How much potassium is in raw radish?

January 6, 2026 •

3 min read

According to USDA data, a one-cup serving of raw, sliced radishes contains approximately 270 mg of potassium. This makes the crunchy root vegetable a surprisingly good contributor to your daily mineral intake, supporting crucial bodily functions from blood pressure regulation to muscle contraction.

Quick Summary

Raw radishes offer a notable amount of potassium, with a typical serving supplying a healthy dose of this vital mineral for supporting heart function and regulating blood pressure. The content varies slightly by radish type, but they remain a nutrient-dense, low-calorie option for boosting mineral intake.

Key Points

Potassium Content: A cup of raw, sliced red radishes contains approximately 270 mg of potassium.
Daikon is Potassium-Rich: Larger daikon radishes offer a much higher potassium content per serving, with a single large one potentially providing over 750 mg.
Supports Heart Health: The potassium found in radishes helps regulate blood pressure and supports overall cardiovascular health by balancing sodium levels.
Additional Nutrients: Besides potassium, radishes are a good source of Vitamin C, fiber, and various antioxidants.
Hydrating and Low-Calorie: With a high water content and low-calorie count, radishes are an excellent hydrating snack and a beneficial addition for weight management.
Versatile Use: Raw radishes can be easily incorporated into your diet via salads, sandwiches, or as a crunchy snack.

Raw Radish: A Source of Potassium

Radishes are a low-calorie, hydrating vegetable often enjoyed in salads, but their nutritional value extends far beyond their crunchy texture. A standard one-cup serving of raw, sliced red radishes contains approximately 270 milligrams (mg) of potassium. This amount meets roughly 6% of the recommended daily value (DV) for potassium, a significant contribution from such a small and light vegetable. Potassium is an essential electrolyte that plays a key role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve signaling, and muscle contractions.

Why Potassium from Radishes is Important

For many people, meeting the recommended daily intake of 4,700 mg of potassium can be challenging. Consuming potassium-rich foods like radishes helps bridge this nutritional gap. The potassium in radishes is particularly beneficial for cardiovascular health. It helps to regulate blood pressure by balancing the effects of sodium in the body, which can reduce tension in blood vessel walls. Additionally, adequate potassium intake is linked to a lower risk of stroke and other heart-related conditions.

Comparing Potassium in Different Radish Varieties

Not all radishes are created equal when it comes to their mineral content. Larger varieties, like the Daikon radish, can offer a substantially higher amount of potassium per serving. The following table compares the potassium content of popular raw radish types.


Radish Type	Serving Size	Approximate Potassium (mg)	Notes
Red Radish (Globe)	1 cup slices (116g)	270	A popular, readily available variety.
Daikon Radish	1 cup slices (116g)	263	A milder, larger oriental radish.
Oriental Radish (Daikon)	1 radish (7" long)	767	A single, large daikon can be a powerhouse.

As the table shows, a single large Daikon radish can provide a very high dose of potassium, making it an excellent choice for a significant mineral boost.

More Than Just Potassium: Other Nutrients in Radishes

Beyond their potassium content, raw radishes are a nutritional powerhouse packed with other beneficial compounds. Their crisp texture is evidence of a high water content, which aids in hydration. They also offer a good amount of dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health and regularity.

Here are some of the other key nutrients found in radishes:

Vitamin C: An antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and supports immune function.
Fiber: Aids digestion and promotes feelings of fullness, which can be beneficial for weight management.
Folate (Vitamin B9): Crucial for cell growth and metabolism.
Antioxidants: Rich in anthocyanins and phenolic compounds, which have been studied for their potential anti-cancer properties.

How to Incorporate Raw Radishes into Your Diet

There are many simple ways to enjoy raw radishes and boost your potassium intake. Their peppery flavor and satisfying crunch make them a versatile addition to many dishes. Some ideas include:

Salads: Add thinly sliced red or daikon radish to your favorite green salad for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Snacks: Enjoy whole radishes dipped in a little sea salt or a healthy low-fat dip.
Sandwiches and Wraps: Layer thin radish slices into sandwiches or wraps to add a peppery, crisp element.
Garnishes: Finely chop or shred radishes and sprinkle them over tacos, soups, or roasted vegetables.
Pickling: Pickled radishes are a tangy, delicious condiment that retains many of the nutritional benefits, though some vitamin content may be affected.

For more nutritional details and analysis, consult authoritative sources like the USDA's FoodData Central..

Conclusion

Raw radish, particularly the larger daikon variety, is a surprisingly excellent source of potassium, contributing meaningfully to your daily nutritional needs. Incorporating this low-calorie, low-carbohydrate vegetable into your diet is a simple and delicious way to support heart health, regulate blood pressure, and boost your intake of other essential nutrients like Vitamin C and fiber. Its versatility in raw form makes it an easy addition to meals and snacks, proving that a small vegetable can pack a big nutritional punch.

Frequently Asked Questions

While not as high as a banana, a standard one-cup serving of raw, sliced red radishes contains a healthy dose of around 270 mg of potassium. A larger daikon radish offers a much higher amount, making it a good contributor to your daily intake.

A 100g serving of raw red radishes contains around 233-250 mg of potassium. This represents about 5-7% of the recommended daily value, depending on the specific source.

Cooking radishes, such as boiling, can cause some minerals to leach into the cooking water, potentially reducing the overall potassium content in the vegetable itself. However, some potassium will still be retained. To preserve nutrients, steaming or consuming them raw is best.

A medium-sized banana typically contains around 422 mg of potassium. While a one-cup serving of red radish has about 270 mg, a single large daikon radish can contain over 750 mg, exceeding the banana's potassium content. Therefore, radishes can be a comparable or even superior source depending on the variety and serving size.

While radishes contribute to your potassium intake, they should be part of a varied diet. The daily recommended intake is 4,700 mg, and relying solely on radishes would require a very large and impractical serving size. Combine radishes with other potassium-rich foods like sweet potatoes, spinach, and beans to meet your daily needs.

Radishes are rich in antioxidants like Vitamin C, which help fight cell damage. They are also a good source of fiber for digestion and have a high water content, aiding hydration.

Yes, radish leaves are also very nutritious and contain good levels of potassium, along with other vitamins and minerals like calcium and Vitamin C. They can be eaten raw in salads or cooked similarly to other leafy greens.