Vegetable - Turnip - Health Benefits

Turnip

1. Anti-oxidant :Turnip tops very dense in nutrition profile of vitamins and minerals. benefiting anti-oxidant properties.
2. Prevent retinal detachment :Zea-xanthin, an important dietary carotenoid, is selectively absorbed into the retinal macula lutea in the eyes where it is thought to provide antioxidant and protective light-filtering functions. Thus, it helps prevent retinal detachment and offer protection against "age-related macular degeneration related macular degeneration disease" (ARMD) in the elderly.
3. Cancer Prevention :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.
4. Glucose Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Benefits :Turnip sprouts provide high levels of glucosinolates, sulfur-containing compounds that may help protect against some forms of cancer and provide anti-fungal, antibacterial and anti-parasitic benefits.
5. Healthy mucus membranes :The top greens are one of the highest vitamin A sources in the plant kingdom. 100 g leaves provide 11587 IU or 386% of RDA. Vitamin A is required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin and is essential for vision. Foods rich in this vitamin are known to offer protection against lung and oral cavity cancers.
6. Oxygen-free radicals :100 g of fresh leaves contain 60 mg or 100% of daily-recommended levels of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a moderately powerful water-soluble antioxidant, which helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful oxygen-free radicals.
7. Metabolism :This leafy vegetable is notably good in many B-complex groups of vitamins such as riboflavin, folate (48% of RDA/100g), niacin, vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), thiamin, pantothenic acid, etc., that are essential to the body as part of co-enzymes during the metabolism in the body.
8. Alzheimer's disease :Again, they are among the top vegetable sources for vitamin-K; 100 g provides 251 ug of this vitamin that is about 209% of recommended intake. Vitamin K has potential role bone health by promoting osteotrophic (bone formation and strengthening) activity. Adequate vitamin-K levels in the diet help limiting neuronal damage in the brain; thus, has established role in the treatment of patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease.
9. Red blood cell formation :Its leaves are also rich source of minerals like magnesium, copper, calcium, sodium, potassium, iron, manganese, and phosphorus. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure by countering effects of sodium. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, super oxide dismutase. Iron is required for cellular oxidation and red blood cell formation.
10. Cardiovascular diseases :Turnip greens are finest sources of essential vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants that can offer protection from vitamin A deficiency, osteoporosis, iron-deficiency anaemia, and believed to protect from cardiovascular diseases and possibly from colon cancers.
11. Safety :Turnips and top greens are generally very safe, including in pregnant women.
12. Prevent constipation :Useful source of fibre, including soluble dietary fibres that help control blood cholesterol levels and helps prevent constipation.
13. Treatment of Torn Feet :External use of turnip helps in the treatment of torn feet. For this purpose, you can take about 12 turnips along with their leaves and boil them in water. Before going to bed, soak your feet in this boiled water along with turnips for 10 minutes and also rub some turnips on the torn skin of your feet. Doing this regularly for 3 days will make your feet soft and repair your skin. Turnip leaves will help to eliminate wrinkles on the feet.
14. Brightens Your Skin :Frequent intake of turnips keeps your skin bright and smooth. The high content of vitamins A and C helps in maintaining healthy and radiant skin.
15. Prevents Body Odour :Body odour is a common problem, particularly in the summer months. Turnip juice is quite beneficial in getting rid of body odour. Drinking turnip juice is generally good for health and also helps to avoid body odour.
16. Cures Asthma :The anti-inflammatory properties of turnips can be attributed to their high content of vitamin C which is a powerful antioxidant. These properties are effective in curing asthma and curbing the symptoms of asthma. Studies have proved that giving turnips to asthmatic patients can lessen wheezing.
17. Strengthens the Immune System :Turnip root plays an important role in the proper functioning of the body’s immune system. The beta-carotene content in turnips helps the body in producing healthy membranes.
18. Eye 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.
19. Bone Health :Turnips are an important source of calcium and potassium which are vital for healthy bone growth and maintenance. Regular consumption of turnip inhibits joint damage, risk of osteoporosis and the incidence of Rheumatoid Arthritis. It is also an excellent source of calcium, a mineral that supports the body’s production of connective tissues.
20. Lung Health :The carcinogens present in cigarette smoke cause vitamin A deficiency, resulting in lung inflammation, emphysema and other lung problems. The vitamin A contained in turnip greens helps in maintaining healthy lungs by counteracting this defect.
21. Aids in Digestion :The high fibre content in turnip greens supports the body’s digestive system. Research has proved that glucosinolates may also help the stomach process bacteria like Helicobacter pylori.
22. Prevents Atherosclerosis :Too many free radicals in the body cause oxidation of bad cholesterol and clumping of platelets in our body, thus leading to atherosclerosis, a condition that damages the blood vessels. Vitamins E, C and beta carotene in turnip roots and greens are excellent antioxidants that fight free radicals in the body. Thus, regular consumption of turnips prevents the development and progression of this condition.

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