Proven Health Benefits of Turnip that you need know. Moreover, the Turnip contains properties beneficial for prevent and fight various diseases. Then, check the benefits of Turnip for health. Like to know what the benefits of Turnip are? Know the properties of Turnip: main benefits, nutrients, vitamins and origin. The Turnip or white Turnip (Brassica rapa subsp. rapa) is a root vegetable commonly grown in temperate climates worldwide for its white, bulbous taproot. Turnips are often confused with rutabagas despite the noticeable differences.
Turnips are white with a purple-red top and a peppery taste. On the other hand, rutabagas are larger, part white and part purple, with creamy orange flesh and ribs near the stem, and with a sweet flavor when roasted. Turnips known scientifically as Brassica rapa have been a staple part of the diet in Europe since ancient times. The vegetable was native to northern parts of Europe and was an important part of the diet in ancient Greece and Rome.
Many people assume they are part of the same root vegetable family as beets and potatoes but in fact they belong to the Brassicaceae family which is the same family as many other healthy cruciferous vegetables including broccoli, kale, cabbage and Brussel sprouts.
Like many of its cousins, Turnips are contain a wide variety of healthy nutrients and can help boost your health in a variety of ways. While high in important nutrients, Turnips are low in calories and provide a number of potential health benefits from boosting your immunity and digestive health to cancer prevention.
Turnips are round in shape, white on the underside and after exposure to sunlight, a light purple color on top. While it is the bulbous root that is most commonly eaten and used in cooking, the turnip’s greens are also full of nutrition and should not be wasted. Then check out the 12 Proven Health Benefits of Turnip:
Benefits Of Turnip To Cure Asthma: The anti-inflammatory properties of Turnips can be attributed to their high content of vitamin C which is a powerful antioxidant. These properties are effective in curing asthma and curbing the symptoms of asthma. Studies have proved that giving Turnips to asthmatic patients can lessen wheezing.
Benefits of Turnip to Prevent Cancer: These cruciferous vegetables contain high levels of antioxidants and phytochemicals, which reduce the risk of cancer. Presence of glucosinolates prevents as well as reduces the effect of cancer. These are natural plant chemicals that break into two compounds while digesting i.e. indoles and isothiocyanates. They help the liver process toxins, fight the effects of carcinogens and can inhibit the growth of tumor cells. Inclusion of this vegetable in your daily diet can reduce the risk of breast cancer as well as colon and rectal tumors.
Benefits of Turnip to Strengthen the Immune System: Vitamin C and ascorbic acid, present in large quantities in Turnips are important boosters for our immune system. Vitamin C can stimulate the production of white blood cells and antibodies, in addition to acting as an antioxidant and reducing chronic health concerns like cancer and heart diseases.
Benefits of Turnip for Bone Health: Turnips are an important source of calcium and potassium which are vital for healthy bone growth and maintenance. Regular consumption of Turnip inhibits joint damage, risk of osteoporosis and the incidence of Rheumatoid Arthritis. It is also an excellent source of calcium, a mineral that supports the body’s production of connective tissues.
Benefits of Turnip for Hair Health: Regular consumption of Turnips improves the health and color of your hair. They are a good source of copper which is involved in melanin formation. Melanin is a pigment that provides color to your hair. They are also rich in antioxidants like vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin which help maintain healthy hair.
Benefits of Turnip to Improve Blood Circulation: The significant level of iron found in Turnips makes them an asset if you suffer from low blood cell count or anemia. Iron is required in the formation of RBC that are needed by the body to oxygenate, repair, and run the body’s organ systems. Therefore, more iron means better circulation to every extremity of the body.
Benefits of Turnip to Prevent Atherosclerosis: Too many free radicals in the body cause oxidation of bad cholesterol and clumping of platelets in our body, thus leading to atherosclerosis, a condition that damages the blood vessels. Vitamins E, C and beta carotene in Turnip roots and greens are excellent antioxidants that fight free radicals in the body. Thus, regular consumption of turnips prevents the development and progression of this condition.
Benefits of Turnip for Cardiovascular Health: Turnips possess great anti-inflammatory properties due to the presence of large amount of vitamin K. These help in preventing heart attacks, heart strokes and other heart ailments. Turnip greens aid in digestion by absorbing more amount of bile which uses up the cholesterol present in the body. This results in the reduction of cholesterol. Turnips are also excellent sources of folate, which further helps to boost up the cardiovascular system.
Benefits Of Turnip To Detoxify The Body: Turnip greens contain key glucosinolates- gluconasturtiian and glucotropaeolin, which provide vital antioxidant nutrients, to boost Phase 1 detoxification activities, and sulfur-containing nutrients, to boost Phase 2 activities.
Benefits of Turnip For Weight Loss: Turnips are low in calories and hence, can form part of an effective weight loss program. Their high fiber content on the other hand regulates metabolism, controls body weight and supports a healthy and active colon.
Benefits of Turnip to Accelerate Metabolism: The B family of vitamins is often overlooked, but without them, our hormonal and enzymatic processes would be very difficult to control, and all of our bodily functions would be compromised. Turnips supply a healthy dose of vitamin B to the body, ensuring that all of our organ systems are functioning properly and that our hormone levels are stable.
Benefits of Turnip for Pulmonary Health: The carcinogens present in cigarette smoke cause vitamin A deficiency, resulting in lung inflammation, emphysema and other lung problems. The vitamin A contained in Turnip greens helps in maintaining healthy lungs by counteracting this defect.