26 Amazing Benefits of Turnips
Turnip is an edible root vegetable that belongs to the genus Brassica of the Brassicaceae family and is mainly cultivated in a temperate climate. Depending on the variety of the turnip it can be slightly yellowish or light purple from the outside, but from the inside turnips are mostly white.
Turnips provide several health and beauty benefits as they contain essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, polyphenols, dietary fibers, etc.
Health Benefits of Turnip
Some of the major health benefits of turnips are as follows.
(1) Reduces The Risk Of Various Types Of Cancer(S)
Vitamin C, vitamin E, and other antioxidantal compounds present in the turnips protect our cells and tissues from free radical damage and thus minimize the risk of several cancers like colon cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, abdominal cancer, intestinal cancer, etc.
Free radicals are the unstabilized ions that get stabilized by stealing electrons from the neighboring molecules, and while doing so it causes oxidative damage to them.
“Glucosinolates”, a natural chemical compound present in the asparagus break down into indoles and isothiocyanates, inhibits the growth of tumor cells, and fight against the harmful effect of carcinogens.
(2) Maintains Our Cholesterol Level
Turnips maintain our cholesterol levels and improve our cardiovascular health.
Dietary fibers in the turnip reduce the level of bad LDL cholesterol in our system and thus prevents the clogging of arteries by the accumulation of plaque and fat deposits.
Atherosclerosis is a condition that causes the hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to the accumulation of plaque and fat deposits within the arterial walls. This increases the risk of several cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke, and coronary artery disease.
Vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, and other antioxidantal compounds in the turnips protect the arteries from free radical damage and improve their efficiency. They also play an important role in reducing the level of bad LDL cholesterol.
(3) Provides Relief From Hypertension
Turnip contains potassium, a natural vasodilator that relaxes our blood vessels, improves blood circulation, and thus provides relief from hypertension or high blood pressure.
Hypertension is a common health problem that affects millions of people around the world and is a leading cause of several cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke, irregular heartbeat, coronary artery disease, etc.
Iron, vitamin C and B vitamins in the turnips improve blood circulation and thus regulate blood pressure.
(4) Keeps Our Cardiovascular System Healthy
Turnip is good for our heart health and improves our cardiovascular health.
Vitamin C, vitamin E, and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and beta-carotene in turnip protect our cardiovascular system from free radical damage.
Dietary fibers in this root vegetable lower LDL cholesterol and thus minimizes the risk of atherosclerosis, a leading cause of several cardiovascular problems.
Vasodilating properties of the potassium in turnip relax blood vessels and provide relief from hypertension or high blood pressure, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke, irregular heartbeat, etc.
Vitamin K prevents the buildup of calcium in the arteries, keeps them healthy, and improves cardiovascular health.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, magnesium, vitamin B complex, etc also play a significant role in improving cardiovascular health.
(5) Make Our Bones Stronger
Turnips strengthen our bones and teeth due to the presence of bone-strengthening minerals like calcium, potassium, and vitamin K in it.
Calcium a vital mineral present in the turnip promotes the growth and development of the bones, and deficiency of it can give rise to Osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is a bone disorder in which our bones become fragile, and are at a higher risk of being fractured and damaged.
Eating turnips regularly reduces the risk of osteoporosis, joint damage, and as well as rheumatoid arthritis.
Other nutrients like potassium and magnesium also play a significant role in making our bones stronger.
Potassium in the turnip neutralizes acid load and prevents the loss of calcium from the bones, thus improving bone density.
Vitamin K also improves bone density and thus strengthens our bones and teeth.
(6) Keeps Our Respiratory System Healthy
Turnip improves our respiratory health as they contain essential nutrients in them.
Vitamin C, vitamin A, and other antioxidantal compounds in the turnip protect our respiratory system from free radical damage and improves our respiratory health.
Free radicals are the unstabilized ions that stabilize by stealing electrons from the neighboring molecules, and during the process, it causes oxidative damage to them.
