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Radish vs. Daikon — Health Impact and Nutrition Comparison

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Article author photo Elen Khachatrian by Elen Khachatrian | Last updated on January 24, 2024
Medically reviewed by Ani Harutyunyan Article author photo Ani Harutyunyan
Radish
vs
Daikon

Summary

Radishes are rich in minerals, vitamins, protein, polyunsaturated fat and have fewer sugars than daikons. On the other hand, daikons contain more carbs, lower in calories, saturated fats, and sodium than radishes.

Introduction

Daikon and radish are widely used in cooking, but people often confuse these two vegetables. We are going to identify their differences by focusing on their nutritional value. The main difference between a daikon and a radish is that a daikon is a winter radish, and it looks more like a long, white carrot. Besides, daikons are sweeter, juicier, and less spicy than radishes.

Actual differences

Varieties

Daikon is also known as mooli and belongs to the Raphanus genus. It is a winter radish that is usually characterized by long white roots and fast-growing leaves. There are many different types of daikon, of which the most common types are Watermelon Radish, French Breakfast Radish, and Daikon White Radish.

Radish also belongs to the Raphanus genus; it is an edible root vegetable of the family Brassicaceae consumed worldwide. The most common varieties of radish are Watermelon Radish and Pink Radish.

Taste and Use

Overall, radishes have a peppery flavor; sometimes, the taste tends to be milder depending on how long they were left on the earth to grow. Radishes are often eaten raw or added as a flavor in a salad. Daikon radishes are sweeter than radishes. They can be eaten raw or cooked. The greens from daikon are also edible.

Nutrition

In this section, we will look into the specific difference between the nutrients of daikons and radishes. At the bottom of this page, you can find nutrition infographics that visually show the differences between these vegetables․

Macronutrients

Both daikon and radish contain 95% water.

The content of macronutrients in these vegetables is almost equal. However, radishes have more protein, whereas daikons have more carbs. The levels of fiber and monounsaturated fats are equal in both daikons and radishes. These vegetables lack trans fats.

Macronutrient Comparison

Macronutrient breakdown side-by-side comparison
Radish
2
:
2
Daikon
Contains more Protein +13.3%
Contains more Carbs +20.6%
Equal in Fats - 0.1
Equal in Water - 94.62
Equal in Other - 0.58
3% 95%
Protein: 0.68 g
Fats: 0.1 g
Carbs: 3.4 g
Water: 95.27 g
Other: 0.55 g
4% 95%
Protein: 0.6 g
Fats: 0.1 g
Carbs: 4.1 g
Water: 94.62 g
Other: 0.58 g
Contains more Protein +13.3%
Contains more Carbs +20.6%
Equal in Fats - 0.1
Equal in Water - 94.62
Equal in Other - 0.58

Calories

The number of calories of these vegetables is almost equal. Daikon has 18 calories per 100 g, and radish has 16 calories per 100 g. Both are low-calorie food and are suitable for your healthy diet.

Vitamins

Both daikon and radishes contain almost an equal amount of vitamins. 

However, daikons are richer in Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, and Folate. On the other hand, radishes contain three times more Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B2, and more Vitamin A and Vitamin K. 

These plants have no Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Vitamin D B12.

Vitamin Comparison

Vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
Radish
6
:
3
Daikon
Contains more Vitamin A +∞%
Contains more Vitamin B2 +95%
Contains more Vitamin B3 +27%
Contains more Vitamin B5 +19.6%
Contains more Vitamin B6 +54.3%
Contains more Vitamin K +333.3%
Contains more Vitamin C +48.6%
Contains more Vitamin B1 +66.7%
Contains more Folate +12%
Vitamin A Vitamin E Vitamin D Vitamin C Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Folate Vitamin B12 Vitamin K 1% 0% 0% 50% 3% 9% 5% 10% 17% 19% 0% 4%
Vitamin A Vitamin E Vitamin D Vitamin C Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Folate Vitamin B12 Vitamin K 0% 0% 0% 74% 5% 5% 4% 9% 11% 22% 0% 1%
Contains more Vitamin A +∞%
Contains more Vitamin B2 +95%
Contains more Vitamin B3 +27%
Contains more Vitamin B5 +19.6%
Contains more Vitamin B6 +54.3%
Contains more Vitamin K +333.3%
Contains more Vitamin C +48.6%
Contains more Vitamin B1 +66.7%
Contains more Folate +12%

Minerals

In general, daikons are relatively higher in minerals than radishes. Daikons have more iron, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, and less sodium, whereas radishes contain more zinc. Both vegetables contain equal levels of calcium and potassium.

