daikon radishThe Daikon radish is a very healthy vegetable to add to your menu.  Below are some health benefits and tips for cooking them.

The following is provided from http://www.healthdiaries.com/eatthis/10-health-benefits-of-daikon-radish.html

Cancer Prevention
Daikon is one of many cruciferous vegetables linked in studies with successful cancer prevention. Daikon contains several great antioxidants associated with fighting free radical damage, a known cause of cancer. Research has also shown that daikon juice helps prevent the formation of dangerous chemicals and carcinogens inside the body and helps the liver process toxins.

High In Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that not only combats free radical activity in the body but also offers great immune system support and helps prevent illness such as the common cold. 100 grams of daikon provides 34% the DV of vitamin C. Daikon leaves have a much higher concentration of vitamin C than that of daikon roots.

Antibacterial & Antiviral
Daikon appears to be able to combat bacterial and viral infections.

Anti-Inflammatory
Research suggests that high levels of vitamin C and B, such as found in daikon, help to prevent chronic inflammation in the body which can lead to problems such as arthritis and heart disease.

Digestive Aid
Raw daikon juice is abundant with human digestive enzymes that help the body process proteins, oil, fat and carbohydrates.

Diuretic
Daikon helps the kidneys discharge excess water. A natural diuretic, it may also be helpful in treating urinary disorders.

Respiratory Health
Raw daikon juice may help dissolve mucus and phlegm and aid in the healthy function of the respiratory system. Its ability to combat bacteria and viral infections may make it an effective combatant of respiratory disease such as bronchitis, asthma and flu.

Skin Health
Applied topically or ingested, daikon juice has proven effective in preventing and treating acne and other skin conditions.

Bone Health
Daikon leaves are an excellent source of calcium, which helps promote healthy bone growth and may lower the risk of osteoporosis.

Weight Loss
In Asia, it is believed that daikon helps the body to burn fat, though this has not been proven. Whether it helps burn fat or not, daikon radish is extremely low in fat and cholesterol, but dense with nutrients, making it a great addition to any effective weight loss program.

As you can see adding this to your diet can beneficial.  So how do you prepare and cook it?

 

1.  Pickle them
2. Roast them
3. Stir Fry
4.  Turn them into french Fries

You can get creative with this jewel of a vegetable.  Try something new.  You might just love it.