Last Updated on October 9, 2022 by theworldofsleepstaff
Reports say that over 70 million Americans battle insomnia yearly, and at least 33 to 50 percent of adults show symptoms of sleeplessness.
Although depression, the nature of one’s job, anxiety, and night terrors can cause insomnia, our diet also plays a huge factor in it too.
In fact diet has a big of impact on our sleep and as such, it is important to watch what we eat before going to bed.
In this article, we’ll be looking at the effect of eating radish at night, what radishes are, their benefits, and their effects on the body.
Disclaimer: You must always consult your doctor before including a new supplement or food into your daily routine as only your doctor can explain any pros or cons that are specific to you. Some supplements & foods may interfere with medications and/or cause allergic reactions.
But First: What Exactly Are Radishes?
Radishes are nutritious root vegetables from the Brassicaceae family. They have been used for a long time in the treatment of several illnesses, one of which is jaundice. This is because they help in the removal of excess bilirubin in the body.
Radishes come in several varieties, sizes, flavors, and colors.
They have a spicy, peppery taste and can be eaten raw. The nutritional content of radishes is very high and that’s because they contain essential elements like calcium, sodium, potassium, iron, folate, vitamin C, and many more.
They also have other numerous functions; they increase soil fertility, are sources of biofuel, and are used in different industries and pharmaceutical companies.
Eating Radishes at Night: A Possible Route to Better Sleep?
1. A Better Sleep
Radishes are a good source of folate – known as Vitamin B9. This vitamin tends to be low in individuals that suffer from insomnia and sleep disorders, so topping up folate levels by eating radish at night could help sleep quality.
2. Digestion
One of the effects of eating radishes is good digestion. This is because of their high fiber content. Dietary fiber helps in taking care of digestion issues, aids bowel movement, and prevents constipation.
Why’s that important regarding sleep? Well, indigestion works hand in hand with restlessness which can hinder your night’s rest. Therefore, eating radish at night can give rest to your system at large and activate sound sleep.
3. Improves Immunity
Radishes contain elements and vitamins that boost the immune system. The immune system releases cytokines, a protein that promotes sleep. So eating radish at night can boost the body’s production of cytokines and help promote healthy and sound sleep.
4. Healthy Heart
Radishes also help in improving heart conditions. This is due to the presence of anthocyanins in them. The anti-inflammatory properties of Anthocyanins help to prevent cardiovascular diseases by reducing inflammation and stress.
The important of that is a study showed that insomnia is highly prominent in people with heart failure. Since a healthy heart helps promotes sound sleep and radishes help promote a healthy heart, it is safe to assume that eating radishes at night might be a wise choice.
General Effects of Eating Radishes
1. Hypoglycemia
Radishes can cause a decrease in the blood glucose level in the body. While this makes them the perfect food for people who want to reduce their blood sugar, it can cause symptoms of hypoglycemia, e.g anxiety, confusion, hunger, shakiness, excess, and sleepiness.
These symptoms can interrupt your body functions and hinder you from carrying out your normal daily activities.
2. High Iron Content
This can be caused by excessive consumption of radishes as radish is a good source of iron.
Taking iron-containing food prevents the risk of anemia and symptoms like dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath, and swollen tongue. But it is important to note that high iron content is also not favorable to the body. A high level of iron in the body can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, liver damage, abdominal pain, and more.
3. Hypotension
Eating too many radishes can lead to an abnormal reduction in blood pressure and this can give rise to nausea, fatigue, lightheadedness, depression, and so on. In fact, eating radish when you are on antihypertensive drugs might be dangerous as it can interfere with your treatment and lower your blood pressure drastically.
4. Helps in the Management of Arthritis
Radishes are rich in Vitamin C which helps in the management of inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints. Vitamin C helps with the formation of collagen too, which is a major component of body cartilage.
Also, it fights against free radicals in the body and protects cartilage. Therefore, eating radishes supplies the body with sufficient Vitamin C which can help in the management of conditions such as arthritis.
5. Helps in the Prevention of Urinary Tract Infections
Radishes can help prevent urinary tract infections and are effective in treating inflammation. This is due to their diuretic properties.
They help in stimulating urine production and by doing so they help to prevent urinary tract infections and other kidney-related infections. Also, radishes decrease the burning sensation experienced during urination.
6. Regulates Respiratory Disorders
Radishes can regulate respiratory disorders because they contain anti-congestive properties which help to prevent lungs, nose, and throat irritation. These irritations are due to allergies, infections, and exposure to cold. Also, radishes help in relieving symptoms associated with hay fever, sinusitis, and flu.
7. Weight Loss
Radish can help with weight loss because of their high content of dietary fiber.
Fiber aids bowel movements and helps in the expulsion of accumulated waste products in the body. Fiber also makes you feel satisfied and this prevents you from consuming too much food.
The Ideal Quantity of Radishes to Eat
Radishes are beneficial to the body but they should be eaten in appropriate quantities. A half cup of radishes supplies the body with approximately 14% of Vitamin C. Around 30 to 40 g of radishes per day is moderate and you should avoid any side effects with this number.
Eating Radish at Night: Our Final Thoughts
Radish has numerous benefits and can even be beneficial for sleeping when radish is eaten at night in the right quantity.
They provide more nutritional content when they are eaten in cooked form. Although eaten it raw once in a while wouldn’t harm, it is still advisable to consume it in its cooked form and in moderate quantities.