss diet.
Anti-inflammatory Agent
Research has shown that the level of anti-inflammatory compounds found in daikon juice, and the normal roots and leaves can significantly decrease inflammation throughout the body. This helps boost heart health, reduce the risk of developing arthritis, treat gout, and ease discomfort and pain from injuries and strained muscles.
Improves Respiratory Health
The combination of antibacterial and antiviral activities with the expectorant properties of daikon and its juice make it ideal for treating respiratory issues. The excess phlegm or mucus in your respiratory tracts can capture bacteria and allow it to grow. Daikon juice not only clears out phlegm, but it also eliminates bacteria and other pathogens, keeping your respiratory system healthy.
Prevents Cancer
Daikon not only has a high nutrient content but also possesses certain antioxidant phenolic compounds that have been shown to reduce various types of cancer, particularly of the stomach. Nitrosamine is the specific compound found in it that prevents the development of many cancer-causing substances.
Skin Care
Daikon oil is relatively rare, but it can be applied directly to the skin for anti-aging effects. Similar results are also experienced when daikon is normally consumed. The antioxidant properties of the vegetable help to prevent the effects of free radicals, which are the harmful by-products of cellular metabolism. You can prevent wrinkles, improve skin glow, increase circulation to the skin, and even reduce the appearance of blemishes and age spots.
