Why turnips are useful for the human body: composition, calorie content of raw, boiled, stewed

Turnip is an annual or biennial herb that belongs to the Cabbage family. Unfortunately, among the modern variety of exotics on store shelves, turnips, the benefits and harms of which were known even among the ancient Slavs, are undeservedly forgotten. Therefore, it is especially important to remember why a vegetable is so valuable for human health.

What a turnip looks like

Turnips are easy to distinguish from other vegetables thanks to smooth, round, slightly flattened root vegetables, such as in the photo. Their size and color vary depending on the variety. On average, the length of a vegetable can reach from 10 to 20 cm and weight - up to 10 kg. In the garden, the vegetable stands out for its serrated dark green leaves and racemose inflorescences, each of which has 15 to 25 bright golden flowers.

Turnip: is it a vegetable or fruit

Although turnips are often used as an ingredient in desserts, they are without a doubt a vegetable. In addition to sweet dishes, from ancient times, second courses and soups were made from this root vegetable, kvass was made from it, pies, meat and poultry were stuffed with it. Today, many recipes have been forgotten, but interest in turnips as a tasty and healthy vegetable has not yet been lost.

What does turnip taste like?

The taste of turnips is quite interesting and slightly changes depending on the processing methods: a raw vegetable is very similar to a radish, only without its characteristic bitterness. Steamed and steamed root vegetables are sweeter and more like carrots.

Nutritional value and chemical composition of turnips

In addition to its cheerful appearance and interesting taste, turnip is known for its beneficial properties for the human body. Since ancient times, the Slavic peoples have used a valuable vegetable for the prevention and treatment of various ailments. This popularity of the root crop is explained by its rich chemical composition.

What vitamins are contained in turnips

Turnip serves as a source of many useful vitamins and minerals necessary for humans. In raw vegetables, vitamin C is present in large quantities - its share is twice that in other root crops. Turnips, especially yellow ones, have an abundance of vitamin A, which is responsible for visual acuity and orientation in the dark. In addition, it contains vitamins of group B, vitamins PP and E, easily digestible polysaccharides and sterol, which contributes to the elasticity of joints. In addition, the root vegetable contains the unique substance glucoraphanin, which has properties to resist malignant cancerous tumors.

The minerals in turnips are also abundant. It contains copper, iron, manganese, zinc, iodine, sodium. This healthy vegetable is especially rich in calcium, potassium and phosphorus.

How many carbohydrates are in turnips

Turnip can be considered a dietary product without exaggeration due to the fact that it is 90% water. There are practically no fats in it, and carbohydrates make up the bulk of the dry matter. Moreover, the indicators of carbohydrates vary very insignificantly with different types of processing.

How many calories are in turnips

The calorie content of 100 g of turnips, cooked in various ways, is also not very different:

• raw vegetable has the lowest energy values ​​- 26 kcal;
• fried and steamed root vegetables have 29 kcal;
• boiled turnips have the highest calorie content - 33 kcal.

Such a low energy value, along with beneficial properties, make turnips an indispensable vegetable in the diet of those who seek to maintain harmony and control their weight.

Useful properties of yellow, white, black turnips

There are quite a few varieties of turnip, but only some of its varieties are popular. So, there are three main types of this root crop, each of which has its own characteristics:

• yellow;
• white;
• the black.

• Yellow turnip is high in vitamin A, which is widely recognized for its vision-enhancing properties. In addition, it has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin and strengthens the immune system. The rigid structure of the vegetable activates the work of the intestinal microflora, which, in turn, prevents the occurrence of problems with the gastrointestinal tract;
  
• White a kind of root vegetable is characterized by a more delicate texture. Root vegetables contain a lot of fiber, which is why they are recommended for people with stool disorders, in particular, with diarrhea. It also contains a large amount of antioxidants that bind free radicals in tissue cells, thus preventing premature aging of the body;
  
• The black a vegetable is considered the most useful due to a variety of trace elements in its composition, which is why its properties are often used for medical purposes. It has proven itself especially well in hypovitaminosis and is indicated for people with weak immunity.
  

Why is turnip useful for the human body?

The useful properties of turnip are very diverse and have a positive effect on almost all systems of human life.

The abundance of magnesium in the root vegetable supports the optimal functioning of the cardiovascular system and prevents the occurrence of heart attacks and strokes. It also helps the absorption of calcium, indirectly affecting the strengthening of musculoskeletal tissue, which is especially important for children and the elderly.

