The turnip by far is the earliest cultivated root vegetable, dating from roughly 2000 BCE. According to the Roman doctor, Galen, turnips have diuretic effects and its seeds have aphrodisiac properties. Pliny also cites opinions that say turnip should be seasoned with rocket to enhance your libido.
The Italian gastronomist, Platina, finds the turnip capable of soothing the throat and chest, and of course promotes the sexual passions.
Health Benefits of Turnips
Turnips contain high levels of antioxidants and phytonutrients associated with reduced risk of cancer. The glucosinolate levels in turnip greens are excellent. Research shows that plant compounds like glucosinolates help the liver process toxins, fight the effects of carcinogens and may even inhibit the growth of tumors. Glucosinolates are sulfur-containing compounds that may help protect against some forms of cancer and provide antifungal, antibacterial and antiparasitic benefits. A study published in the November 2012 issue of the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry" found that, among nine different cruciferous vegetables, turnip sprouts showed the second highest levels of glucosinolates, after white mustard sprouts.
Turnips contain a category of phytonutrients -- substances in plant foods that improve health but are not essential to life -- called indoles. Indoles in turnips may reduce your risk for lung and colorectal cancers, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. A tissue culture study published in the March 2012 issue of the "International Journal of Oncology" found that brassinin, a type of indole compound, killed human colon cancer cells. Researchers noted that their experiment was the first to determine the particular stage of cancer cell growth that the turnip compound affected.
Turnip greens are great sources of two excellent anti-inflammatory agents: vitamin K and omega-3 fatty acids. Vitamin K is a potent regulator of the body's inflammatory response system. Research shows omega-3 fatty acids are essential building blocks of the body's inflammatory system and help reduce the risk of heart disease, arthritis and other disease that may be the result of chronic inflammation.
A cup of turnips provides almost 5 g of fiber -- a significant amount, considering women need 25 grams each day and men need 38 grams daily. Fiber can help you feel full, especially helpful if you are watching your calorie intake. In addition, fiber promotes a healthy digestive tract and low cholesterol.
Turnips are a great source of calcium and potassium, essential minerals for healthy bone growth and helping to prevent bone diseases such as osteoporosis. Additionally they also contain small amounts of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, zinc, manganese and selenium -- trace minerals that would benefit our overall health.
Turnip greens are a rich source of lutein, a carotenoid that promotes eye health and prevents ocular diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts. The same goes with Vitamin A and together with Vitamin C they help maintain healthy skin. Plus Vitamin C improves one’s immune system.
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