Radish is the most common ingredient of salad. Radish, known as Raphanus sativus scientifically, is an edible root vegetable that belongs to the family Brassicaceae. It has sweet or pungent taste with plentiful of juice.

There are several different varieties of radishes, depending upon their color, size and duration of cultivation time. Radishes can be white, black, purple or red in color and long, round or cylindrical in shape. Some radishes are cultivated for their seeds, while oilseed radishes are grown for oil production. Radish seeds are edible and can be added to salads for a crunchy, spicy flavor.

Radish seeds or daikon seeds have been used for centuries to treat various health problems. They help to relieve indigestion, reduce fatigue and cleanse blood and body. They can be effectively used to cure migraine headache, sore throats, edema, congestion and hangovers. They are also beneficial for bloating, diabetes, acne and cellulite. Radish seeds are helpful to improve immune kidney function, boost immune system and enhance blood circulation. Radish seed oil is used to heal and soften dry, cracked skin.

Nutritional Value & Health Benefits
A powerhouse of potassium, folic acid, and ascorbic acid, radishes are described as a wholesome diet by many leading nutritionists. These root crops contain higher concentrations of magnesium, copper, calcium, riboflavin, Vitamin B6, etc. A cup of sliced red radish bulbs provide approx. 20 calories or less.

Culinary Uses: Though all parts of the radish plant are edible, its napiform taproot is the most popular part for eating. It is eaten in raw as well as in cooked form and is suitable in a dizzying array of dishes from salads to stir fries. The bulb of the radish is usually eaten raw, but tougher specimens can be steamed. It is an inseparable element of salad and is known for its pungent and peppery flavor.

Medicinal Uses: A rich source of nutrients, minerals and vitamins, radishes possess innumerable healing and medicinal properties. Herbologists prefer radishes in variety of ailments including whooping cough, cancer, coughs, gastric discomfort, liver problems, Constipation, dyspepsia, gallbladder problems, Arthritis, Gall Stone, kidney stones and intestinal parasites.