Mooli
Mooli or Radish is a root vegetable that has a number of medicinal properties. It can be consumed in a raw, cooked or pickled form due to its high nutritional content. It is one of the most loved vegetables during winters in India. Mooli (Radish) leaves are rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and calcium. They helps in bone building as it is a good source of calcium.
Mooli might help in weight loss as it is low in calories, helps improve digestion and enhances body metabolism due to the presence of fibers. It also helps improve diabetic conditions due to its antioxidant property as it fights against the free radicals and prevents cell damage. Taking Mooli juice before food is considered beneficial for urinary diseases such as urinary tract infections due to its diuretic property. It increases the production of urine and also acts as a kidney cleanser. Eating Mooli on a regular basis helps manage eye diseases (eyeball development and good eyesight) due to the presence of certain vitamins.
According to Ayurveda, eating Mooli before taking meals should be avoided as it might cause burning in the stomach due to its Ushna property[1][2][7].
Mooli might help in weight loss as it is low in calories, helps improve digestion and enhances body metabolism due to the presence of fibers. It also helps improve diabetic conditions due to its antioxidant property as it fights against the free radicals and prevents cell damage. Taking Mooli juice before food is considered beneficial for urinary diseases such as urinary tract infections due to its diuretic property. It increases the production of urine and also acts as a kidney cleanser. Eating Mooli on a regular basis helps manage eye diseases (eyeball development and good eyesight) due to the presence of certain vitamins.
According to Ayurveda, eating Mooli before taking meals should be avoided as it might cause burning in the stomach due to its Ushna property[1][2][7].
What are the synonyms of Mooli?
Raphanus sativus, Salamarkataka, Saleya, Marusambhava, Mulo, Mula, Radish, Muli, Mullangi, Mugunigadde, Moolangi, Moolaogi, Mullanki, Rakhyasmula, Moolak, Moolee, Moola, Mulakam, Mullangu, Millangi, Turb, Visra
What is the source of Mooli?
Plant Based
Benefits of Mooli
Modern Science View
Mooli might help in loss of appetite by increasing the hunger. It acts as a tonic and stimulates the digestive enzymes which improve digestion and thereby increase the urge for food[15][16].
Ayurvedic View
Mooli help to improve appetite when it is made a part of daily diet. In Ayurveda, loss of appetite is due to Agnimandya (weak digestion). It is caused by an aggravation of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas leading to incomplete digestion of food. This causes insufficient secretion of gastric juice in the stomach resulting in appetite loss. Mooli stimulates digestion fire and improves appetite due to its Deepan (appetizer) property.
Tip
1.Add fresh Mooli into your daily diet in the form of salad to get improve your appetite
Tip
1.Add fresh Mooli into your daily diet in the form of salad to get improve your appetite
Modern Science View
Mooli can be used in infections as it contains certain constituent (raphanine) which has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It fights against several microorganisms(bacteria and fungi) responsible for causing various infections in the body[17-18].
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available to support the role of Mooli in fevers.
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available to support the role of Mooli in cold.
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available to show the role of Mooli in cough. However, research suggests that dry seeds of Mooli have expectorant and antitussive properties. It may loosen the mucus in the respiratory tract and help to expel it. It may also suppress the cough reflex and thus helps in cough[19].
Modern Science View
Mooli may help in digestive disorders due to bile duct problems as blocked bile ducts may cause gall stones or digestive disorders. Mooli juice may helps to decrease the cholesterol and triglycerides levels by improving cholesterol metabolism and remove cholesterol gallstones[20].
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available to explain the role of Mooli in bronchitis. However, it may be used in bronchitis since it has anti-inflammatory property. It may help to reduce the inflammation of the respiratory tract and give relief in bronchitis[21-22].
Ayurvedic View
Mooli is good if you have a cough related problems like bronchitis. In Ayurveda, this disease is known as Kasroga and is caused by poor digestion. Poor diet and incomplete elimination of wastes lead to the formation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the form of mucus in the lungs. This leads to bronchitis. Mooli has Deepan (appetizer) and Ushna(hot) properties. It reduces Ama and expels excessive mucus from the lungs thus gives relief from the symptoms of bronchitis.
Tip
1.Take 6-8 teaspoon of Mooli juice
2.Add the same quantity of water and drink before food once a day to get rid of the symptoms of bronchitis.
