In just 100 grams of cooked turnip greens with roots (from frozen, fat added in cooking), you get 39 calories. Despite its low caloric value, this vegetable is packed with nutrients essential to our bodies.
Rich in Vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as calcium and iron, it can boost your body's immune system and keep your bones strong. It's also high in fiber, which helps regulate digestion and lower cholesterol levels.
In this article, we'll explore some practical tips and strategies on how to incorporate this vegetable into your diet and reap its multitude of health benefits.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
The turnip greens and roots serve as a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, and K. Vitamin A supports overall immune function and keeps your eyesight healthy, while vitamin C helps maintain healthy skin and improves iron absorption. Vitamin K supports bone health and regulates blood clotting. Moreover, turnip greens contain vital minerals such as calcium, which ensures the growth and maintenance of healthy bones and teeth, and iron, which is a vital component of red blood cells that transport oxygen throughout our bodies.
High in Fiber
Turnip greens are high in fiber, which plays a vital role in our digestion and overall health. Fiber promotes healthy digestion by preventing constipation and regulating bowel movements. Apart from digestive benefits, fiber also lowers the risk of heart disease by reducing cholesterol levels and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
Ideal for Weight Loss
Turnip greens are an excellent option for those trying to lose weight. They're low in calories, high in fiber, and loaded with nutrients. The high fiber content can keep you feeling full and satisfied, reducing the chances of overeating or snacking on unhealthy foods. Moreover, the antioxidants found within the vegetable can help speed up metabolism and aid in weight loss.
Convenient Frozen Option
Frozen turnip greens can be a convenient option to store and use in your meals anytime you like. It provides year-round availability and avoids the wastage of fresh greens that might go bad before you can use them. You can typically find frozen turnip greens at any local grocery store and incorporate them into your favourite dishes.
Great for Heart Health
Turnip greens' high fiber content, along with a healthy diet and exercise, can promote a healthy heart life. Fiber helps lower cholesterol levels by trapping cholesterol and removing it from the body, thereby reducing the chances of plaque buildup in arteries, which leads to heart diseases. Additionally, potassium found in turnip greens supports healthy blood pressure levels and maintains heart rhythm.
Versatile in Cooking
Turnip greens are versatile and can be added to different recipes, making them easy to incorporate into your diet. They can be used as a base for soups and stews, sautéed as a side dish, or mixed with other greens and vegetables for a nutritious salad. You can also add turnip greens to your smoothies for an extra nutrient boost.
Pairs Well with Meat and Fish
Turnip greens pair well with different kinds of meat and fish dishes, making them a versatile addition to any meal. The greens' bitterness can complement the richness of meat and fish dishes, which makes them a perfect ingredient for soups or stews. You can also try sautéing them with some garlic and a drizzle of olive oil for a quick and easy side dish.
Budget-Friendly
Turnip greens are relatively inexpensive, making them ideal for those on a tight budget. You can typically find them at any local grocery store and incorporate them into different meals without worrying about breaking the bank.
Ideal for Vegetarian and Vegan Diets
Turnip greens are a perfect addition to a vegetarian or vegan diet. They're loaded with essential nutrients missing from a meatless diet, such as calcium and iron, and are low in calories, making them ideal for weight loss.
Good for Digestion
The high fiber content found within turnip greens, as well as its water content, promotes healthy digestion and prevents constipation. Additionally, these greens have potent antioxidants that help protect the gut lining and prevent inflammation in the digestive tract.
"The combination of essential vitamins and minerals, high fiber content, and versatility in cooking make turnip greens a highly recommended vegetable for your diet."
5 Frequently Asked Questions about Cooked Turnip Greens with Roots
1. What are turnip greens?
Turnip greens are the dark green leaves of the turnip plant that are commonly eaten as a vegetable. They are packed with nutrition and are low in calories, making them a healthy addition to any meal.
2. How are turnip greens cooked?
Turnip greens can be boiled, sautéed, or steamed. They are often seasoned with salt, pepper, and other herbs and spices for added flavor. When cooking turnip greens, it is important to remove the tough stems before cooking.
3. What are the health benefits of turnip greens?
Turnip greens are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron. They are also high in fiber and antioxidants, which can help lower the risk of certain diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
4. How many calories are in cooked turnip greens with roots?
There are 39 calories in 100 grams of cooked turnip greens with roots, when prepared from frozen and with added fat during cooking.
5. Can turnip greens be eaten raw?
Turnip greens can be eaten raw, but they are often preferred cooked as they can be tough and slightly bitter when eaten raw. Cooking them helps to soften the leaves and remove some of the bitterness.