Parsnip Overview

Parsnips are a root vegetable that is closely related to carrots and parsley, and for that reason, it is often mistaken for carrots in historical records. Parsnip is a hardy annual or biennial plant with a number of culinary applications.

Parsnips can be eaten raw but most of the common culinary applications require the root vegetable to be cooked. While they are often substituted for carrots in recipes, they are slightly sweeter in taste, which makes them even more valuable and versatile.

Parsnips contain a wide variety of vitamins, minerals and nutrients, including dietary fiber, folate, potassium and vitamin C. The most important health benefits of parsnips include their ability to lower the chances of developing diabetes, reduce cholesterol levels, and improve digestive processes. Parsnips also prevent depression, protect against birth defects in infants, promote proper growth and development, strengthen the immune system, and lower blood pressure to protect the cardiovascular health.

Parsnip Nutrition Health

Amount Per 100 grams

• Calories 75
• Total Fat 0.3 g
• Cholesterol 0 mg
• Sodium 10 mg
• Potassium 375 mg – 10% RDA
• Total Carbohydrate 18 g – 6% RDA
• Dietary fiber 4.9 g – 19% RDA
• Sugar 4.8 g
• Protein 1.2 g – 2% RDA
• Vitamin C 28% RDA
• Calcium 3% RDA
• Iron 3% RDA
• Vitamin B-6 5% RDA
• Magnesium 7% RDA

Nutrition Health Benefits of Parsnip

10 Nutrition Health Benefits of Parsnip

1. Heart Health

The fiber found in parsnips helps the heart by reducing the cholesterol and its negative effects. Also, since parsnips are rich in potassium that helps in lowering the blood pressure and saves the heart from ill effects of hypertension. In addition to that, parsnips are also known to have low levels of sodium which makes them a perfect choice for people suffering from hypertension. Parsnips are also rich in folate that works towards decreasing the risk of heart-related issues.Folate also plays an important role in relaxing the blood vessels and thus improving the blood flow.

2. Foetal Development

Parsnips contain folate which is necessary for pregnant women as it reduces neural tube birth defects in infants.It is also linked to lower levels of depression, and may even help mothers with newborn infants cope with postpartum depression. Parsnips are also rich in manganese; a deficiency of manganese can result in abnormal growth and other developmental issues.

3. Boosts Immunity

Parsnips are also packed with antioxidant vitamins and organic compounds that protect the body from foreign invaders, as well as toxic by-products from our own cellular metabolism. Vitamin C and E act as antioxidants in the body and eliminate or neutralize free radicals that can cause chronic diseases like cancer. Vitamin C also stimulates the production of white blood cells to attack foreign microbes in the body, in addition to functioning as a key element in the production of collagen, which is a fundamental building block of our body.

4. Aids in Weight Loss

Parsnips are low in calories and contains high levels of soluble fiber. They provide a full feeling by preventing the release of ghrelin, which is a “hunger” hormone. This can significantly reduce your likelihood of snacking between meals and help you with your weight loss goals. Also, the optimized digestive processes help you eliminate waste and get the most healthy nutrients from your food.

5. Skin Care

Parsnips has antioxidant vitamin C and E which are essential for skin care. Vitamin C are essential for the production of collagen which helps with skin integrity and elasticity which helps prevent aging signs like wrinkles. Vitamin E blocks block free radicals from the body, which play a large part in the aging process.

6. Reduces Cancer Risk

Parsnips have anti inflammatory properties that make them an excellent source to fight serious diseases caused by inflammation in the body such as cancer. The anti-oxidants found in parsnips can help people avoid the chances of getting cancer. In addition to this, they are considered to be helpful in preventing specific cancers such as stomach cancer and breast cancer because of the presence of folate in them.

7. Aids in Digestion

Parsnips are rich in fiber which helps with the digestive issues. This fiber helps regulate the bowel movement and reduces the chances of indigestion, constipation or any other related digestive problem. By improving the digestive issues, this vegetable helps remove toxins from the body.

8. Improves Vision

Vitamin C is vital for the eyesight, and the antioxidants help eyes from damage from the sun. Parsnips are rich in Vitamin C and enhance the vision significantly.

9. Reduces Blood Suugar Levels

Parsnips are abundant in fiber which makes them great for people who have diabetes. Not only do they taste delicious, but the high amount of soluble fiber in this vegetable also helps to lower the blood-sugar levels for people who have diabetes.

10. Respiratory Health

The anti-inflammatory properties of Parsnips also help treat many respiratory problems such as asthma. The vitamin C in this vegetable also helps in fighting the respiratory infections and provides relief to people suffering from sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory illnesses.