Health Benefits Of Turnip
October 5, 2009
Turnip is a nutritious vegetable. Both the root and the green leaves, known as the turnip greens, are consumed. Turnip is a powerhouse of essential nutrients. Although, turnip contains starch, nonetheless, it is a low calorie vegetable.
Nutritional value of turnip greens
Turnip root is a rich source of vitamin C. It also contains folic acid, riboflavin, vitamin B6, vitamin E, copper, manganese, potassium and dietary fibers. Compared to the root, the turnip greens are more nutritious. They are an excellent source of vitamins A, folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium and lutein. Consumption of turnip and turnip greens is beneficial for your overall health.
Cures respiratory illness
Vitamin C is one of the major components found in turnips. This vegetable could help to boost your immunity. Vitamin C could prevent infections. Adequate amount of vitamin C in the diet could prevent coughs, colds and other respiratory tract infections. Consumption of turnip is especially beneficial for people suffering from asthma. It could reduce wheezing in asthma patients.
Turnip greens are particularly effective in promoting lung function. Lung damage caused by exposure to tobacco smoke could be reduced by consumption of vitamin A rich foods, turnip greens being one of them. Moreover, smoking can also trigger vitamin A deficiency. Therefore, turnip green could be liberally consumed by smokers and those exposed to second hand smoking.
Antioxidant
Vitamin C and flavonoids present in turnip root and the turnip greens are powerful antioxidants. These antioxidant nutrients could prevent oxidation of free radicals circulating inside the body. Moreover, vitamin C is also needed to facilitate absorption of vitamin E, another powerful antioxidant.
Prevents cancer
The nutrients present in turnip and turnip greens could prevent cancers. Leafy green vegetables are found to be effective in reducing the risk of lung, stomach, pancreas, bladder and colon cancers. Turnip greens can help in colon cleansing. Colon tumors could be treated by intake of vitamins A, C and E, found abundantly in turnip and turnip greens.
Reduces arthritis pain
Beta-carotene, vitamins C and E, and calcium present in turnip and turnip greens are beneficial for people suffering from arthritis. Connective tissues of the joint damaged by rheumatoid arthritis could be cured by intake of copper, which is also present in turnip greens.
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