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Turnips and the Cretan Bowl Diet…Turnips are perhaps one of the most undervalued of all vegetables. Much maligned as a peasant food or animal feed the humble turnip has much to offer. Turnips are an excellent source of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an important vitamin in that it plays a significant role as an antioxidant, thereby protecting body tissue from the damage of oxidation. Antioxidants act to protect your cells against the effects of free radicals, which are potentially damaging by-products of the body’s metabolism. Free radicals can cause cell damage that may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Turnips also contain Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B9. Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) is important in the production of energy and assists cells in converting carbohydrates into energy. It is also essential for the functioning of the heart, muscles, and nervous system. Shortage of thiamine can cause weakness and fatigue. Vitamin B6 is important in creating antibodies in the immune system. It helps maintain normal nerve function and acts in the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin B6 is also needed for the chemical reactions of proteins. The higher the protein intake, the more need there is for vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 deficiency in the diet can cause dizziness, nausea, confusion, irritability and convulsions.
Vitamin B9 has forms named Folate and Folic Acid. Folate occurs naturally in fresh foods, whereas Folic Acid is the synthetic form found in supplements. The body needs Folate to produce red blood cells, as well as components of the nervous system. It helps maintaining normal brain function, and is a critical part of spinal fluid. Folic Acid is vital for proper cell growth and development of the embryo, so it is important for women to have enough Folate/Folic Acid in their bodies both before and during pregnancy.
Turnips also contain Calcium, Manganese and Potassium. Calcium helps with sleep and eases insomnia and helps regulate the passage of nutrients through cell walls. Calcium is necessary for muscles contracting properly, blood-clotting functions and for nerves carry messages. Insufficient calcium from foods mean the body automatically takes the calcium needed from bones. Deficiency may result in muscle spasms and cramps in the short term and osteoporosis longer term. Manganese functions in enzyme reactions concerning blood sugar, metabolism, and thyroid hormone function. Potassium is an essential mineral for the growth and maintenance of the body. It is needed to maintain a normal water balance between the cells and body fluids. Potassium also plays an essential role in proper heart function. Deficiency may cause muscular cramps, twitching and weakness, irregular heartbeat, insomnia, kidney and lung failure.
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