Health Benefits of Radish Microgreens

Radish microgreens are beautiful to look at, packed with nutrition and allow to you to add just a dash of that peppery, radishy fabulous flavor to your meals.

Their vibrancy and delicateness make for an obvious choice in terms of visual appeal, giving dishes that necessary pop.

Much different from the radish bulb, radish microgreens have a delicate texture and also have the benefit of containing chlorophyll and can be easily added to your everyday snacks and meals. Where a slice of radish bulb could be a bit overwhelming on your sandwich, the radish microgreens are perfect to add variety, texture, flavor, and nutrition.

At Divine Energy Farms, we currently grow three different types of radish microgreens:

1. Green Daikon which are mildly spicy and green in color (highest in Vitamin E)

2. Rambo Purple is a bit spicier and a deep rich purple color

3. China Rose is the spiciest variety and is green with pinkish stems

These small but mighty heart-shaped beauties are absolutely supercharged with health-boosting nutrients and phytochemicals. They have anti-microbial properties, help to work as a nasal decongestant and have stood out due to their exceptionally high anti-cancer potential.

Nutritional Benefits

Radish microgreens are highly nutritious! A study conducted at the University of Maryland in College Park showed that they contain up to 40 times higher levels of vital nutrients than their mature counterparts. According to the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, radish microgreens have some of the highest Vitamin C contents which is a strong antioxidant that helps to remove free radicals that can damage cell structure. Radish is also high in Fiber, Vit E, Folate, B3 (Niacin), and B6 (Pyridoxine).

Scientific studies have shown that consuming radish microgreens on a regular basis may have major health benefits including:

· Cancer Prevention

· Cardiovascular Health

· Healthy Weight Management

· Skin Benefits

Cancer Prevention

The brassica family of cruciferous vegetables, which include radish microgreens, are a rich source of glucosinolates. These convert in the body to indoles and isothiocyanates which have been associated with lower risk of lung and colorectal cancer in medical studies.

Of the cruciferous vegetables, radish microgreens may have even more anti-cancer potential than broccoli which is known for its extremely high glucosinolate content. They exhibit anti-tumor activity by affecting multiple pathways including apoptosis (cancer cell death). Regular consumption of radish microgreens helps to prevent cancer by reducing activation of carcinogens.

A study funded by Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) from Australia analyzed the glucosinolate content of various edible sprouts, and broccoli and red radish sprouts came out on top (also daikon sprouts, or white radish sprouts, were ranked high).

Cardiovascular Health

The high levels of folate in radish microgreens help to improve your cardiovascular health. Folate breaks down homocysteine, an amino acid that is thought to promote atherosclerosis (fatty deposits in the blood vessels).

About half of people with cardiovascular disease have elevated homocysteine levels compared to 5% of the general population. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is another nutrient that helps to break down homocysteine and is also found in radish microgreens. A 2012 study on rats found that the ethyl acetate content in the leaves of radish also helps to regulate blood pressure.

Healthy Weight Management

When it comes to healthy weight loss and body maintenance, the addition of microgreens to your diet is extremely beneficial along with helping to remove unhealthy toxins. Radish is super low in calories and carbohydrates. One cup is about 19 calories and 4 grams of carbs. It’s a high fiber food providing 2grams of fiber to a cup. It’s a fantastic source of antioxidant Vitamin C (one cup will give you 29% of your recommended daily amount - RDA). A study from Arizona State University showed people with low concentrations of Vitamin C burned 25% less fat that those with adequate levels of Vitamin C when compared on a 60-minute treadmill walking session. Your body needs Vitamin C to make carnitine which encourages your body to turn fat into fuel, rather than store it as body fat. Since radish has a low glycemic index of just 32, those managing with diabetic symptoms may notice improved blood sugar regulation.

Skin Benefits

The same Vitamin C rich foods such as radish microgreens that are good for weight loss can offer benefits for the skin too. The antioxidant properties of Vitamin C helps to destroy the harmful free radical molecules that our skin is constantly bombarded with every day such as pollution, cigarette smoke, drugs, toxins, UV radiation and other stressors that may present as facial acne or other skin conditions. Vitamin C also helps the body to produce collagen, a protein that keeps your skin smooth, elastic, and wrinkle-free; a must for maturing skin. The Vitamin E present in radish microgreens, another powerful antioxidant, are key for strong immunity, healthy skin and eyes. In a 2012 study, Daikon Radish was shown to have the highest Vitamin E (tocopherol) content of all the microgreens tested.

Super Nutritious Radish Microgreens

· Vitamin C: Fortifies the immune system, lowers blood pressure, helps wounds heal and prevents scurvy. Turns fats into fuel, fights free radicals and helps to keep your skin smooth and free from blemishes.

· Fiber: Helps control blood sugar levels, promotes good gut bacteria, helps reduce cholesterol, and keeps your digestive function and metabolism in tip-top shape.

· Vitamin E: Strong immunity, healthy skin and eyes.

· Folate: Make DNA and other genetic material, healthy cell division.

· Vitamin B3 (Niacin): For good blood circulation, lower cholesterol levels, brain function, improved digestion, reducing effects of arthritis and improving symptoms of schizophrenia.

· Vitamin B6: Helps the body make mood-regulating hormones, regulates sleep and may help control blood sugar.

Add Microgreens to Everything!

Although they make a lovely garnish and spruce up the look of most any meal, consuming radish microgreens in larger amounts is recommended. A good handful of microgreens added to your meals throughout the day is the best way to benefit not only from their absolutely wonderful flavors, but also their incredible amounts of nutrition as well. What a great way to add something special when preparing meals for your friends and loved ones!

Radish microgreens are perfect to add to your salads and soups. Replace your lettuce on sandwiches or add a little zing to your green smoothie. They go great with meat and egg dishes too. Try topping off your stir-fry, sushi, or just about anything you want to add a little peppery burst of nutritious flavor to.

If you'd like more information on microgreens, let us know. We're happy to help in any way we can. We offer delicious and nutritious microgreen to the Evergreen/ Conifer areas on the front range of the Colorado Rocky Mountains.

Check out our website at www.DivineEnergy.farm or send us an email to DivineEnergyRN@gmail.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.