Benefits and Functions of Turnip Powder

Turnip powder is a product processed from the plant known as turnip. Turnip is a rare plant that is rich in organic active alkalis. Regular consumption of turnip offers numerous health benefits. It can balance the acid-base level in the human body, regulate nutrition to various organs, improve physical fitness, and also has effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, promoting urination to reduce swelling, and inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.

1. Detoxification and Weight Loss

Cruciferous vegetables like turnip are low in calories and high in fiber, providing a sense of fullness without excessive calorie intake. The high fiber content in turnip delays intestinal glucose absorption and reduces blood sugar spikes, thereby reducing insulin secretion and promoting weight loss. Additionally, the high fiber promotes healthy intestinal motility, prevents constipation, and helps eliminate waste from the body, facilitating detoxification.

2. Anti-Cancer Properties

Numerous studies have confirmed that a diet rich in cruciferous vegetables, such as turnip, cauliflower, and cabbage, can effectively reduce the risk of cancer. Apart from containing various anti-cancer polyphenols, cruciferous vegetables are also rich in glucosinolates, which, through chewing and intestinal biotransformation, can be converted into sulforaphane or glucobrassicin. These compounds activate detoxification enzymes in the body, causing cancer cell death and reducing symptoms of poisoning, chronic diseases, or inflammation.

3. Blood Pressure Regulation

A study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology in 2013 pointed out that vegetables containing dietary nitrates, such as turnip and kale, have multiple benefits for vascular health, including lowering blood pressure, inhibiting platelet aggregation, and maintaining the function of vascular endothelial cells. Moreover, an excess of sodium in the diet can lead to hypertension, edema, and water retention. Turnip is rich in potassium, which balances sodium ions in the body, lowering blood pressure and accelerating water metabolism.

4. Vision Maintenance

Adequate intake of vitamin C helps maintain eye health and protects against UV damage. Many cruciferous vegetables contain more vitamin C than citrus fruits. Eating two medium-sized turnips can meet the daily requirement of vitamin C. Furthermore, consuming fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C has been proven to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration.

5. Prevention of Diverticulosis

Diverticulosis refers to the formation of sac-like structures in the lining of the large intestine. Factors contributing to its development include aging, abnormal intestinal motility, increased intraluminal pressure, and a lack of fiber in the diet. A cup of boiled turnip provides 4 grams of dietary fiber, which absorbs water in the large intestine, facilitating intestinal motility and reducing the risk of diverticulosis.

Consumption Methods of Turnip Powder

Method 1: Simmering

Slice cleaned Keping turnip into 0.3 to 0.5 cm thick pieces. Add 200-300 grams of turnip to 1 liter of water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 20 minutes. Consume both the soup and the turnip, optionally adding a little salt to taste.

Method 2: Simmering Mutton with Turnip

Boil 1 kg of mutton for 30 minutes, then add 250-500 grams of turnip. Continue boiling for 20-30 minutes. Remove the cooked mutton and turnip, sprinkle with salt, and drink the soup with a little salt. Alternatively, serve the soup and meat together in a bowl.

Method 3: Turnip Soup Noodles

Boil a pot of water and add lamb fillet slices. After 5 minutes, add turnip slices (nail-sized) or turnip dices (bean-sized). Boil for another 5 minutes, then add noodles and a few leaves of vegetables. When the noodles are cooked, add salt and serve.