Tip
1.Take 6-8 teaspoon of Mooli juice
2.Add the same quantity of water and drink before food once a day to get rid of the symptoms of bronchitis.
Modern Science View
Mooli may help in the sore throat as it contains certain active constituent(flavonoids) which has anti-inflammatory activity. It reduces the pain and irritation of the throat and helps to eliminate excess mucus from the throat, thus it may give relief from sore throat[14].
Ayurvedic View
Sore throat is a condition which occurs due to an imbalance of Vata and Kapha dosha and result in the formation and accumulation of mucus in the throat that causes irritation. Mooli might help to manage this condition if eaten raw, due to its Tridosha (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) balancing property. Its seeds are used to balance the Kapha dosha. It also helps to improve digestion and release out the mucus from body due to its Pachan (digestion), Mridu Rechan (mild laxative) and Mutral (diuretic) properties.
How effective is Mooli?
Insufficient evidence
Appetite stimulant, Common cold, Cough, Fever, Gallbladder stones, Infections, Inflammation of the airways (bronchitis), Sore throat
FAQs about Mooli benefits
Precautions when using Mooli
Advice from Experts
Important
Ayurvedic View
Do not take Mooli with milk or fish since it is a wrong food combination.
Ayurvedic View
Use Mooli kshar, a special Ayurvedic preparation of Mooli only under medical supervision.
How to use Mooli
1. Fresh Mooli
a. Eat fresh Mooli as per your taste.
b. You can include Mooli in your daily diet in the form of salad.
2. Mooli Juice
a. Take 6-8 teaspoons of Mooli juice.
b. Add the same quantity of water and drink before food once a day.
3. Mooli Kshar
a. To 2-4 pinch of Mooli Kshar.
b. Add honey and take after lunch and dinner.
a. Eat fresh Mooli as per your taste.
b. You can include Mooli in your daily diet in the form of salad.
2. Mooli Juice
a. Take 6-8 teaspoons of Mooli juice.
b. Add the same quantity of water and drink before food once a day.
3. Mooli Kshar
a. To 2-4 pinch of Mooli Kshar.
b. Add honey and take after lunch and dinner.
Benefits of Mooli
FAQs about Mooli benefits
Precautions when using Mooli
Allergy
Ayurvedic View
Use Mooli (Radish) paste with lemon juice or rose water if your skin is hypersensitive. This is because Mooli has Ushna (hot) potency and might cause skin irritation.
Recommended Dosage of Mooli
- Mooli Juice - 1-2 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
- Mooli Paste - ¼-½ teaspoon or as per your requirement.
How to use Mooli
1. Mooli Juice
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Mooli juice.
b. Add Lemon juice to it.
c. Apply on the affected area and keep for 1-2 hours.
d. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
e. Use this remedy once a day to manage pain and swelling.
2. Mooli Paste
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Mooli paste.
b. Add Rose water to it.
c. Apply on the affected area and keep for 1-2 hours.
d. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
e. Use this remedy once a day for quick healing of wound.
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Mooli juice.
b. Add Lemon juice to it.
c. Apply on the affected area and keep for 1-2 hours.
d. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
e. Use this remedy once a day to manage pain and swelling.
2. Mooli Paste
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Mooli paste.
b. Add Rose water to it.
c. Apply on the affected area and keep for 1-2 hours.
d. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
e. Use this remedy once a day for quick healing of wound.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
It contains carbohydrates, ascorbic acid, folic acid, potassium, vitamin B6, riboflavin, magnesium and sulforaphane which provide nutrients and serve medicinal purposes. The main bioactive compounds present in mooli are glucosinolates and isothiocyanates. Mooli also contain anthocyanins a potent antioxidant flavonoid which is useful in improving diabetic conditions.
Modern Science View
Fresh Mooli is very easily available in the market. You can include it into your diet as a salad. Other forms of Mooli which are available in the market is Churna, Juice and Kshar (Ash) under various brands.
Modern Science View
Yes, you can eat Mooli (radish) at any time of the day. Mooli is low in calories and high in fiber which makes it good for digestion.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, you can eat Mooli at any time of the day, but it should preferably be taken along with food as it helps promote digestion.
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, but eating radish and curd together is not considered as a good food option. So, it is generally advised to avoid taking both together[8].
