Turnip greens contain a healthy dose of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They belong to the family of cruciferous vegetables, which also includes kale, broccoli and cauliflower. Turnip greens provide the body with Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, folate and calcium, among other nutrients. Health benefits of turnip greens include the ability to protect the body from heart disease, diabetes, cognitive decline and even cancer. The nutrients in turnip greens work to cleanse liver function and provide the body with a healthy dose of disease-fighting antioxidants.
Health Benefits of Turnip Greens
1. Provide the Body With Antioxidants
Health benefits of turnip greens include the ability to provide the body with disease-fighting antioxidants. Studies have shown that high-antioxidant vegetables can help fight heart disease, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and other inflammatory diseases. The antioxidants in turnip greens help fight free radical damage, reduce oxidative stress and slow aging.
2. Fight Cancer
Research shows that the health benefits of turnip greens include the ability to fight cancer. The antioxidants in turnip greens help lower inflammation and reduce oxidative stress to prevent DNA damage and cell mutation, which can lead to tumor growth. (1)
3. Help Prevent Heart Disease
Health benefits of turnip greens include the ability to help prevent heart disease. Studies have shown that cruciferous vegetable consumption is linked to a reduced risk of mortality due to heart disease. Turnip greens and other cruciferous vegetables can help lower cholesterol levels and combat high blood pressure to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack and stroke.
4. Help Maintain Strong Bones
Health benefits of turnip greens include the ability to maintain strong bones. One cup of cooked turnip greens provides the body with over 600% of the daily recommended intake of Vitamin K. Vitamin K plays an important role in increasing bone density and reducing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis. (2)
5. Protect Eye Health
Health benefits of turnip greens include the ability to protect the eyes from damage. Turnip green contains carotenoid antioxidants that help protect the retina from eye diseases, including macular degeneration.
6. Protect Against Diabetes
Health benefits of turnip greens include the ability to protect the body from diabetes. Studies have shown a link between high antioxidant foods and a reduced risk of diabetes. The antioxidants in turnip greens help lower inflammation levels, improve insulin resistance, combat high blood pressure and high cholesterol and reduce damage caused by oxidative stress.
7. Prevent Cognitive Decline
Health benefits of turnip greens include the ability to prevent cognitive decline. Oxidative damage can lead to an increased risk of nervous system and brain disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Studies have shown that health benefits of turnip greens include the ability to reduce oxidative stress and protective brain health. (3)