Turnips
Turnips (Brassica rapa) are round red, white, or purple root vegetables with green leafy tops that are also edible.
Health benefits of Turnips
- Increased Protection from Bacterial and Viral Infections
- Increased Immune Function
- Reduced Cancer Risk
- Reduced Risk of Colon Cancer
- Protection Against Heart Disease
- Regulation of Blood Sugar and Insulin Dependence
- Slowing the progression of AIDS
- Slowing Aging
- DNA Repair and Protection
- Protection Against Dementia
- Alleviation of Cardiovascular Disease
- Alleviation of Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Promoted Eye Health
- Alzheimer's Protection
- Osteoporosis Protection
- Stroke Prevention
- Reduced Risk of Type II Diabetes
- Reduced Frequency of Migraine Headaches
- Alleviation of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Antioxidant Protection
- Prevention of Epileptic Seizures
- Alleviation of the Common Cold
- Prevention of Alopecia (Spot Baldness)
- Alleviation of Inflammation
Some of these health benefits come from nutrients concentrated in this food, and may not be effects of the food itself.
How to choose Turnips
Look for vibrantly colored turnips with no signs of wilting or becoming soft. If the greens are attached, try make sure they are as crisp as possible and don't look wilted.
Climate and origin
It is not known where the turnip originated, however, records of its first cultivation are found in Greece and Europe and therefore it is assumed the turnip originated somewhere in Europe or Asia. A hardly plant that likes cold temperatures turnips will grow in cold temperate to subtropical climates. (Zones 3-9 in the U.S.)
Taste
Turnips have a bland but slightly pungent taste and a very crisp texture. The greens are often eaten cooked and have a sharp taste.
Similar tasting produce
Nutrition facts
| Nutrition Facts | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Serving Size | |||
| 100 grams (100g) | |||
| Calories | 28 | ||
| % Daily Value * | |||
| Total Fat 0.1g | 0% | ||
| Saturated Fat 0.01g | 0% | ||
| Trans Fat 0g | |||
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% | ||
| Sodium 67mg | 3% | ||
| Total Carbohydrate 6.4g | 2% | ||
| Dietary Fiber 1.8g | 6% | ||
| Total Sugars 3.8g | 8% | ||
| Includes --g Added Sugars | --% | ||
| Protein 0.9g | 2% | ||
| Vitamin C 21mg | 23% | ||
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% | ||
| Iron 0.3mg | 2% | ||
| Calcium 30mg | 2% | ||
| Potassium 191mg | 4% | ||
| Phosphorus 27mg | 2% | ||
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |||