Are Radishes Good for High Blood Sugar?

There is some preliminary evidence that specific parts of the radish may help lower blood sugar, but it will take much more research before nutritionists can confidently claim it will work for you. Consult your doctor about your diet for managing high blood sugar.

What Causes High Blood Sugar

High blood sugar most often occurs when your body either does not make enough insulin or cannot properly use the insulin it does make; it is commonly associated with diabetes. Carb-containing foods, such as grains, fruit or milk, have the greatest impact on blood sugar, and eating too many at one time may cause blood sugar levels to rise.

Radish Nutrition

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Radishes are not a high-carb food. In fact, they are very low in both carbs and calories. A 1-cup serving of sliced raw radishes contains 19 calories, 4 grams of carbs, 2 grams of fiber and 1 gram of protein. Radishes are also rich in vitamins and minerals, with 29 milligrams of calcium, 270 milligrams of potassium, 17 milligrams of vitamin C and 29 milligrams of folate per 1-cup serving.

Radishes and High Blood Sugar

As a low-carb food, radishes should not have much of an impact on your blood sugar unless you eat large quantities. A 2007 study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology reports that Japanese radish sprouts, also referred to as daikon, lowered blood sugar levels in diabetic rats. While there is some evidence that radish sprouts may help with high blood sugar, clinical trials are necessary before claims and recommendations can be made.

Radishes and Your Healthy Diet Plan

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When it comes to managing your blood sugar, radishes make a healthy addition to your diet plan. And as a cruciferous vegetable, radishes also may help lower your risk of certain types of cancer such as lung or colon cancer, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Add sliced radishes to your salad greens for some crunch, or saute, steam or boil them for a tasty low-calorie, low-carb vegetable side dish.