Among the starchy vegetables that grow under the ground, turnip greens are one. In fact, the Turnips, scientifically known as Brassica Rapa or white Turnips belong to the same family as that of cabbage, Brussels sprouts and kale.
Along with turnips, the greens of the vegetable are highly nutritional and beneficial as well. One has to actually understand what is in store for their health in this vegetable to actually include it in the daily diet. The greens are usually used in soups and stews whereas the roots and the main vegetable is used for salads and curries as well as for pickles. Alongside being highly delicious, the sweet taste of turnips only adds on to the reasons why you should eat it.
Nutritional Value:
The root of Turnip is rich in minerals, dietary fiber and anti-oxidants. A serving of 100 grams of Turnips has not more than 28 calories and therefore it is one of the vegetables that are low in calories. The greens are extremely good at boosting immunity and are rich in Vitamin C.
Now, let us take a look at the various health benefits of Turnip Greens.
The list below has some of the Turnip health benefits that are directly associated with eating them and their greens. All you need to do is check them out before you actually invest in this vegetable. You will never regret your decision of buying them.
1. Prevention of Cancer:
Eating turnips helps in prevention of something as deadly as cancer. It has phytochemicals as well as antioxidants that help in achieving this goal. Glucosinolates in the vegetable also helps in prevention of cancer. They help in fighting off the carcinogens and also get rid of the toxins in the body especially liver. It inhibits the growth of the cancer cells as well. This keeps away cancer including colon and breast cancer and rectal tumour.
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2. Turnip Benefits in Diabetes:
Studies have proven that dietary fiber helps in improving the immune system and regulating inflammation. Thus helping decrease the risk of inflammation-related conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and obesity.
3. Helps in Digestion:
The fiber in the turnips is a perfect way to regulate the digestive system as well as the bowel movements. The glucosinolates also helps the stomach in processing the bacteria and keeping away the digestive problems at bay.
4. Weight Loss:
The low calories and high fiber in turnips helps in aiding for weight loss. The turnips also help in improving the metabolism and thus keep the weight in check and in shedding the accumulated fat and calories.
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5. Asthma Treatment:
There are some anti-inflammatory properties in turnips that can help in curing asthma. The high levels of antioxidants also help in asthma treatment. It also helps in working some good results on the symptoms of asthma.
6. Keeps Away Body Odour:
Turnips are one of the natural ways to keep away the embarrassing problems of body odour. For the very same purpose, one can drink a glass of fresh turnip juice.
7. Treats Anaemia:
The green of the turnips are highly rich in iron and thus helps in improving the levels of red blood cells and haemoglobin that leads to an effective treatment of the issues like anaemia.
8. Eye Health:
The turnip greens are highly rich in vitamin A content. This helps in improving the vision and keeping it on a good level as well as in preventing issues of macular degeneration and cataracts. This vegetable is perfect for those who want to keep away from age related eye issues.
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9. Balanced Nutrition:
Protein, magnesium, calcium, iron and many such nutrients are present in turnip greens that makes it a perfect food for balanced nutrition that is required by the body every day. This ensures an overall good health and well being of the body.
Possible Side Effects:
Turnips are rich in nitrate and when you consume food with large amount of nitrate, there are chances that it interferes with some medications. Turnips are known for reducing blood pressure. Turnips also interfere with Thyroid hormones if you are already suffering from it as the vegetable’s compounds react with thyroid medicines and interfere with the gland’s work.
Now you know the Turnip health benefits and risks it may cause. If you are taking medication for blood pressure, thyroid or any other hormonal imbalance, just reconsider before buying this vegetable. Turnips are greens that do good when consumed in smaller quantities and just like anything else, these also trigger certain health issues if taken in larger quantities. Apart from this, they are extremely beneficial to health and taste really good! So, the next time you see Turnips, pick them consciously and enjoy their great taste!
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