Parsnips

Parsnips are a sweet, nutritious root vegetable that are high in health promoting antioxidants and dietary fiber. They are a great source of vitamins C, E, K, and B-complex and minerals such as iron, calcium, copper, and manganese.

Parsnips also contain potent anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties and are known to particularly help in providing protection from colon cancer and leukemia. They are also highly beneficial for constipation, hypertension, dementia, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, teeth and gum health, and overall immune support.

The folate content in parsnips make them an excellent choice to help support the nervous system and reduce the risk of high blood pressure, depression, macular degeneration, heart disease, kidney disorders, anemia, hearing loss, and birth defects in pregnant women.

Parsnips are also known to help aid in fat metabolism and are an excellent weight loss food. They are also known to be good for kidney stones, bladder issues, and have a specific affinity for the stomach, kidneys, and spleen.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Parsnip is great for the digestive system:

Parsnip is an excellent source of fiber. A one-cup serving of parsnip contains 7 grams of dietary fiber. The daily recommended dietary fiber intake for men and women are 38 grams and 25 grams, respectively. Fiber can help prevent constipation, making one’s bowel movement easier to manage.

Parsnip helps individuals with diabetes:

Several studies have indicated that individuals with type 1 diabetes who consume high-fiber diets have lower blood glucose levels and type 2 diabetics may have improved blood sugar, lipids, and insulin levels.

Parsnip can help individuals fight infections:

Fresh parsnip contains 38 percent of the vitamin C daily requirements per cup. Vitamin C is a powerful natural water-soluble antioxidant that helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and eliminates cancer-causing free radicals in the body.

Parsnip can help the bones stay healthy:

One cup of parsnip contains 37 percent of the daily needed vitamin K. Adequate vitamin K consumption acts as a modifier of bone matrix proteins, improves calcium absorption, preventing bone loss and osteoporosis.

Parsnip can help maintain a healthy blood pressure:

Parsnip has a very high content of potassium and a low content of sodium. One cup of parsnip contains a whopping 499 milligrams of potassium, compared to 13.3 milligrams of sodium. Folate also contributes to the reduction of hypertension and relaxes blood vessels, while maintaining proper blood flow.

Parsnip may help improve cognitive function:

Several components of parsnip, such as potassium, folate, and various antioxidants are known to provide neurological benefits. Folate has been known to reduce the occurrence of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline. Potassium has been linked to increasing blood flow to the brain and heighten cognition, concentration, and neural activity. One cup of parsnip contains 12 percent of the recommended daily needs of folate.

The parsnip is an ideal source of manganese:

Manganese is important for many enzymes that control blood sugar, energy metabolism, and thyroid function. One cup of parsnip accounts for 37 percent of the recommended value of manganese. Deficiencies in manganese could be associated with impaired fertility, growth retardation, birth defects, and general weakness.

Heart Health:

Everyone seems to be looking for the big secret to unlocking a healthy cardiovascular system, and while fruits and vegetables are always a good choice, parsnips make an even bigger impact than usual, given the high level of potassium, which acts as a vasodilator and reduces blood pressure, as well as stress on the heart. The high levels of folate in parsnips is the perfect complement, as it reduces homocysteine levels in the blood, which are associated with a higher risk of heart disease.

Birth Defects and Metabolism:

While folate was already mentioned in conjunction with a healthier heart, it is also important to note that folate (a member of the B-vitamin family) is also connected with reducing neural tube birth defects in infants and optimizing metabolic processes related to energy production and your nervous system. Also, folate has been positively correlated with lower levels of depression in those who regularly add it to their diet.

Weight Loss:

As a low-calorie option with high levels of soluble fiber, parsnips fill you up and prevent the release of ghrelin, which is a “hunger” hormone. This can significantly reduce your likelihood of snacking between meals (which you shouldn’t be doing) and help you with your weight loss goals. Also, the optimized digestive processes help you eliminate waste and get your nutrient uptake into peak condition to get the healthiest nutrients from your food.

Parsnips must be cooked to get the enzymes and they can be steamed, pureed, roasted, or added to soups or stews. They can be used as a substitute for mashed potatoes and add a creamy, sweet, and savory flavor to any vegetable meal.

Parsnips can be readily found in the produce section of your local grocery or health food store.

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