Phosphorus, which is also very much in a vegetable, is no less useful for a growing child's body. It, like magnesium, promotes the absorption of calcium, and is also responsible for the stability of the nervous system and its ability to withstand external stimuli and stress.

The cellulose contained in the root vegetable has laxative properties that help cleanse the body and prevent stagnation of nutrient compounds.

In addition, the active substances in turnips have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, as a result of which regular consumption of this useful vegetable can restore the gastrointestinal microflora. They also regulate bile production by preventing gallstones from forming.

Why turnips are useful for men

The healing properties of turnips have been proven to be beneficial in maintaining the health of men. Sulfur, which is present in the vegetable, participates in the purification of the blood and prevents disturbances in the functioning of the genitourinary system, in particular, the appearance of kidney stones and problems with urination.Zinc, in combination with magnesium, increases the production of testosterone, the amount of which affects sexual desire and the body's ability to produce sperm. In addition, turnips contain B vitamins, the health benefits of which are in regulating hormonal levels and reducing the psycho-emotional harm that men face every day.

Why is turnip useful for a woman's body

Turnip also has considerable benefit for the woman's body. It contains vitamins A and E, which are essential for the health and beauty of hair, teeth and nails. The low calorie content of the vegetable promotes weight loss, and fiber, which has an absorbing property, safely removes toxins, toxins and excess fluid from the body. The root vegetable also improves skin condition and is recommended for acne, eczema and acne. In addition, choline and phosphorus in turnips make it easier to cope with nervous tension and soften emotional swings, which is especially important during menopause and during the postnatal period.

Is it possible to turnip during pregnancy and with hepatitis B

During pregnancy, you can eat turnips without any harm, since this valuable vegetable can benefit not only the health of the woman, but also the health of the unborn child. So, a useful root vegetable will alleviate the symptoms of toxicosis, stabilize the hormonal background and the nervous system, and also prevent the development of anemia in the mother. At the same time, it will contribute to the healthy growth of the fetus, strengthen its blood vessels and immunity.

As for lactating women, turnips are also very useful for them, however, some varieties can give milk a bitter taste, which can cause the baby to refuse food. This should be taken into account when adding a vegetable to the daily menu.

At what age can a child be given a turnip

Thanks to its beneficial properties, turnip becomes an ideal product for children switching to solid foods. Nutritionists recommend introducing the vegetable into the child's diet at 6-7 months of life in the form of soft puree. For the first test, it must be given at the tip of a teaspoon, and then wait 24 hours to reveal the absence of allergic reactions. The product itself is not allergenic, however, in rare cases, children may experience an individual intolerance to this vegetable. If there are no suspicious symptoms, such as reddening of the skin or loose stools, you can gradually increase the proportion of root vegetables in the children's menu.

The benefits of turnip for weight loss

When losing weight, the beneficial properties of turnips also manifest themselves in the best possible way. Despite its low calorie content, this vegetable is very satisfying and relieves hunger for a long time, which helps to avoid unplanned snacks. In addition, it regulates the water balance in tissues and relieves puffiness, and its mild laxative properties allow you to cleanse the body and normalize digestion. Daily use of this root vegetable will have a positive effect on well-being and figure already in 3 - 4 months after its introduction into the diet, especially if you replace potatoes with them. Unlike the latter, turnip contains much less carbohydrates, the excess of which is responsible for the appearance of fatty deposits on the body.

Is it possible for a turnip with diabetes

Despite the abundance of useful properties, use of turnips with diabetes should be done with caution, since the use of this vegetable for food by people with a similar disease has some nuances.

Depending on the type of processing, the glycemic index of the root crop varies greatly. So, fried and steamed turnips have a GI of 70 to 80 units. The product prepared in this way is contraindicated for type 1 and type 2 diabetics.

At the same time, the GI of an uncooked vegetable is an acceptable 15 units. It is quite possible to eat turnips in their raw form without fear of sharp surges in blood glucose.However, even in this case, it is recommended to consult a specialist before using the product.

What kind of turnip is more useful

Turnip does not lose its valuable qualities, no matter how it was cooked. Therefore, to say unequivocally in what form this vegetable becomes the most useful. Much depends on the preferences of the eater, however, certain types of heat treatment still enhance some of the properties of the root crop, which should be taken into account when starting cooking.