Modern Science View
There are approximately 18 calories in 100g Mooli.
Ayurvedic View
Overeating of Mooli should be avoided as it can cause a burning sensation in the stomach and flatulence. This is due to its Ushna (potency).
Modern Science View
Yes, Mooli juice might be beneficial for managing urinary diseases such as urinary tract infection, as it has diuretic property. It increases the production of urine and reduces the burning sensation in the urinary tract. Radish juice also helps to heal the infections in the bladder because of its kidney cleansing property[5].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Mooli juice might help reduce the symptoms of urinary diseases because of its Mutral (diuretic) property. It increases the production of urine and reduces the symptoms of urinary problems.
Modern Science View
Mooli (radish) juice has various impressive benefits due to the presence of certain minerals in it. It soothes the digestive system and helps to remove toxins from the body due to its diuretic property. Mooli juice helps relieve the congestion of the respiratory system. It also provides relief from abdominal pain, cough, and cold[6].
Ayurvedic View
Mooli juice is an effective remedy to manage digestive and respiratory problems because of its Ushna (hot) nature. It reduces the symptoms of indigestion, cough, and cold. Mooli also has Mutral (diuretic) property which helps manage urinary problems by increasing urine production.
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available to support the role of white Mooli in hiccups.
Modern Science View
Yes, Mooli (radish) might help to manage eye diseases due to the presence of vitamin B. The presence of vitamin B helps in the development of the eyeball and promotes good eyesight[7].
Modern Science View
Mooli leaves are considered to be a powerhouse of nutrients.They contain vitamin C which helps to boost immunity. They are also a good source of calcium which helps in bone formation. Along with that, mooli leaves help cleanse the liver and manage the digestive system due to its high fiber content[10].
Ayurvedic View
Mooli (Radish) leaves are as good as Mooli root when added to the diet. Eating Mooli leaves helps to improve digestion and also manages constipation because of its Rechan (laxative) property.
Modern Science View
Yes, you can take Mooli during pregnancy, as it is rich in various minerals and vitamins. It contains calcium which helps in bone formation. The spiciness in the Mooli clears the sinus passages and helps relieve nausea which is generally observed in the first three months of pregnancy. It also helps reduce the formation of excessive acid in the stomach[12].
Modern Science View
Mooli (radish) juice is not recommended for patients having thyroid, gallbladder, kidney, and liver-related problems. It is generally advised to consult a doctor before drinking Mooli juice[13].
Ayurvedic View
Generally, Mooli doesn’t have any major side effects. However, it is advised to avoid eating Mooli before taking food because it may cause a burning sensation in the stomach due to its Ushna (hot) nature. As per Ayurveda, milk should not be taken after having Mooli as it is considered to be an incompatible food combination.
Modern Science View
Yes, Mooli (radish) is considered to be beneficial in weight loss due to its low-calorie content. It contains high roughage (fiber) and a large amount of water that give a feeling of fullness and helps prevent overeating[14].
Ayurvedic View
Mooli helps to control weight when added to the diet because of its Ushna (hot) nature. It helps to reduce Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the body which is the prime cause of weight gain. Mooli also helps to remove excessive fluid from the body due to its Mutral (diuretic) property thereby helping in weight management.
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available to support the role of Mooli in ringworm, however, the antifungal property of Mooli might inhibit the growth of certain fungi responsible for causing ringworm infection[9].
Modern Science View
Mooli (radish) oil is beneficial for the skin as it helps to manage blackheads and freckles when applied over the face. It also has antioxidant property due to which it might help delay the signs of ageing[11].
References
- Saleem Ali Banihani.Radish (Raphanus sativus) and Diabetes.Nutrients. 2017;9(9):1014.
- Yu R, Xu L, Zhang W, et al.De novo Taproot transcriptome sequencing and analysis of major genes involved in sucrose metabolism in radish (Raphanus sativus L.).Front Plant Sci. 2016;7: 585.
- Shukla S, Chatterji S, Mehta S, et al.Antidiabetic effect of Raphanus sativus root juice.Pharm Biol. 2011 Jan;49(1):32-7.
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/in gredientmono-502/radish
- Bakhru HK. Foods that heal: The natural way to good health. Orient paperbacks. 2014.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.