As the saying goes, "Eat radishes in winter and ginger in summer, and you won't need a doctor to write prescriptions." Now is the perfect time to eat radishes. Experts point out that "eating radishes in winter" specifically refers to white radishes, and there are many taboos associated with eating them. Improper pairing not only leads to a loss of nutrients but can also affect your health.
White radishes aid digestion
Many people are familiar with the saying "Eat radishes in winter and ginger in summer," so they rush to the market to buy watermelon radishes, cherry radishes, and other varieties to eat in different ways. However, "eating radishes in winter" does not refer to watermelon or cherry radishes. Zou Chunlei, an internationally registered nutritionist, told reporters that eating radishes in winter refers to eating white radishes, and among all varieties of radishes, white radishes are the most nutritious in winter.
Because the weather is dry in winter, especially in rooms with air conditioning or heating, the dryness is more severe. Many people have internal heat, and white radishes can clear heat and detoxify, removing dryness and heat. Additionally, people tend to eat more meat in winter, needing to pair it with cooling and neutral-flavored foods to have a cooling, detoxifying, and heat-clearing effect. The cooling nature of white radish is undoubtedly an excellent choice.
Furthermore, as the weather turns cold in winter, people's activity levels decrease, which can easily lead to indigestion. The vitamin C in white radishes helps eliminate waste in the body and promotes metabolism. Especially rich in enzymes, it can absorb starch from food and more effectively resolve indigestion in the stomach, providing a great digestive effect.
Experts especially remind that although white radishes have a good effect on aiding digestion, due to their cooling nature, people with a weak spleen and stomach, chronic gastritis, or stomach ulcers should not eat them in large quantities.
Carrots should not be paired with chili peppers
Zou Chunlei reminds that in real life, many people like to "mix and match" radishes with other vegetables and fruits, but in fact, an improper "mix" can harm health.
Many people like to stew red (carrots), white radishes, and beef or mutton together, but this combination can trigger an "internal war." This is because white radishes are very high in vitamin C, while carrots contain an enzyme that breaks down vitamin C, which can destroy the vitamin C in white radishes. When the two meet, the vitamin C in the white radish is greatly lost, and its nutritional value is naturally much reduced. Additionally, eating red and white radishes together can easily lead to scurvy.
In addition to not being able to be eaten with its "brother," the carrot, white radish should also not be eaten with oranges, as the two can produce thiocyanate, which prevents the thyroid from absorbing iodine and can easily induce goiter. Carrots should also not be paired with chili peppers or vinegar, as eating them together destroys carotene.
Eating meat with radishes prevents heatiness
In winter, people tend to eat more meat, which can easily produce phlegm and cause "heatiness." Pairing a little radish with meat, or making dishes with radish as an ingredient, not only prevents heatiness but also provides great nutritional nourishment.
Zou Chunlei pointed out that water radishes and watermelon radishes are best eaten cold-dressed with sugar or salt, or with some sesame to promote nutrient absorption. White radishes are best eaten with vegetables rich in vitamin C, such as cucumbers or spinach, or paired with high-protein foods like beef and mutton.
The most classic winter dish is braised lamb chops with radish. Lamb chops are a very nutritious meat, but they are also the most likely to cause heatiness. The pairing with radish is the most scientific and has a very refreshing taste.