Usually a winter vegetable, turnip is mainly consumed in the northern parts of India
Belonging to the Brassicaceae family, turnip, also known as shalgam, is a root vegetable that is usually considered a winter vegetable. Mostly consumed in northern India, turnip is known for its versatility because it can be used to produce curry or even be turned into pickles. Not to forget, turnips have high nutritional value and multiple health benefits.
The nutritional profile of turnips is excellent because it contains several vitamins and minerals and is also low in calories. 130 grams of raw turnips will fetch the consumer:
Not to forget, even the leaves of turnips are packed with nutrition. 55 grams of turnip leaves provide:
Turnip Benefits:
— Rainy Nature (@rainy_nature) November 5, 2024
1. Turnips are high in vitamin C, which boosts immune health and supports collagen production.
2. They contain fiber that promotes digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
3. The antioxidants in turnips, like glucosinolates, may help reduce the… pic.twitter.com/2fbwBKI6HJ
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May have anticancer agents: Turnip contains high levels of glucosinolates, which may prevent the growth and spread of cancer. It also contains anthocyanins, which are a type of antioxidant with proven anticancer effects.
May keep blood sugar level in check: A 90-month study was done on a rat where the rat was put on a high-sugar diet. Then, 45 mg of turnip extract was provided to the rat. It was noted that blood sugar levels and levels of insulin were lowered.
May have anti-inflammatory effects: Inflammation is linked with several chronic diseases such as arthritis, cancer, and high blood pressure, which are the result of arteries hardening inside the body. In turnips, the glucosinolates break down into indoles and isothiocyanates, which are both anti-inflammatory properties.
Shalgamki Sabzi: A household sabzi doesn’t really have an authentic recipe, given it changes from house to house. However, one can make a curry with onion and tomato paste and add essential spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Add turnips, and there you have it—a simple shalgamki sabzi.
Credit – Instagram/ yum.recipe)
ShalgamkaAchaar: If you want to consume a little bit of turnips every day. Prepare pickle or achaar by fermenting turnips in mustard oil, vinegar, and traditional Indian spice. Serve it with roti, paratha, or even rice.
ShalgamParatha: Like raddish or mule keparatha, which is also consumed heavily during winter, shalgamparatha is also a brilliant dish that can be consumed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The recipe is similar to that of alooparatha or paneerparatha, except one needs to add grated turnip in place of aloo or paneer.
Credit – Instagram/anahitadhondy
This winter season, give your loved ones the goodness of turnips because it will not only woo their taste buds but also keep them healthy.