Mineral Comparison

Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
Radish
3
:
7
Daikon
Contains more Zinc +86.7%
Contains more Manganese +81.6%
Contains more Iron +17.6%
Contains more Magnesium +60%
Contains more Phosphorus +15%
Contains less Sodium -46.2%
Contains more Copper +130%
Contains more Selenium +16.7%
Equal in Calcium - 27
Equal in Potassium - 227
Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Copper Manganese Selenium 8% 13% 8% 9% 21% 6% 8% 17% 10% 4%
Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Copper Manganese Selenium 9% 15% 12% 10% 21% 3% 5% 39% 5% 4%
Contains more Zinc +86.7%
Contains more Manganese +81.6%
Contains more Iron +17.6%
Contains more Magnesium +60%
Contains more Phosphorus +15%
Contains less Sodium -46.2%
Contains more Copper +130%
Contains more Selenium +16.7%
Equal in Calcium - 27
Equal in Potassium - 227

Glycemic Index

Both radishes and daikons are considered low glycemic index products. Moreover, both vegetables have an equal GI. The GI of raw daikons and radishes is 32.

Acidity

The average PH value of radishes falls in the range of 6.0-7.0, whereas the PH value of daikon is equal to 7.5. Daikon is more alkaline than radish. Another way to assess the acidity of foods is the potential renal acid load. The PRAL value of food shows how much acid or alkali a given food produces when broken down in the body.

The PRAL values of daikon and radish are -4.4. These vegetables in the body are more alkaline.

Health Impact

The nutritional values are presented for raw daikons and raw radishes. At the bottom of this page, you can find nutrition infographics of these vegetables.

Cardiovascular Health

Section reviewed by cardiologist Astghik Grigoryan Article author photo Astghik Grigoryan

According to studies, trigonelline from daikon may be able to help with vascular endothelial dysfunction, which is one of the causes of arterial hypertension. This effect for radish is unknown [1.2].

However, radish is an excellent source of antioxidants and minerals like calcium and potassium, which may help lower high blood pressure and cardiovascular risk [3].

These studies found that daikon and radish have anti-obesity effects that are beneficial for treating and preventing cardiovascular disease [4.5.6].

Diabetes

Radishes are low-calorie, high-fiber vegetables. They contain chemical compounds such as glucosinolate and isothiocyanate that help regulate blood sugar levels. Eating radishes also increases the body's natural production of adiponectin. Higher levels of this hormone can help protect against insulin resistance. Radishes also contain coenzyme Q10, an antioxidant that helps block the formation of diabetes [7].

Weight Loss and Diets

Eating low-calorie and high-fiber foods can help you maintain a healthy weight or lose weight. Radishes and daikons have almost a similar number of calories.

They both are considered non-starchy vegetables, which means they are deficient in carbs. According to studies, eating non-starchy vegetables can promote a healthy body weight [8].

Cancer

Eating cruciferous vegetables such as radishes can help prevent cancer. Both radishes and daikons contain phytochemicals and anthocyanins, which have anti-carcinogenic properties. They are rich in sulforaphane, which research has shown to fight breast, colon, prostate, and ovarian cancers. Moreover, vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant, preventing free radicals from damaging DNA inside cells, thereby helping to prevent cancer. According to the study, radish root extract contains several isothiocyanates that cause cell death in some cancer cell lines [9].

Boost Immune System

Vitamin C can boost immune defenses by supporting various cellular functions. One hundred grams of daikon contains 22 mg of vitamin C, 30% of the recommended daily intake. Vitamin C is mainly concentrated in plant leaves. Daikon leaves are richer in vitamin C than oranges. Raw daikon juice can help dissolve mucus and phlegm and promote healthy respiratory function [10].

Detoxification

The natural diuretic property of radishes makes them highly beneficial to kidney health. They help flush out toxins from the body and act as a natural cleanser, preventing the buildup of waste products in the kidneys.

Daikon glucosinolates effectively enhance detoxification enzymes and, therefore, may have significant chemopreventive activity [11].

Side Effects

Daikons and radishes are presumed to be relatively safe vegetables; however, they might not be suitable for those suffering from gallstones. Both are goitrogenic foods. People with impaired thyroid function can minimize the risk of adverse effects by cooking them and increasing their selenium intake [12].

