Daikon is a root vegetable that is a staple in so many different Japanese meals and eaten in so many different ways – steamed, raw, stewed, fried and pickled. Daikon has endless health benefits, one of which is beautiful skin!
Daikon, cruciferous (root) vegetable- BIG part of Japanese cuisine!
Why is Daikon good for your skin?
Daikon has three essential elements that make it suitable for promoting healthy, beautiful skin.
- Vitamin C
- Isothiocyanate
- Digestive enzymes and dietary fibre = healthy gut
Vitamin C
You might remember I wrote a blog about Vitamin C, rutin and how to make sure you maximise your Vitamin C intake which you can read here, but today I wanted to go more in-depth about why Vitamin C is good for you.
Daikon can provide you with 25% of the daily recommended value of Vitamin C.
Beauty benefits of Vitamin C
- help produce healthy collagen, which helps to firm your skin
- reduce the negative effects of too much sun exposure
- reduce inflammation and irritation
- fade post-breakout red marks by improving the skin’s natural healing
Isothiocyanate
Daikon contains isothiocyanate, which is an antioxidant compound. Antioxidants are great for your skin as they help reduce pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps fight against free radicals damaging your skin.
Digestive enzymes and dietary fibre
Both digestive enzymes and dietary fibre are very important for supporting a healthy gut, which is important for clear skin. Having a healthy gut means you have healthier fatty acids in your skin which helps to moisturise, hydrate and protect your skin.
Raw Grated daikon ( daikon oroshi ) – The best way to utilise Daikon health properties
raw grated daikon is one of the best ways to maximise the power of daikon for healthy skin.
As discussed in other blog posts, to take full advantage of all the health benefits of daikon, you need to remember the following:
- Keep the skin (double the amount of vitamin C!)
- Grate the daikon (isothiocyanate is only present when cells are broken up)
- Eat at room temperature (heat kills digestive enzymes)
Daikon Oroshi is a great way to incorporate all these tips and to help improve your skin.
Happy Japanese cooking!
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