Nutritional Value of Turnip Greens

Most people have heard of turnip greens and in the South it is an extremely popular vegetable. European settlers and colonists introduced the turnip and it was discovered that the plant grew very well in the South (Source: www.wikipedia.com). The slave owners would keep the turnip (which is actually the root of the plant) and leave the greens for their slaves, thus used in soul food today.

Turnip greens are members of the cruciferous family (i.e. kale, collard greens, cabbage and broccoli) and the leaves are smaller and more tender than their cousin, the collard green; however, they are slightly more bitter in flavor.

Turnip greens can be considers one of the world's healthiest foods as a one cup serving contains Vitamins A, C, E. and B6 as well as foliate, copper, calcium and fiber (www.whfoods.com) because of their nutritional value they can help several conditions that are prevalent in today's society (Source: www.webmd.com). It should be noted however, that turnip greens will not cure the disease, but it can help slow the progression. When in doubt, speak with your physician.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Vitamin A helps support the immune system as well as produce and maintain the membranes that line joints known as the synovial membrane. Further, Vitamins C and E help stop free radicals in the body, which can slow joint damage. Not only do the vitamins help, but also the calcium can help prevent bone loss while the mineral, copper, found in turnip greens helps in the production of connective tissues.

Colon health: The vitamins in turnip greens have been found to help lower and protect against the risk of develop colon problems by up to one-third while helping maintain a good immune system.

Atherosclerosis: (hardening and narrowing of arteries [www.webmd.com]) The vitamins help lower and minimize platelet clumping and LDL (the bad cholesterol) while vitamin B6 and foliate helps keep down a molecule that can damage blood vessel walls.

Lung health: According to Richard Baybutt, M.D. of Kansas State University, Vitamin A is reduced in smokers (can lead to Vitamin A deficient), however, it can be countered with a diet rich with Vitamin A.

Mental Function: Clare Morris, ScD of the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago states that vegetables rich in Vitamin E (such as turnip greens) may help slow cognitive function decline. Further, a diet low in fat will help the body absorb the vitamins.

Lactose intolerant: Being unable to drink milk and deprive a person of getting the necessary calcium that the body needs to help keep bones strong and help prevent osteoporosis (thin and brittle bones), that is where turnip greens come in as they are high in calcium. According to Web MD, Vitamin D that can be found basking in the sun for short period, help the body absorb calcium more efficiently.

No matter how you look at your food (be it for flavor or nutrition), turnip greens are an excellent addition to the menu.