Article author photo Elen Khachatrian
Education: Nutrition & Microbiology at YSU
Last updated: January 24, 2024
Medically reviewed by Ani Harutyunyan

Infographic

Radish vs Daikon infographic
Infographic link

Fat Type Comparison

Fat type breakdown side-by-side comparison
Radish
1
:
1
Daikon
Equal in Saturated Fat - 0.03
Equal in Monounsaturated Fat - 0.017
Equal in Polyunsaturated fat - 0.045
33% 18% 49%
Saturated Fat: 0.032 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.017 g
Polyunsaturated fat: 0.048 g
33% 18% 49%
Saturated Fat: 0.03 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.017 g
Polyunsaturated fat: 0.045 g
Equal in Saturated Fat - 0.03
Equal in Monounsaturated Fat - 0.017
Equal in Polyunsaturated fat - 0.045

Comparison summary table

Pay attention to the rightmost column. It displays the amounts side by side, giving a clearer understanding of the difference.
Radish Daikon
Lower in Sugar ok
Lower in Sodium ok
Lower in Saturated Fat ok
Lower in price ok
Lower in Cholesterol Equal
Lower in Glycemic Index Equal
Rich in minerals Equal
Rich in vitamins Equal

All nutrients comparison - raw data values

Nutrient Radish Daikon Opinion
Net carbs 1.8g 2.5g Daikon
Protein 0.68g 0.6g Radish
Fats 0.1g 0.1g
Carbs 3.4g 4.1g Daikon
Calories 16kcal 18kcal Daikon
Fructose 0.71g Radish
Sugar 1.86g 2.5g Radish
Fiber 1.6g 1.6g
Calcium 25mg 27mg Daikon
Iron 0.34mg 0.4mg Daikon
Magnesium 10mg 16mg Daikon
Phosphorus 20mg 23mg Daikon
Potassium 233mg 227mg Radish
Sodium 39mg 21mg Daikon
Zinc 0.28mg 0.15mg Radish
Copper 0.05mg 0.115mg Daikon
Manganese 0.069mg 0.038mg Radish
Selenium 0.6µg 0.7µg Daikon
Vitamin A 7IU 0IU Radish
Vitamin C 14.8mg 22mg Daikon
Vitamin B1 0.012mg 0.02mg Daikon
Vitamin B2 0.039mg 0.02mg Radish
Vitamin B3 0.254mg 0.2mg Radish
Vitamin B5 0.165mg 0.138mg Radish
Vitamin B6 0.071mg 0.046mg Radish
Folate 25µg 28µg Daikon
Vitamin K 1.3µg 0.3µg Radish
Tryptophan 0.009mg 0.003mg Radish
Threonine 0.023mg 0.025mg Daikon
Isoleucine 0.02mg 0.026mg Daikon
Leucine 0.031mg 0.031mg
Lysine 0.033mg 0.03mg Radish
Methionine 0.01mg 0.006mg Radish
Phenylalanine 0.036mg 0.02mg Radish
Valine 0.035mg 0.028mg Radish
Histidine 0.013mg 0.011mg Radish
Saturated Fat 0.032g 0.03g Daikon
Monounsaturated Fat 0.017g 0.017g
Polyunsaturated fat 0.048g 0.045g Radish

Which food is preferable for your diet?

ok
ok
is better in case of low diet
Radish Daikon
Low Fats diet Equal
Low Carbs diet ok
Low Calories diet ok
Low Glycemic Index diet Equal

People also compare

Vitamins & Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score

The summary scores indicate the extent to which this food can fulfill your daily vitamin and mineral requirements if you consume 3 servings, consisting of 100 grams of each (an approximation of 3 serving sizes).
Vitamins Daily Need Coverage Score
10%
Radish
11%
Daikon
Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score
10%
Radish
12%
Daikon

Comparison summary

Which food is lower in Sugar?
Radish
Radish is lower in Sugar (difference - 0.64g)
Which food contains less Sodium?
Daikon
Daikon contains less Sodium (difference - 18mg)
Which food is lower in Saturated Fat?
Daikon
Daikon is lower in Saturated Fat (difference - 0.002g)
Which food is cheaper?
Daikon
Daikon is cheaper (difference - $0.1)
Which food contains less Cholesterol?
?
The foods are relatively equal in Cholesterol (0 mg)
Which food is lower in glycemic index?
?
The foods have equal glycemic indexes (32)
Which food is richer in minerals?
?
It cannot be stated which food is richer in vitamins. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information.
Which food is richer in vitamins?
?
It cannot be stated which food is richer in vitamins. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information.

References

All the values for which the sources are not specified explicitly are taken from FDA’s Food Central. The exact link to the food presented on this page can be found below.

  1. Radish - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169276/nutrients
  2. Daikon - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/168451/nutrients

All the Daily Values are presented for males aged 31-50, for 2000-calorie diets.

Data provided by FoodStruct.com should be considered and used as information only. Please consult your physician before beginning any diet.