Vitamin C is also an anti-inflammatory compound that protects our respiratory system from pain and inflammation and minimizes the risk of inflammatory respiratory disorders like asthma and bronchial asthma.
It also prevents the inflammation of the lungs and improves our respiratory health.
Antioxidants reduce the risk of lung cancer and fight against the bad effects of smoking.
Other nutrients like vitamin B complex, iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc, etc also play an important role in strengthening respiratory health.
(7) Keeps Our Digestive System Healthy
Turnip is good for our stomach and improves our digestive health.
The laxative properties of the dietary fibers in turnip improve bowel movement, ensure smooth elimination of stool from our system, and thus provides relieves constipation and other digestive problems like abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, gas, bloating, flatulence, etc.
Antioxidants like vitamin C and other relevant compounds in turnip protect our digestive system from free radical damage, and thus minimizes the risk of colon cancer, abdominal cancer, stomach cancer, intestinal cancer, pancreatic cancer, etc.
Glucosinolates present in the turnip aid our stomach to process “Helicobacter-pylori” bacteria and thus minimize the risk of stomach infections and ulcers.
The abundance of water in turnip also improves digestive health as it increases metabolism, and aids with digestion and proper absorption of nutrients.
Other nutrients in the turnip also play a significant role in keeping our digestive system healthy.
(8) Aids In Treating Common Ailments
With a wide range of several vital nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytochemicals, flavonoids, dietary fibers, etc, turnip aids in treating several common ailments like illness, loss of appetite, hemorrhoids, etc.
(9) Promotes Weight Loss
The low calorific value of asparagus helps in combating weight loss.
Eating 100 grams of turnips provide 28 calories of energy which means one can enjoy turnips in moderation without worrying about the excessive calorie load.
Dietary fibers in the turnip provide satiety to the stomach, control urges to eat again and again, and thus control overeating which is a major cause of obesity.
The abundance of water ( above 90 percent) in the turnip also contributes to weight loss as it improves our metabolism, aids with digestion, and proper absorption of nutrients.
(10) Prevents Body Odor
The anti-bacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties of the turnip prevents the growth of bacteria, virus, fungi, etc in sweaty places and thus helps in controlling body odor.
(11) Make Our Immune System Stronger
Consuming turnip strengthens our immune system, the defense mechanism of our body that contributes to the prevention and treatment of various microbial infections and diseases, as well as wounds and injuries.
Vitamin C, vitamin A, and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols protect our immune cells aka white blood cells from free radical damage and thus strengthen our immune system.
A stronger immune system minimizes the risk of the development of a cough, cold, fever, flu, etc.
Vitamin C also enhances the production of white blood cells and further strengthens our immunity.
In addition to this, turnips are also a good source of many nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, flavonoids, etc. that boosts our immune system.
Other nutrients like iron, zinc, vitamin B complex, potassium, and magnesium also play a satisfactory role in strengthening immunity.
(12) Maintains Eye Health
Turnips are good for our eyes, the sensory organs that allow us to enjoy the beauty of this world.
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and other relevant compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc protect our eyes from free radical damage, and thus minimizes the risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataract, glaucoma, etc.
Vitamin C is an anti-inflammatory compound that protects our eyes from the ill effects of inflammation and minimizes the risk of inflammatory glaucoma.
Potassium in the turnip regulates high blood pressure and thus minimizes the risk of glaucoma.
Vitamin A is an essential mineral for our eyes as it improves vision, prevents dryness of the eyes, and minimizes the risk of night blindness.
(13) Provides Antioxidantal Benefits
Turnips are loaded with numerous antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, beta-carotene, and as well as other relevant compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, flavonoids, etc that provide numerous antioxidantal benefits.
Antioxidants and antioxidantal compounds protect our cells and tissues from free radical damage and thus minimize the risk of several cancers like colon cancer, abdominal cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer, intestinal cancer, etc.
It also helps in the elimination of toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances from our bodies.
Protecting our liver and kidneys from free radical damage further strengthens our detoxification abilities.