Is it okay to eat raw turnips

As mentioned, turnips can be consumed in almost any form. Raw root vegetables are no less tasty than cooked ones, and some useful properties are inherent only in fresh vegetables. So, it has expectorant properties. This makes unprocessed turnips, in particular juice from them, an effective remedy for colds. In addition, it contains folic acid, which is essential for the normal formation of the fetal nervous system during pregnancy.

A large number of useful vitamins allows you to prepare incredibly varied salads from raw root vegetables. This vegetable goes especially well with carrots and cabbage:

1. For the salad, take 250 g of turnips and young cabbage, 150 g of carrots, ½ bunch of parsley and dill, 50 g of sunflower oil and granular mustard.
2. The cabbage is finely chopped, and the carrots and turnips are grated on a not very fine grater.
3. The greens are finely chopped, and then combined with vegetables.
4. Then season the salad with oil and add mustard. Salt to taste before serving.

A healthy vegetable can be supplemented with apples. Such a simple combination will make up for the lack of nutrients in the winter:

1. 4 small roots are peeled and chopped on a coarse grater.
2. Apples in the amount of 4 pcs. peel and core and cut into thin strips. To prevent them from darkening, you can brush them with fruit vinegar or lemon juice.
3. Mix the ingredients, add salt and sugar to taste.
4. Before serving, pour the prepared salad with 1 tbsp. low-fat sour cream.

The benefits and harms of steamed turnip

Although steamed turnip is not good for diabetics due to its high glycemic index, for the rest of the people this product will not do any harm to health. On the contrary, it will help cleanse the blood vessels, which will increase the supply of blood to all tissues of the body and the brain, and, consequently, improve memory. The steamed vegetable's mild sedative properties help fight sleep disorders.

Steamed root vegetable was considered the simplest of all possible dishes: it was not for nothing that this property was fixed in the proverb. It's really easy to cook it:

1. Peeled and washed turnips are cut into thin circles.
2. Put the vegetable in a clay stew pot, add salt and a few tablespoons of water. There should be not very much liquid, 3 - 5 tbsp. l.
3. The pot is placed on a baking sheet and placed in an oven heated to 160 - 180 ° C.
4. The finished dish is laid out from the dishes, oil is added. Optionally, you can diversify the dish with sour cream, garlic, herbs or mustard.

Lovers of sweet dishes will appreciate the steamed vegetable with raisins and spices:

1. For the preparation of dessert, prepare 250 g of turnips and apples, 1.5 tbsp each. raisins and 10% cream, 50 g butter, 2 tsp. grated lemon zest, any spices for sweet dishes on the tip of a knife.
2. The raisins and vegetables are thoroughly washed. The apples are peeled from seeds and core, cut into cubes.
3. The root vegetable is cut into small cubes and placed in a thick-walled dish.
4. Combine the vegetable with apples, zest, raisins and spices.
5. Pour in water, add vegetable oil and cover with a lid.
6. The dishes are placed on the stove or in the oven, brought to a boil.
7. Then remove the fire and simmer the dessert for another 40 - 60 minutes. Readiness is checked with a fork.

Is boiled turnip good for you?

Boiled turnip can also bring a lot of benefits to the human body. Its active substances prevent hair loss, fight against the appearance of gray hair, and its antiseptic properties can reduce toothache and eliminate inflammation of the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines. In addition, the hot pulp of a vegetable, ground to a puree state, can be used externally as a remedy for gout, abrasions, and skin diseases.

Is it possible to eat turnip leaves

The leaves of this vegetable also have beneficial properties. In the Slavic lands, they were no less popular product than the root crop itself, thanks to its spicy taste, which is fully revealed in combination with meat and fish dishes. Turnip greens are a rich source of polyunsaturated acids and healthy fiber, which in young leaves are close to 75% of the daily value. Therefore, the green parts of the vegetable will be an excellent vitamin supplement to salads, soups, sauces and main courses.

Limitations and contraindications

Although the benefits of turnips are undeniable, like most products, they have certain contraindications, non-observance of which can cause significant harm to the body. It is not recommended to eat this root vegetable for groups of people suffering from:

• individual intolerance to the product;
• diseases of the central nervous system;
• chronic and acute cholecystitis;
• ulcers of the stomach and intestines;
• gastritis;
• enterocolitis;
• hepatitis.

Conclusion

Turnip, whose health benefits and harms are described in this article, is a unique vegetable whose properties deserve much more recognition. The value of this root vegetable remains, no matter how you cook it, and if you replace potatoes with them 5-6 times a month, you can significantly improve your menu and improve your own well-being.

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