Health Benefits of Turnip greens

Turnip greens have been originated from Russia, Scandinavian Peninsula and Siberia.
Belonging to the family of mustards, Turnip greens feature as a traditional Southern side dish. This vegetable is served in a form of salads or sautéed. They often act as a healthy accompaniment to grilled meats or pasta dishes. Addition of turnip greens will help to increase your intake of minerals and vitamins that are require for good health. Turnip greens also help in reducing certain illnesses and ensure various health benefits. Regardless of variety, Turnip greens come in various shape and colour.

Here are some of the health benefits of Turnip greens:

Maintain healthy lungs:

Regular consumption of Turnip greens helps to maintain good lungs health. As per various studies, persons who smokes a lot or gets exposed to second-hand smoke must consume Turnip green helps to maintain healthy lungs. Cigarette smoke contain benzo(a)pyrene which is known to be carcinogenic and causes deficiency of vitamin A in the body. This deficiency eventually leads to the development of emphysema and lung inflammation. Turnip greens have a rich source of vitamin A, thus you can ensure to have safe and healthy lungs on its consumption.

Provide antioxidants:

Turnip greens come packed with 3 major antioxidants in the body i.e. beta-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin E. Combination of these 3 vitamins helps to lower the levels of free radicals present in the body. Excess amount of free radicals present in the body initiate in the formation of Low Density Lipoprotein which is bad cholesterol. Turnip green is a rich source of antioxidants such as vitamin C and flavonoids, these antioxidants helps a lot in maintaining proper health.

Prevent damage to blood vessels wall:

Turnip greens are a rich source of vitamin C and vitamin E. Both in combination help to initiate an enzyme known as paraoxonase. These enzymes inhibit the oxidation of both HDL and LDL. Presence of these two vitamins help to minimize the amount of harmful compound called as homocysteine, which cause damage to the walls of blood vessels. Thus consumption of Turnip greens prevents progression or development of atherosclerosis.

Prevent colon tumours:

Consumption of turnip greens is very essential to fight against colon tumours. As per various researches, this vegetable contains high amount of vitamin C that helps to keep colon tumours at bay.

Fight against cancer:

Presence of beta-carotene in the vegetable helps to lower down the risk factor of both rectal and colon cancer. In combination of calcium in Turnip green, are known to be useful in fighting against carcinogenic cells. Turnip green boosts for having high amount of powerful antioxidants, flavonoids and vitamin C. Presence of antioxidants helps to erode the free radicals from the body thus preventing the production of cancer causing cells. In addition, turnip greens reduce the risk of lung cancer, stomach cancer, pancreas cancer and bladder cancer.

Prevent arthritis:

Adequate consumption of beta carotene helps to reduce the chances of Rheumatoid Arthritis i.e. RA. Turnip green contains high amount of Beta carotene which convert into vitamin A. This vitamin content helps in proper functioning of body immune system and maintains healthy membranes.

Fight against cough and cold:

Turnips are rich the richest source of vitamin C. Among others, the major health benefits of vitamin C is it helps to boost body immune system and prevent against infections including cough and cold.

Prevent asthma:

The turnip greens have various nutritional values such as folic acid, riboflavin, copper, manganese, potassium, vitamin C and vitamin E which help to maintain a good health. One of the major health benefits of turnips green is, it provide relief to patients suffering from asthma.

Uses of Turnip green:

Turnip green makes a good source of healthy diet. This vegetable features low in calories, sodium, fat and cholesterol. Turnip green can be prepared in various ways including blanching, steaming and sautéing. Being rich in minerals and vitamins, these vegetables can be used in the form of salads, casseroles, stews, and soups or served on their own. On the other hand, turnip green can also be used as a part of main dish.

Some of the useful recipes of Turnip green:

1. Take a large bowl then add shredded peeled carrots, shredded peeled white turnips, diced green pepper and Italian salad dressing. Toss gently and then serve the salad with green pepper rings.
2. Take a bowl and then add grated turnips, sliced green onions, chopped apples, sugar, canned pineapple rings vinegar, olive oil, water, salt and pepper. Let the salad stand overnight and then serve in lettuce cups.