Can people with diabetes or hypertension eat white radish?

Feb 27, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Recently, my grandfather has both diabetes and hypertension. May I ask, can he eat white radish?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng

Patients with diabetes and hypertension can consume white radish.

White radish is a nutritious vegetable rich in various vitamins, dietary fiber, and minerals such as vitamin C, calcium, iron, zinc, and potassium. These components offer certain health benefits to individuals with diabetes and hypertension. Moreover, radish is low in calories and carbohydrates, making it highly suitable for diabetic patients who need to control their calorie intake. It also contains abundant dietary fiber, which helps improve intestinal function and delay the rise in blood glucose levels, thus playing a positive role in stabilizing blood sugar. At the same time, the potassium content in white radish helps lower blood pressure, benefiting patients with hypertension. In addition, white radish may assist in reducing blood sugar and lipid levels, providing certain health benefits for diabetic patients. However, white radish has a cooling nature, and individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold should consume it in moderation to avoid discomfort. It is recommended to use simple cooking methods such as steaming, boiling, or making cold dishes, avoiding excessive addition of oil and salt.

In conclusion, appropriate consumption of white radish can be part of the dietary plan for patients with diabetes and hypertension. However, implementation should take into account individual constitution and medical condition, and should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor or nutritionist.