Rhubarb and Radishes: The Rewarding Health Benefits

By Brandi Swieter

Most people think of the common options when they think of fruits and vegetables. Things like corn on the cob, carrots, blueberries, strawberries, and bananas are among some of the most frequently consumed choices. People shouldn’t close themselves off to the other choices out there. Veggies such as rhubarb and radishes have just as many rewarding health benefits that can be enjoyed.

Rhubarb

Rhubarb provides many vitamins, including:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin K
• B complex vitamins

Each of these vitamins does something different for the body. While Vitamin C helps the body heal and fight off infections, Vitamin K promotes strong bones. The various B vitamins aid in developing and maintaining healthy blood cells, as well as provide energy to the body.

Rhubarb is also very low in calories. A full cup of diced rhubarb only has around 26 calories total. Individuals looking to lose weight can use it as they please in meals and snacks. The other compounds within the vegetable even help to boost metabolism, making it easier for the body to burn fat.

With plenty of calcium included, the fruit-like vegetable can help with bone health. The amount of fiber can ease digestive problems, and even help with improving good cholesterol levels. This can, in turn, improve cardiovascular health.

Radishes

Another low-calorie option, radishes make excellent additions to salads. They can be enjoyed raw as often as desired they contain just 18 calories per full cup. There is not much fat in radishes either, making them the perfect diet snack. Those who prefer to not eat them plain can cook up some roasted radishes with a bit of seasoning for better flavor.

Cruciferous vegetables are known to have cancer-fighting capabilities. Radishes fall into this family. With extra Vitamin C, as well as other nutrients that work to fight off infection, cancer cells can be defeated. Certain compounds in radishes get broken down into isothiocyanates when they mix with water. These compounds help to prevent tumor growth and eliminate any cancer-causing substances.

Eating better should be on everyone’s goal list, and with rhubarb and radishes on the menu people are well on their way to a healthier life. Both of these foods provide plenty of health benefits that make them worth enjoying. Creative recipes also exist to ensure everyone can find a way to incorporate these foods in a way they’ll like.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Cottonwood Heights, Utah.

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