Discovering ways of reducing cardiovascular risk is an ongoing challenge for medical science. A recent study asks whether "monster" radishes might provide some assistance.

The official name for the so-called monster radish is the Sakurajima daikon.

Originally cultivated on the island of Sakurajima, Japan, centuries ago, it is an impressive beast.

The largest Sakurajima on record weighed almost 69 pounds, measuring well over 1 meter in circumference.

Radishes in general are known to contain high levels of antioxidants. Also, according to earlier studies, they may influence factors associated with heart attack and stroke — namely, increased blood pressure and the risk of blood clots.

Roughly 1 in 4 deaths are due to cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack and stroke, so discovering a natural chemical that can reduce the risks would be a big win.

Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com