Is it possible to eat radish stem and leaves?

Radish tops are a valuable product that contains many useful substances. It is used in the treatment of many diseases, as well as in skin care. However, when using medicinal decoctions or adding the tops of root vegetables to food, it is worth studying the contraindications so as not to harm your body.

Can radish leaves and stems be eaten?

Radishes belong to the cabbage (cruciferous) family, which makes not only its root crop is edible, but also its tops - stem and leaves. Thanks to its rich composition, this plant has found application in medicine and cosmetology.

Pleasant bitter taste that provides mustard oil makes it an excellent seasoning and an addition to salads and other dishes.

Radish leaves are suitable for pets and livestock as a vitamin supplement to the main diet.

Chemical composition and description of radish tops

Radish is an annual plant consisting of a root crop and a leaf rosette. The tops consist of petioles (stems) and leaves of various shapes: spatulate, elliptical.

This plant is valued for its beneficial properties. But not many people know that the aerial part of the radish contains even more nutrients and vitamins than the root vegetable. In the leaves and stem of radish, all the substances contained in the composition are in concentrated form, and their processing in the human body proceeds faster.

Interesting on the topic:

The benefits and harms of radishes for the human body

The best varieties of radish for open ground and greenhouses

The plant contains:

• vitamin A;
• ascorbic acid;
• vitamin K;
• almost all B vitamins.

Microelements:

• acids – nicotinic and salicylic;
• potassium;
• magnesium;
• phosphorus;
• iron;
• iodine.

Benefits and harms for the human body

The main feature of the tops is that they serves as a natural antibiotic. It contains substances that kill bacteria and viruses and increase immunity. For this reason, decoctions and infusions are recommended to be taken for ARVI and influenza.

Radish tops used in the treatment of the following diseases and conditions:

• avitaminosis;
• rickets;
• constipation and other problems in the gastrointestinal tract;
• diabetes;
• haemorrhoids;
• pathologies of the genitourinary system;
• obesity;
• atherosclerosis.

Beneficial properties of greens for men:

• cleaning of blood vessels (helps prevent the development of atherosclerosis);
• stimulation of blood circulation;
• improving potency and increasing sexual desire.

For women:

• reducing the intensity of pain during cystitis;
• acceleration of metabolism (helps to get rid of extra pounds);
• replenishing the lack of vitamins and microelements, which often occurs during diets;
• removing excess fluid (helps quickly get rid of swelling).

The tops are also useful for children: it helps solve the problem of constipation, strengthens bones, and replenishes the lack of nutrients in the body.

Important! Any composition based on tops should not be used during pregnancy. This is due to the fact that the top of the root vegetable contains a large amount of mustard oil. This substance stimulates blood flow to the pelvic organs and leads to an increase in uterine tone, which can cause premature birth.

Despite the large number of useful properties, Not everyone can include these greens in their diet.. For people with gastrointestinal diseases - gastritis, ulcers - the tops can only be used externally in the form of masks. Excessive consumption of this product can cause allergies.

Proper collection and storage of radish tops

To pick the tops, you need to pull them out along with the root crop as carefully as possible so as not to damage the greens. After harvesting, the tops are cut with a sharp knife. You can store it in the refrigerator in this form for no more than 4 days..

For longer storage there are other ways:

1. Oven drying. How to dry the tops correctly? The greens are thoroughly washed, dried on a towel, chopped and dried in the oven. You can mix it with seasonings for more convenient use in the future.
2. Freezing. It is enough to prepare the tops, chop them, put them in bags and put them in the freezer. In this form, the shelf life reaches six months.

Some housewives grind the greens and roll them in jars with salt. This mixture can be used as a seasoning.

How to use radish greens

Radish tops are used in many areas: folk medicine, cooking, cosmetology.

In folk medicine

Due to its composition and beneficial properties Radish greens are widely used in alternative medicine. With the help of infusion and juice of the tops, constipation can be treated; they are taken for vitamin deficiency and diseases of the upper respiratory tract.

Preparing the infusion:

1. Young leaves are thoroughly washed, dried, and finely chopped.
2. Pour 1 tbsp. l. chopped tops 1 cup boiling water.
3. Leave to infuse for an hour.

Take after meals, 80 ml 3 times a day. no more than 4 days.

Dried tops are used for foot fungus. The skin on the leg is sprinkled with crushed leaves, socks are put on and left for 6 hours. The procedure is carried out twice a week until complete recovery.

Important! Juice is made from greens, but taking it undiluted is dangerous - it can cause stomach problems. It is diluted with water in a 1:1 ratio.

For migraines or neuralgia, it is recommended to make lotions from chopped greens. This will help relieve pain and improve your overall condition.

For cosmetic purposes

Radish leaves are also used in cosmetology. Greens promote tissue regeneration, so they make useful masks that rejuvenate the skin..

To prepare the mask, mix 1 tsp. grated tops with 5 drops of olive oil and 1 tsp. starch, stir, apply to face, wash off after 10 minutes.

Whitening mask Helps get rid of unhealthy color and evens out skin texture. It is recommended to use it for women over 35 years of age.

Ingredients for cooking:

• 1 tbsp. l. chopped tops;
• 1 tbsp. l. low-fat kefir;
• 1 tsp. white clay.

All components are thoroughly mixed so that there are no lumps and applied to the face with light massage movements for 10 minutes. It is recommended to make this mask once every 7-10 days.

In cooking

Leaves of the plant are added to salads along with onions, parsley, and other herbs. Also used as a seasoning for first and second courses, meat, and fish.

Only young juicy tops are used for food consumption.. Such greens contain a maximum of useful substances. Over time, the leaves lose moisture, the concentration of vitamins decreases, and the taste becomes bitter.

Take note:

Preparing radishes for the winter by freezing and other methods

The best pickled radish recipes for the winter

Preparing radishes for the winter: recipes for healthy snacks

Conclusion

Radish tops are no less useful than the root vegetable. It is used for medical purposes and cosmetology due to its unique composition and beneficial properties. But before using decoctions and infusions based on radish tops, you should consult your doctor to avoid negative consequences.