How Many Calories in a Red Radish

Radishes have been around for centuries. They were first cultivated in China, then Greece and gradually spread to other parts of the world. There are several types of radishes like red radishes, white icicles, daikons, black radishes, etc. which are grown in different seasons and have different nutritional values. Red globe radishes are widely used in salads, in French cuisine with salt and butter or in sautéed or stir fried in several recipes. This summer radish has a crunchy and pungent taste to it.

calories in a red radish
calories in a red radish

One serving of red radishes contains merely 15 calories, and is full of nutrients and vitamins. Each 8.5 grams (equivalent to 1 serving) contains 25 mg of sodium, 3 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams sugar, 30% vitamin C, and 2% calcium and contains zero cholesterol, saturated fats and protein. All those who are aiming to stay fit must include red radish in their diet as it is not only extremely low on calories, but comes with a bundle of health benefits. Red radishes are high in calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, riboflavin and zinc. Apart from these micronutrients which are essential for the human body, it also contains high amounts of Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C, which helps build the body’s immunity system.

There are a myriad of health benefits of red radishes. They contain an anti-oxidant compound by the name sulforaphane which has been medically proven to fight against cancer. It inhibits the growth of cancer cells in prostrate, breast, ovaries and colon. Phytochemicals like indoles and flavonoid antioxidants like lutein, zea-xanthin, and beta carotene are also found in red globe radishes which act as scavengers for harmful free radicals and maintain youth of body tissues. The high dietary fibre content in red radishes promotes overall health betterment. Make sure to cut off the top greens and wash the radishes thoroughly to remove mud and dust before consuming them.