Parsnip contains a number of essential vitamins and minerals which have quite a few beneficial effects on our health. Parnips are rich in potassium which help to keep the heart in good shape. The dietary fibers in this vegetable help to improve digestion and prevent ailments related to digestion.
The soluble fibers of parsnips help to lose weight while folate helps to prevent birth defects during birth. Vitamin C and E help to strengthen your immune system. In addition, consumption of parsnip also helps to make your bones stronger, lowers the chances of developing diabetes, helps to reduce cholesterol and prevents the onset of depression.
Parsnips
Parsnip or Pastinaca sativa is a biennial plant belonging to the Apaiaceae family. It resembles a carrot so much that many may confuse the two. However, the skin and flesh of parsnip are white to cream-coloured while the carrot’s skin is orange in colour.
This vegetable has a nutty, sweet taste. Apples, orange zest and spices like cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg can amplify the sweetness of this vegetable. They can be eaten raw or can be cooked and utilized in a number of ways.
Nutritional Value of Parsnips
Parsnip is a very versatile vegetable with a wide range of health benefits due to the presence of a number of nutrients and vitamins. It contains minerals like phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, manganese, zinc and iron. Parsnip is rich in folate and also has vitamins like Vitamin B, C, E and K which are very beneficial for our health.
Nutritional facts Per 100 Grams
75
Calories
0.3 g
Total Fat
10mg
Sodium
375 mg
Potassium
18 g
Total Carbohydrate
1.2 g
Protein
Vitamins and Minerals
Health Benefits of Parsnips
After getting the nutritional benefits of parsnips vegetable. Let's check out how you can use parsnips in your cooking. Mentioned below are the best health benefits of consuming parsnips.
Parsnips Good for your heart
Parsnip has potassium which acts as a vasodilator. It thus helps to reduce blood pressure by preventing the arteries and veins from tightening and reduces pressure on your heart.
Parsnip also contains folate which helps to lessen the hom*ocysteine levels in our blood and thus protects your heart. Excess hom*ocysteine in the blood can cause various ailments of the heart.
Parsnips Rich in Dietary Fiber
Parsnips are rich in soluble fiber that helps to reduce cholesterol levels and also lowers the chances of developing diabetes. Dietary fiber also helps to add bulk to the stool and thus facilitates the smooth movement of bowel through the digestive system. This helps to prevent constipation and gastrointestinal disorders.
Parsnips Prevents Birth Defects
Parsnips are rich in folate that helps to reduce the occurrences of neural tube defects in newborn babies. Folate also helps to fight depression and is especially useful for preventing postpartum depression in mothers who have given birth recently.
Parsnips Strengthens immunity
Parsnips are rich in anti-oxidants and other organic compounds which protect us from various diseases. Foremost among these are Vitamin C and Vitamin E which neutralize the disease causing free radicals and prevent them from causing any harm.
Vitamin C present in parsnips helps to stimulate the production of white blood cells which are our body’s primary line of defense. White blood cells help the formation of one of the basic building blocks of our body, collagen.
Parsnips Helps In Preventing Cancer
It has recently come to light that parsnips have anti-inflammatory capabilities. Parsnips contain an active ingredient called falcarindiol that can trace and destroy cancer cells in the colon. Thus incorporating this vegetable in your diet will help to reduce the chances of developing colon cancer.
Parsnip Good For Weight Loss
Parsnips, when consumed, makes you feel fuller for a longer period of time as they are rich in soluble fiber. This helps to reduce your intake of food and helps to maintain your weight. The fiber also inhibits the release of the hunger hormone, ghrelin.
Parsnip Prevents anemia
Consumption of parsnips can help prevent anemia as they are rich in iron and Vitamins C and B9. These are essential for production of blood and for preventing anemia.
Parsnip Good For Bones & Teeth
You can include parsnips in your diet if you want your bones and teeth to be healthy and strong. This is because this vegetable is not only rich in calcium but also contains magnesium which helps in the proper absorption of calcium.
Uses of Parsnips
Parsnips can be eaten raw but the cooked vegetable is an integral part of the cuisine of various cultures of the world. They can be baked, roasted, boiled, fried or pureed. It gives a rich flavor when it is used in soups and stews. Parsnips were also used as an aphrodisiac and also used in herbal medicine.
Parsnip tea acts as an excellent diuretic and helps to cleanse our body by stimulating the production of urine.
Side-Effects & Allergies of Parsnips
Some sensitive people may experience oral allergy syndrome (OAS) and contact dermatitis after they consume parsnip. Rashes or burning sensation in the lips, mouth and throat are some of the symptoms of OAS. Thus it is advisable for people with a history of allergies to consult a doctor before incorporating this vegetable into their diet.
Cultivation of Parsnips
Parsnips have a long history but edible parsnips were actually the result of continuous cultivation. Besides being used as a staple food, this vegetable was also used as a natural sweetener for breads, cakes and jams. This vegetable is believed to have originated in the East Mediterranean and it later spread to different parts of the world. The early settlers and colonists might have introduced this vegetable to America.
Parsnips are generally planted before the winter season as it produces its unique sweet flavor in the cold months. This plant requires a long growing season and so the seeds have to be sown as soon as the soil is workable. It requires exposure to the sun and grows best in loamy or sandy soil. Slightly acidic to neutral soil is ideal for the plant. p>
