Is it possible to eat the stem and leaves of a radish

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 the root crop to food, it is worth studying the contraindications so as not to harm your body.

Is it possible to eat the leaves and stems of radish

Radish belongs to the cabbage (cruciferous) family, which makes edible not only its root vegetable, but also the tops - the stem and leaves... Due to its rich composition, this plant has found application in medicine and cosmetology.

Pleasant bitter aftertaste that provides mustard oil, makes it a great 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 vegetable and a leaf rosette. The tops consist of petioles (stems) and leaves of various shapes: spatulate, elliptical.

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

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The plant contains:

• vitamin A;
• vitamin C;
• vitamin K;
• almost all B vitamins.

Trace elements:

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

Benefits and harm to 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, increase immunity. For this reason, decoctions and infusions are recommended to be taken with ARVI and influenza.

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

• avitaminosis;
• rickets;
• constipation and other problems in the digestive tract;
• diabetes;
• hemorrhoids;
• pathology of the genitourinary system;
• obesity;
• atherosclerosis.

Useful properties of greens for men:

• cleaning blood vessels (helps prevent the development of atherosclerosis);
• stimulation of blood circulation;
• improved potency and increased sex drive.

For women:

• reducing the intensity of pain during cystitis;
• accelerating metabolism (helps to get rid of extra pounds);
• replenishment of the lack of vitamins and minerals, which often occurs during diets;
• removal of excess fluid (helps to quickly get rid of edema).

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

Important! You cannot use any formulations based on tops 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 the tone of the uterus, which can lead to premature birth.

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

Correct collection and storage of radish tops

To pluck the tops, it is necessary to pull it out together 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. Drying in the oven... 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 later.
2. Freezing... It is enough to prepare the tops, chop them, put them in bags and send them to the freezer. In this form, the shelf life reaches six months.

Some hostesses grind greens and roll them in jars of salt... This mixture can be used as a condiment.

How can you use radish greens

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

In folk medicine

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

Preparation of infusion:

1. Young leaves are thoroughly washed, dried, finely chopped.
2. Pour 1 tbsp. l. chopped tops with 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... Sprinkle the skin on the leg with crushed leaves, put on socks and leave it 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 lead to 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 overall well-being.

For cosmetic purposes

Radish leaves are also used in cosmetology. Greens promote tissue regeneration, therefore useful masks are made from it 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 the face, wash off after 10 minutes.

Whitening mask helps to get rid of unhealthy color and evens out the skin structure... It is recommended for women over 35 years of age.

Cooking components:

• 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 do such a mask once every 7-10 days.

In cooking

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

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

Take a note:

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Harvesting radishes for the winter: recipes for healthy snacks

Conclusion

Radish tops are no less useful than root crops. It is used for medical purposes and cosmetology due to its unique composition and beneficial properties. But before therapy with decoctions and infusions based on the top of the radish, you need to consult with your doctor in order to avoid negative consequences.