Which of the following is hypotensive, diuretic, laxative and anti-carcinogenic?

Appeared in: MNS 2024

Explanation

Radish is a cruciferous vegetable known to possess a unique combination of all four listed medicinal properties.
It is rich in potassium, which contributes to its hypotensive (blood pressure lowering) effect.
Its high water content and natural compounds give it a diuretic effect, helping to flush toxins.
The dietary fiber in radish aids digestion and provides a natural laxative effect, preventing constipation.
Radishes contain antioxidants and isothiocyanates, which are compounds studied for their anti-carcinogenic properties.

Option B: While onions have hypotensive and anti-carcinogenic properties, they are not primarily known for strong diuretic or laxative effects.
Option C: Squash is nutritious and contains fiber and potassium, but it is not recognized for having potent diuretic or anti-carcinogenic properties compared to radish.
Option D: Potatoes are an excellent source of potassium, making them hypotensive. However, they are not known as a diuretic or for having significant anti-carcinogenic properties. Their fiber content is mostly in the skin.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Medicinal Properties of Common Vegetables as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses can educate patients on the benefits of a balanced diet, including vegetables like radish, for managing chronic conditions like hypertension and constipation.
Dietary counseling is a key non-pharmacological intervention for health promotion and disease prevention that falls within the nursing scope of practice.
What if the patient has chronic kidney disease (CKD)? The nurse would need to advise caution. High-potassium foods like radish and potato might need to be limited to prevent hyperkalemia, a dangerous condition for CKD patients.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question based on the properties of common foods.
Read the question carefully to identify all the required properties: hypotensive, diuretic, laxative, and anti-carcinogenic.
Evaluate each option against all four criteria.
Consider the primary and most well-known properties of each vegetable.
Select the option that best fits all the descriptors mentioned in the question stem.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Nutrition Monika Sharma 3e p. 47-49

E6 Nutrition Kumud Khanna 2e p. 426-428

Practise the full MNS 2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.