Radishes: A forgotten Crucifer

While in Germany for my three week alternative cancer treatment program, we learned so many properties of foods that I had been somewhat unfamiliar with. In the US, we did not usually tout the benefits of radishes, but in Germany, Poland, Russia and China, radishes are used medicinally for their antioxidant capacity and cancer fighting abilities. This pungent root is derived from China and the isothiocyanates are chemicals in the root which are responsible for the tangy bite. The sulphur containing aspect, known as sulforaphane, helps to inhibit tumor growth in the breast, prostate and ovaries by protecting the DNA from damage. I tend to never want to waste parts of the plants, so I decided to google if the greens were safe to eat and up popped multiple ways to enjoy these tender leaves. I also found out that the greens have even higher disease fighting qualities! Go ahead and enjoy your roots and leaves! Tangy Radish Salad One bunch radishes, washed and sliced 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried if no fresh available) 1 tbl yellow mustard 2 tbl organic apple cider vinegar 2 tsp olive, grapeseed or walnut oil Mix the mustard, vinegar and oil together with a whisk Rinse the greens and place on plate Mix the sliced radishes and dressing together and place on top of greens Enjoy this delicious lunch including: Paleo Wrap thinly spread with mayo and dijon mustard with greens, organic chicken strips, peptita seeds, avocado, daiya cheddar. Serve with a few cubes of baked sweet potato cubes and radish salad Bon Appetit! Julie