It strengthens our immune system as it protects our white blood cells from free radical damage.
The inflammatory properties of vitamin C provide relief from pain and inflammation caused by inflammatory diseases like arthritis, rheumatism, gouts, rheumatoid, asthma, bronchial asthma, etc.
Antioxidants also provide several other benefits like improved cardiovascular health, improved respiratory health, improved renal health, reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases, etc.
(14) Reduces The Risk Of Anemia
Turnip contains iron that helps in the prevention and treatment of iron-induced anemia.
Iron-induced anemia is a blood disorder caused by the lack of iron in our body and gives rise to symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, tiredness, shortness of breath, etc.
Iron in the turnip enhances the production of red blood cells that carry oxygenated blood to cells and tissues of the body, provides nourishment to them, and allows them to work at an optimal level.
Potassium in the turnip relaxes our blood vessels, improves blood circulation, and ensures that oxygenated blood reaches every cell.
This minimizes the risk of anemia.
Vitamin C in the turnip increases the absorption of iron by our body, and further helps in combating anemia.
(15) Good For Detoxification
The dietary fibers present in the turnip are a natural detoxifier that eliminates toxins, pollutants, impurities, and other unwanted substances from our body, and prevents these toxins from causing havoc to our health.
Antioxidants like vitamin C also play an efficient role in the detoxification process.
Additionally, turnip also contains a high amount of water ( around 90 percent) that helps with detoxification.
By helping with detoxification, dietary fibers minimize the burden of detoxification from our vital organs like the liver and kidneys to some extent and allow them to function at an optimal level.
Sulfur compounds called glucosinolates in the turnip also help with detoxification.
Potential Side effects
Turnips are generally considered to be a safe and healthy food, but there are some potential side effects associated with them. Eating too much turnip can cause gas, bloating, and abdominal discomfort. Eating large amounts of turnips can also lead to excessive flatulence. Eating raw turnips can cause an upset stomach or indigestion. Eating turnips that are not thoroughly cooked can cause food poisoning, as the vegetable may contain harmful bacteria.
Beauty Benefits Of Turnip For Skin
Following are the major beauty benefits of turnip for skin
(1) Brightens Your Skin
Turnip helps in bringing out the natural glow of the skin because of its rich nutritious profile.
Vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols protect our skin cells from free radical damage and thus help in keeping various signs of premature aging like fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, dark spots, and skin blemishes at bay.
Antioxidantal compounds and dietary fibers in the turnip eliminate toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances from our body including the skin pores.
This improves our skin health and makes it soft, supple, and radiant.
As it keeps signs of premature aging at bay, it helps bring out the natural glow of the skin and thus improves skin radiance.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, selenium, etc also contribute to this.
(2) Helps In Treating Torn Feet
Topical application of the turnip helps in the treatment of torn feet.
For this, boil 12 turnips along with their leaves in a water-filled container/utensil. After boiling, let the water come to a bearable temperature and soak your feet in the water for 10-15 minutes, and then rub some turnips on the torn skin of the feet.
Applying regularly for the 3 days will heal the torn feet, and make your feet soft and wrinkle-free.
(3) Keeps Premature Ageing At Bay
Vitamin C, vitamin A, and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in the turnip protect our skin cells and tissues from free radical damage and keeps various signs of premature aging like fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, dark spots, and skin blemishes, etc at bay.
Vitamin C also enhances the production of collagen, an amino acid that maintains skin elasticity and is mainly found in the connective tissues like bones, tendons, joints, cartilage, etc.
It improves skin elasticity and prevents wrinkles and saggy skin.
(4) Provides Proper Nourishment To Our Skin
Turnip provides nourishment to our skin as it contains vital nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, etc.
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and other compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc protect our skin cells from free radical damage and keep premature aging at bay.
Free radicals are the unstabilized ions that stabilize by stealing electrons from the neighboring molecules and while doing so it causes oxidative damage to them.
