Tender vs mature radish: Which is better?

Low in calories and a rich source of fibre and vitamin C, radishes help improve metabolism, wound healing and immune system regulation. However, did you know that there is a vast nutritional difference between tender and mature radishes? Read ahead to find out more.

You can use it to add a crunch to your salad or cook it to get a milder flavour. (Source: Freepik)

The spicy, peppery radish is a cruciferous vegetable that has a number of nutrients that are beneficial for our body. You can use it to add a crunch to your salad or cook it to get a milder flavour. Low in calories and a rich source of fibre and vitamin C, radishes help improve metabolism, wound healing, and immune system regulation. However, did you know that there is a vast nutritional difference between tender and mature radishes? Read ahead to find out more.

Talking about this through an Instagram post, Dr Rekha Radhamony, an Ayurveda doctor said, “Love radishes? You must read this. Do you know tender radishes and mature radishes do two different things in the body?”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dr. Rekha Radhamony, 4th Gen Ayurveda Doctor (BAMS) (@doctorrekha)

Adding to this, she said that tender radishes reduce all three doshas–vata, pitta and kapha. “They are easily digestible and cure cough, asthma and rhinitis as well.”

But, on the other hand, Dr Radhamony noted that mature radishes are hard to digest. “They increase all three doshas and cause clogging of channels. More the maturity, the more the difficulty to digest.”

Therefore, she recommends growing your own radishes at home–in your kitchen or terrace, so you can catch hold of the tender ones! “At the end of the day, good digestion means good health,” Dr Radhamony said.

Concurring, Dr Swathi Ramamurthy, Head-R&D, Herby Angel said, “Tender radishes or bala moolaka in Ayurveda is said to be alpakshara i.e. less alkaline, light for digestion or laghu and balances all three doshas. It can be used as a carminative and can be a very effective diet for sore throat, fever, and respiratory congestion. Tender radish soup is advised for kids with a sore throat and respiratory congestion as a dinner option.”

Meanwhile, she said that mature radishes are heavy for digestion, very hot in potency and aggravate all three doshas. “It is advised to refrain from using them. As the radish matures, the fibre content increases in it, making it difficult to digest. According to Ayurveda, the balya avastha or childhood is a stage of kapha predominance, which supports physical growth. But because of the properties of mature radish, it can reduce kapha specifically and affect growth and development in children if consumed in excess.”

ALSO READ | Suffering from cold and cough? Have radish for relief

The expert noted that it is always advised to go for tender radish. “If there is a need to opt for mature radish, it is better to sauté it with either ghee or oil, or cook or steam it, and then consume it. Raw, mature radish is a strict no-no.”

Story continues below this ad

📣 For more lifestyle news, follow us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook and don’t miss out on the latest updates!