Four Reasons Radishes Are Detox Rock Stars

Other than the fact that summer freaking rules, I’ve been counting the days for my CSA shares to start rolling in again. Our first summer home from Sin City last year, I was jonesin’ for some fresh local produce, so we joined The Silverbrook Farm CSA and totally L-O-V-E-D it, so it was a no brainer to let history repeat itself in 2012. If it ain’t broke, right?

This week was my lucky week when the first share landed square into the epicenter of the promised land, a mile from my house. Another reason I had to join. I could literally ride my bike to grab my goods. And I did. Don’t hate on my basket {or my pink bell}, now.

Isn’t it pretty? Of course, the first question is what the hell am I to do with all of this? Eat it, that’s what.

Radishes are not a family fave in this house. I love them, but my better half, not so much, so I tend not to buy or grow them and rely of my peeps at Silverbrook to deliver the goods. I threw this Cucumber, Radish, Chick Pea, and Parsley Salad with Creamy Feta and White Wine Vinegar Dressing together last year when we started getting overwhelmed with those little red globes. Radishes, again?! Tossing them on our evening salads got old, fast. Plus, Darren kept picking them out. Men. Fortunately, I was able to resurrect my notes and recreate this masterpiece and eat lunch for a week. He, on the other hand, was on his own. It’s really a shame, since these pretty veggies are such an amazing natural detoxifer. Here’s why:

1. Fiber

This means filling and fan-freaking-tastic elimination {of those pesky toxins}. I will leave it at that.

2. Gallbladder and liver function

Acting like a literal cleanser, radishes regulate the production and flow of bilirubin and bile plus enzymes and acids and help to remove excess bilirubin from the blood. Excess bilirubin = jaundice, which is no good.

3. Natural diuretic

A stellar performer at preventing and fighting urinary tract infections. Radish juice, which is a great kidney cleanser, helps to cure the burning feeling that makes UTIs such a suckfest.

4. Decongestant

Amazingly, radishes relieve respiratory congestion, which is great for asthmatics {which my darling has} and those who have frequent bronchial and sinus infections. Similar to the neti-pot, minus the snot.

He’s totally missing out, isn’t he? Oh well, more for me. Get the recipe over here.

Got radishes and don’t know what to do with them? Try these ideas on for size:

• How to Dehydrate Radishes from It’s a Love/Love Thing

• Fermented Radishes, Carrots, & Turnips from Grass Fed Girl

• Fermented Watermelon Radish from Homemade Mommy

• Fresh Cucumber & Radish Salad from Reformation Acres

• Herb Roasted Radishes from Meatified

• Low Carb Radish Puree from Living Low Carb One Day At A Time

• Radish Toast from The Crunchy Moose

• Spicy Radish Pesto from Oh Lardy!

• Watermelon Radish Carpaccio from Real Food Kosher

What veggies do you love that your better {or worse} half does not? Do you still buy them? Please leave a comment below.

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