Parsnip: properties and contraindications Parsnips (scientific name Pastinaca sativa) belong to the root vegetable family. It is often confused with the carrot, due to its similar shape and size, but its skin and flesh are white to cream in color.
The parsnip originated in Eurasia and has been a staple in their diet since ancient times. Due to its sweet taste, it has been considered as a source of sugar in the old days.
There are several varieties of parsnips: Harris Model, All American, Hollow Crown, Cobham Marrow, and Student. All of which provide the same building blocks of nutrients and minerals.
Having said that, this vegetable is not to be taken for granted. There are many nutrients and benefits you can get from eating this biennial plant. Let’s see, below, more about the parsnip: properties and contraindications.
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Parsnip: properties and contraindications
Parsnip nutritional properties
Parsnips are rich in potassium, manganese, magnesium, zinc, iron, folic acid and phosphorus. It is also an excellent source of fiberas well as vitamins B, C, E, and K, making it a nutritious food to add to your diet.
Like the carrotsParsnips are a great crunchy vegetable that can be cut up and eaten as a snack that is a very healthy alternative to junk food.
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Health benefits
Anemia and blood health: this vegetable is rich in iron, vitamins C and B9, which are all essential nutrients for blood formation and the prevention of anemia. Eating parsnips, especially women, not only prevents anemia, but also provides essential nutrients without any side effects.
Anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties: Based on recent medical research conducted by the University of Newcastle, England, parsnip has high anti-inflammatory properties and also has the ability to reduce the risk of colon cancer.
In this sense, another great benefit for this wonderful vegetable is its active component called falcarindiol, which has the ability to seek out and destroy cancer cells in the colon.
blood sugar levels: Parsnips are useful for controlling blood sugar levels and lowering cholesterol. This vegetable is suitable for diabeticseven beneficial, since it reduces the level of sugar in the blood.
Bone and teeth health: whenever we hear the phrase “strong bones and teeth”, calcium always comes to mind, the parsnip is not only an excellent source of calcium, but also of magnesiumwhich helps the proper absorption of calcium for bone formation.
Cardiovascular health: parsnip helps prevent cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, atherosclerosis and other coronary complications due to its rich content of vitamin K and folic acid.
Immune system and gut health: Like most root vegetables, the parsnip is an excellent food that has all the right nutrients to develop the immune system and gut health.
Respiratory health: Similar to carrots, parsnips have carotenoids that are useful for healing the respiratory system. Definitely beneficial to drink parsnip juice to help relieve asthma, wheezing, symptoms of emphysema and respiratory infections. Drink parsnip and pear juice daily for a week to see a huge improvement in your respiratory health.
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recommendations
Parsnip is a starchy vegetable, it tastes a bit spicy, earthy and woody. It can be eaten raw, and even better in the form of juice. A parsnip juice with green apples or pears is a nutritious morning start that provides energy for the whole day.
It is advisable to buy parsnips that are soft, but firm and about the size of a medium carrot. If they are too soft or are soft watery, it is often a sign of rot. Woody cores are often present in huge, wrinkled roots.
Parsnips can easily be kept for a couple of weeks in the fridge (bottom).
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contraindications
Despite how nutritious parsnip is, do not eat it if you are taking any medication, as it may interact with your medication.
Parsnip can cause photosensitivity. For that reason, caution is advised in people taking other agents that can cause light sensitivity, such as St. John’s wort, as the mixture may potentiate this side effect.
The parsnip plant and its parts can cause allergic reactions such as contact dermatitis and oral allergy syndrome (OAS) when handled in some people.
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