Useful Properties Of Turnips

Turnip is a root vegetable, a member of the cruciferous family, which includes bok choy, Brussels sprouts and kale. They are one of the most important vegetable crops in the world and are used to feed both humans and cattle.

The most common types of turnips are purple, red or greenish on the outside bulb with a white inside, also called a root that grows above the ground and has smooth skin without scars or lateral roots. Turnip roots and leaves are safe to eat.

Nutritional value of turnips and turnip leaves

The chemical composition of turnips includes vitamins, carbohydrates, trace elements, as well as the rare element glucoraphanin, a precursor of sulforane, which has strong anti-cancer and antidiabetic properties. Glucoraphanin is found in virtually all types of cabbage, but in biologically significant amounts only in turnips and "her" broccoli, cauliflower and alabaster.

Like other cruciferous vegetables, turnips are low in calories but rich in many vitamins and minerals. One cup (130 grams) of raw radish contains:

• 36 calories
• 8 grams of carbohydrates
• 2 grams of fiber
• 1 gram of protein
• Vitamin C - 30% of the daily requirement (DP) *
• Folate - 5% of DP *
• Phosphorus - 3% of DP *
• Calcium - 3% of DP *

The leaves contain even greater amounts of nutrients. One cup (55 grams) of radish leaves contains:

• 18 calories
• 4 grams of carbohydrates
• 2 grams of fiber
• Vitamin K - 115% of DP *
• Vitamin C - 37% of DP *
• Provitamin A - 35% of DP *
• Folate - 27% of DP *
• Calcium - 8% of DP *

In terms of vitamin C, turnips are almost twice as good as oranges, lemons and cabbage. In fact, turnips are considered the champion in ascorbic acid content. In addition, it contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B5, PP, carotene, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, sodium, sulfur, a small amount of manganese and iodine.

Root leaves are a rich source of fat-soluble vitamins K and A, which the body can absorb better when consumed with fat. Vitamin K plays an important role as a clotting agent, which means it helps prevent excessive bleeding. Vitamin A is vital for the health of the eyes, skin and lungs. The leaves also contain large amounts of folate, which supports the production of red blood cells and helps prevent abnormalities in the development of the fetus in the womb.

In terms of phosphorus, this vegetable precedes radishes. Turnips include in their composition all the necessary mineral salts for the human body, which give it healing properties. Sulfur salts, for example, purify and decontaminate the blood, breaking down stones in the kidneys and bladder. It has a beneficial effect on infections, skin diseases and bronchitis.

Turnips contain magnesium, so it is a prophylactic against cancer. Magnesium helps bone tissue to accumulate calcium, which is very important for the development and strengthening of the skeleton, especially for children and adolescents, also for the elderly, as their bones begin to weaken and are at risk of developing osteoporosis.

Useful properties of turnips

Turnips are very useful for the body. Due to its healing properties, it is used in folk medicine for the prevention and treatment of many diseases. Purifies and heals the stomach and intestines, has antiseptic and diuretic action. Turnip foods are recommended for diabetes and obesity. It is a low-calorie product and is very suitable for weight loss. It is also recommended for diabetes, liver and gallbladder diseases. Helps to normalize metabolism and stimulates the activity of the gastrointestinal tract.

Fresh radish juice is used as an expectorant and diuretic. It is well preserved, so it is used for the prevention of hypo- and avitaminosis, as well as as a treatment for hyperacid gastritis, spastic colitis (constipation).

Turnips contain several useful plant compounds that have the ability to fight cancer. In addition to its high content of vitamin C, which can help prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells, turnips are rich in glucosinolates. These are a group of bioactive plant compounds that provide antioxidant activity. Numerous studies have linked higher glucosinolate intake to a reduced risk of developing various types of cancer, including lung, colon and rectal cancer.

Turnips also contain a high amount of flavonoids, mainly anthocyanins - another type of antioxidant with proven anti-cancer effects. Anthocyanins are present in blue and purple fruits and vegetables, such as turnips. Their consumption is associated with lower levels of chronic and degenerative diseases.

Controlling blood sugar levels is crucial for health, especially for people who have diabetes. There are studies on the effects of radish and its extract on diabetes in animals. Antidiabetic properties have been identified that have not yet been studied and proven in humans.

Inflammation is associated with many chronic diseases, such as arthritis, cancer and high blood pressure. The glucosinolates in turnips are broken down into indoles and isothiocyanates, both of which are bioactive by-products with anti-inflammatory properties. One specific type of indole in radish is arvelexin, which is thought to block inflammatory compounds, such as nitric oxide (a type of free radical involved in the inflammatory process).

The glucosinolates in turnips also break down into isothiocyanates, a group of compounds capable of inhibiting the growth of microbes and bacteria. Studies have found that isothiocyanates fight common disease-causing bacteria, such as E. coli and S. aureus.

Turnip is a low-calorie vegetable that does not contain starch and has a low glycemic index. Consumption has a minimal effect on blood sugar levels and helps maintain a healthy weight.

It can promote bone health due to the vitamin K and glucosinolates contained in turnips.

Vegetable anticyanins and sulfur compounds, such as glucosinolates, have been shown to have protective effects on the liver.

How to add turnips to the diet?

Turnips can be eaten both cooked and raw, and the leaves are added to salads. Boiled turnips can be added to mashed potatoes or cut into thin slices and baked on crispy chips. A mix of diced turnips, potatoes and carrots can be baked or grilled and served as a side dish to a main course. Saute turnips and leaves for a healthy serving of vegetables. Vegetables are very easy to prepare, and adding them to some of your favorite dishes will increase their nutritional value.

Contraindications for vendace

People with thyroid disorders should avoid eating turnips, as it contains compounds that can affect the gland and interfere with the work of hormones. When taking nitrate drugs, you should limit the consumption of turnips, as it also contains high amounts of nitrates.