Dietary fibers in turnip eliminate toxins and other impurities from our skin pores and further improves our skin health.
Other nutrients like iron, zinc, selenium, potassium and B vitamins in the turnip provide nourishment to our skin and improves our skin health.
(5) Aids In Treating Acne
Acne is a common skin problem that affects millions of people around the world and is mainly caused by the clogging of our skin pores by the accumulation of toxins, pollutants, impurities, and other unwanted substances.
The detoxifying properties of the dietary fibers in turnip eliminate toxins, pollutants, impurities, and other unwanted substances from our body at the cellular level.
When there are fewer toxins in our system, they are less likely to accumulate in our skin pores, and this minimizes the risk of skin problems like acne and pimples.
Antioxidants like vitamin C also contribute to detoxification.
Dietary fibers also control the secretion of excess oil from skin glands and prevent the skin problems like acne and eczema from worsening.
(6) Helps In Skin Detoxification
Turnip is a wonderful skin detoxifier that eliminates toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances from our skin pores, and thus minimizes the risk of skin problems like acne, pimples, and eczema.
It prevents the accumulation of toxins and other unwanted substances in our skin pores and minimizes the risk of skin problems.
By helping with detoxification, it improves our skin health.
Antioxidants like vitamin C and other relevant compounds in turnip also provide detoxification benefits.
(7) Provides Moisturization To Our Skin
The abundance of water (around 90 percent) in the turnip provides moisturization to our skin, improves skin health, and minimizes the risk of skin dryness. It makes our skin soft, supple, and healthy.
Other nutrients like vitamin E, iron, selenium, and vitamin B complex also improve skin health.
Beauty Benefits Of Turnip For Hair
Turnip provides several beauty benefits for our hair follicles and scalp. These are as follows
(1) Promotes Hair Growth
Turnips improve our scalp health and promote the growth of new hair follicles due to the presence of vital nutrients in them.
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols protect our hair follicles and scalp from free radical damage, and prevent premature greying of hair, hair fall, dryness of hair and split ends, etc.
In the turnip, iron, and potassium improve blood circulation in the scalp and provide nourishment to our hair follicles and scalp.
Other nutrients like vitamin B complex, zinc, selenium, folic acid, etc also contribute to scalp health.
This improves our scalp health, and a healthy scalp promotes the growth of new hair follicles and also nourishes the existing hair.
(2) Helps In Treating Scalp Acne
Acne is a common skin problem that affects millions of people around the world and is primarily caused by the accumulation of toxins and other unwanted substances in our skin pores. When they break out on the scalp, they are known as scalp acne.
Dietary fibers in the turnip eliminate toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances from our system.
When there are fewer toxins, they are less likely to accumulate in the skin pores and scalp pores thus minimizing the risk of acne and scalp acne.
Dietary fibers control the secretion of excess oil from the scalp and prevent scalp acne from worsening.
Turnip contains essential nutrients that improve scalp health and further minimize the risk of scalp problems.
(3) Make Our Hair Strong And Lustrous
Nutrients in the turnip provide nourishment to our hair and make them strong and lustrous.
Vitamin C, vitamin E, and other antioxidantal compounds in turnip protect our hair follicles and scalp from free radical damage and minimizes premature greying of hair, hair fall, dry hair, split ends, etc.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, selenium, and vitamin B complex provide nourishment to the hair and make them strong and lustrous.
(4) Reduces The Risk Of Hairfall
Nutrients in the turnip strengthen our hair follicles and minimize the risk of hair fall.
Antioxidants and relevant compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols in turnip protect our hair follicles and scalp from free radical damage and reduces the risk of premature greying of hair, hair fall, dryness of hair, etc.
Turnip improves our scalp health and provides nourishment to the hair follicles, strengthens them, and minimizes hair fall risk.
Disclaimer
The information contained in the post is for general purposes only and shouldn’t be considered medical advice or as an alternative to medical advice. Although I’ve tried my best to keep the information in this post as accurate and updated as possible, I make no guarantee of the same accuracy.
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