Turnip leaves are from the cruciferous family, which includes kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, common cabbage. These vegetables are rich in nutrients and at the same time have few calories . Turnip root is also edible and provides a number of health benefits.
Turnip leaves rank among the best foods in terms of nutritional density index, which "measures" the content of vitamins , minerals and phytonutrients in relation to the calories in the product.
The amount of one cup of boiled radish leaves contains 29 calories, 2 g of protein, 0 g of fat, 6 g of carbohydrates, 5 g of fiber and 1 g of sugar. The same amount of vegetables provides 660% of the body's daily need for vitamin K , 220% of vitamin A, 66% of vitamin C , 42% of folic acid, 20% of the required calcium, 14% of vitamin E and 6% of the required for the day iron.
Along with other leafy vegetables, turnip leaves contain very high levels of nitrates - more than 250 mg / 100 g. The intake of high amounts of dietary nitrates is associated with lowering blood pressure levels , reducing the amount of oxygen needed during exercise, and improving of sports achievements.
A number of studies suggest that the consumption of large amounts of plant products such as radish leaves reduces the risk of obesity , diabetes , cardiovascular disease.