Have you been following a Paleo diet lately? If yes, you would surely want to know what all comes under the diet. How about the root vegetable Turnip? Long answer short. Yes, Turnips are Paleo.
Coming from the family of Brassica, Turnip is a highly nutritious vegetable. Much like its fellow family-mate—cabbage, Turnips are tasty root vegetables. It grows in a moderately temperate climate and is a superlative carbohydrate source, making it perfect for paleo dieters.
Why Are Turnips Paleo?
The vegetable is known to have originated around 2000 BC in Asia. Although now it is common in Europe as well.
Turnip has a bulbous root and green leaves (known as Turnip Greens). However, its root is the main component of the vegetable. Both—the roots and the leaves are rich in nutrients and are known for their low-fat density. This makes them ideal for adding to your Paleo diet.
Be it the green leaves or the white root turnips are widely used in several dishes. You can steam, boil, or bake turnips according to your liking. Additionally, turnips can also be consumed raw. You can add it in your salad or peel it off to eat with a dip.
It is not only sumptuous but also has multiple health benefits.
Are Turnips Healthy?
The white root vegetable—Turnip, is a fully nutrition-packed food. It has a plethora of vitamins, minerals, and proteins that are vital for a healthy diet. These are:
- Vitamins B group—B1, B2, B3, B5, B6
- Other vitamins—A, C, E, K
- Folate
- Minerals—Calcium, Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Phosphorus
- Protein
- Omega-3 fatty acids
Isn’t that one impressive list of nutrients! Apart from the above mentioned, a turnip root contains 93% of water, making it perfect for keeping you hydrated. The white and purple root is rich in carbohydrates and has a negligible amount of fats. Read on to know some of its superlative health benefits.
How Can Turnips Benefit You?
- Turnips contain a high amount of fiber that keeps you full for a longer time. It surely helps in losing weight.
- These roots provide anti-inflammatory effects and help control your blood sugar level. Additionally, they are anti-cancerous.
- Turnips have Vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients help you to maintain clear and healthy skin, along with strong hair.
- The white and purple bulbous vegetable has proven to be anti-bacterial. It kills bacteria that may cause throat infections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is better—the turnip greens or roots?
Though both are rich in nutrients and have immense health benefits, the greens outshine the roots. It is because these leaves contain a higher amount of folate, vitamin K and A.
What to look for while buying turnips?
The smaller, the better. When harvested early, turnips are sweet and delicious. They tend to become spicy as they grow. Furthermore, buying turnips with brightly-colored greens can let you use the leaves for cooking.
How can I use turnip in my food?
Turnips can be eaten raw or cooked. Still, roasting these vegetables enhances its flavor as well as quality. Some easy recipes are mashed turnips, pickled turnips, turnips as chips, or salad toppers.
Estelle Russo
Paleo Lover
Hi there! My name is Estelle and I am a Paleo Lover! I like helping other people learn about the health benefits of the paleo diet.