Disease prevention

Turnips are high in vitamin C and sulfur compounds considered to be potential antioxidants beneficial to health. Antioxidants block the harmful effects of free radicals. Breathing in oxygen is essential for cellular life in our body, but following the same molecules are produced, free radicals, which lead to lifelong negative health effects through its ability to alter the DNA (genes), proteins and lipids or fats. There are situations that increase the production of free radicals, including strenuous exercise, environmental pollution, smoking, infections, stress, high fat diet and sun exposure.

The relationship between antioxidants and cardiovascular disease prevention is now a well-founded claim. You know it is the modification of the “bad cholesterol” (LDL-c) that plays a key role in the initiation and development of atherosclerosis.

Antioxidants block free radicals that modify the so-called bad cholesterol, there by helping to reduce cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk. On the other hand, low levels of antioxidants are a risk factor for certain types of cancer and degenerative diseases.

Against chronic intestinal inflammation, the root is used as turnip soup or soup and drink 2 cups a day. The same is excellent in the evils of the chest and if sugar is added is an effective remedy for asthma and coughs. Similarly cooking the root, used as the pectoralis, in a dose of 10 to 20 grams per liter of water.

The sliced root is used to prepare a syrup of remarkable qualities against bronchitis, cough, asthma, whooping cough and all these cases according by chucharadas severity of illness. Turnip juice acts as a hemostatic, is formulated to block bleeding, especially given favorable results in the uterine hermmorragias administered in teaspoons.

Overweight

Its low calorific value makes turnips may be included in weight control diets. Furthermore, due to the presence of fiber, adding a sense of satiety after eating and improve intestinal transit. However, absorb much oil when fried so if you cook them this way, its caloric content increases considerably, besides being harder to digest.

Pregnant women and children

The turnip is one food to take into account the woman’s diet during pregnancy due to its folate content. This is an important vitamin when it comes to ensure proper fetal neural tube, especially in the early weeks of gestation. Its deficiency can cause diseases in the unborn baby such as spina bifida or anencephaly.

The higher folate requirements are also in children, so that including these vegetables in your everyday diet is an interesting way to prevent deficiency.

Regulates bowel function

Its fiber content gives laxative properties. Fiber prevents constipation or improvement, helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and good blood sugar control in people with diabetes. The fiber helps reduce the risk of diseases related to the gastrointestinal tract, including colon cancer.

Flatulence

Turnips, plus fiber, have sulfur compounds that cause flatulence and digestion difficult. Therefore, it is advisable that persons having digestive disorders such moderate consumption of these roots.

Thyroid disorders

Regular consumption of turnip causes no problems in those who present a normal functioning thyroid gland. However, avoid frequent intake in people with hypothyroidism (decreased functioning of the thyroid), as turnips, when crushed, release substances that inhibit the absorption of iodine in the thyroid gland, thereby hampering its functioning.

Kidney stones and fluid retention

The turnips are rich in a type of organic acid known as oxalic acid. This compound is also abundant in spinach, Swiss chard and beet, and has the ability to form insoluble complexes in the gut with minerals like calcium and iron to prevent their assimilation. Some people are predisposed to kidney stones form of “calcium oxalate, which is why it has to restrict the use of turnips in their diet.

Moreover, thanks to its rich in potassium and low sodium content, have a diuretic action that encourages the elimination of excess body fluids. They are beneficial in case of hypertension, hyperuricemia and gout, kidney stones (except calcium oxalate), fluid retention and oliguria. With the increased production of urine is removed, along with liquid waste substances dissolved in it as uric acid, urea, etc..