About Prairie Turnip

Prairie Turnip is a famous herbaceous perennial plant that is indigenous to the Plains of C. North America. Native Americans were the first ever to utilize the Prairie turnip as food and medicine. The roots were utilized to cure gas-related problems, sore throat, and ease sprains and fractures. The root of Prairie Turnip is high in protein, fibers, and carbohydrates.

Psoralea esculenta (Prairie Turnips) is a root vegetable majorly grown on well-aerated soils for its starchy tuberous tubers (root). Other names of Prairie turnips are Tipsin, Prairie Turnip, Timpsula, Scurfpea, Teepsenee, Indian Breadroot, Breadroot scurf pea, Breadroot, Pomme blanche, Pomme de Terre, Large Indian breadroot, and Tipsinna. Indigenous to prairies or dry woodlands of C. North America, it belongs to the Fabaceae /Leguminosae and the genus Psoralea.

Nutritional Value

12.6 grams of these crops provides 0.33 grams of protein, 4.49 grams of carbohydrates, 7.65 grams of water, 1 gram of fiber, and 1 mg of sodium. The same quantity provides  0.7 gm of Vitamin C, 20 calories, 1 µg of Vitamin B9, and 0.315 mg of niacin.

Nutrition facts for this crop, raw, required daily analysis and values. Daily values are the basis of 155 lbs body weight and 2000 calorie diet. Actual daily requirements of nutrients might vary based on gender, age, medical history, level of physical activity, and other factors. Please consult your doctor before considering trying any changes you may learn through again.

Health Benefits of Prairie Turnips

Prairie turnip aids to maintain heart health, treat anemia, prevent cancer, brain health, diabetes, maintain energy, combat osteoporosis, and many more. Prairie turnips give various benefits to our health. Some of which are highlighted below:

• Treats Anemia

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) in this plant is essential for the manufacture of hemoglobin in blood which is conveyed by the red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body and utilize iron. Anemia is triggered due to the low manufacture of red blood cells in the body, and some certain symptoms are seen like fatigue, aches, and pain. The study tells us that the adequate consumption of pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) helps to lower the signs of anemia and avert its incidence as well.

• Brain Health

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) assists in the development and functioning of the brain. The study tells us that the deficiency of pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) affects brain function, Alzheimer’s, results in dementia and cognitive impairment. The studies prove that the deficiency of pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) is a huge contributor to Alzheimer’s disease. Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) controls the amount of homocysteine which is the major cause of heart disorder along with neuron damage.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is vital for producing the hormones that result in norepinephrine, dementia, and serotonin which aid in managing energy, mood, and concentration. Research tells us that ADHD in an infant is caused due to a reduced level of serotonin. So the consumption of Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) leads to a positive effect on boosting learning and behavior disorders.

• Reduce Oxidative Stress

Selenium has a huge ability to counter the aging process and aid the immune system by reducing the damage caused by the harmful free radicals. Selenium has a strong harmonious effect together with the antioxidants such as tocopherol (Vitamin E), which facilitates our body to combat oxidative stress and block the chances of getting colon cancer and prostate cancer.

Selenium is a major element of glutathione peroxidase, which is an essential enzyme for the process that protects the lipids in cell membranes. Selenium is vital to counter mutation, the DNA damage, and oxidative degradation of body cells that contribute to the development of various diseases.

• Reduce Heart Ailments

The low amount of selenium is related to the increased chances of cardiovascular disease. Foods or supplements are rich in selenium help to fight coronary heart disease. It fights inflammation, lowers the oxidative stress caused by harmful free radicals, increases the circulation of blood, and has remarkable antioxidant properties.

• Treats Asthma

Studies show that chronic asthma patients have a low level of selenium. The consumption of selenium supplements by asthmatic patients helps to lower the chances of symptoms linked with asthma. The various supplements of selenium may combat chronic asthma effectively. Yet more research study is still needed to find out the full consequence of selenium on the functioning of the lungs.

• Prevent Cancer

The intake of selenium is highly beneficial for activating the anti-cancer ability of the body. Studies have shown that selenium helps to lower the chances of cancer greatly, such as lung, liver, prostate, and colorectal cancer. Intake of prairie turnips activates selenium proteins which assist the antioxidants in performing their protecting role. The selenium reduces down the growth of cancer cells, its progression, and also the growth of tumors. The studies show that the high consumption of selenium protects the DNA and decreases the chances of cancer growth and mutation of cells.

• Prevent Diabetes

The soluble fiber in Prairie turnip lingers down the digestion process and maintains the volume of blood sugar. It also controls insulin sensitivity and coordinates the hikes in blood sugar level and conditions such as diabetes. Several studies have shown the inverse link between the glucose volume in dietary fiber and blood. A diet high in fiber (such as Prairie turnips) helps to prevent insulin resistance which occurs due to the spike in glucose level.

• Losing Weight

Pieces of evidence show that foods that are rich in fiber help to fight obesity. The intake of fiber is not directly related to body weight and body fat. Fiber makes one feel fuller, thus helping us to prevent snacking or overeating in the next meal. A diet rich in fiber lowers the intake of food which aids in reducing body weight. Fiber also lowers the toxin absorption and affects the secretion of hormones in the gut.

• Maintains Energy

Iron helps in transporting oxygen to the cells. It assists the metabolic enzymatic process, which is carried out by our body to absorb nutrients and break down proteins that are gotten from the food. The lack of iron leads to exhaustion, sluggish feeling, and issues in being active. The low level of iron adds to the symptoms, such as swings in mood, reduced concentration, and issues in the coordination of muscles. Iron is vital for the movement of muscles as it deposits oxygen in the muscles which thus allows strengthening and muscle movement.

• Forbid Osteoporosis

Prairie turnips are high in magnesium which is required for the bone formation processes and controls the activities of osteoblasts and osteoclasts that help to maintain bone density. Magnesium in the Prairie turnips also helps to balance the blood concentrations of Vitamin D, which is a major regulator of bone fluid balance (homeostasis). Research studies have also shown that the high consumption of magnesium-rich foods such as Prairie turnips helps to prevent the deficiency of magnesium and prevent osteoporosis.

Diet Tips

When buying your Prairie turnips, choose the ones that are small and yet heavy for their size.

Try to harvest these Prairie turnips while they are tender and small to leave them with a sweet, bland flavor. As they continue to develop or age, the flavor gets spicier, and the texture, of course, becomes woody and rough.

Look for Prairie turnips with green tops that are well colored and fresh. Folks can also use the greens in salads or for cooking.

Always keep your Prairie turnips in a cool, dark place, and trim, wash, and peel them before ever using them.

Quick Tips and Recipe Ideas

Prairie turnips have a white crispy, inner flesh and a zesty with a peppery flavor.

You can either consume them cooked or raw. However, roasting turnips seems to bring out the best qualities and flavors in them.

Here are some quick and easy ways to add Prairie turnips into meals:

• Boil and crush turnips for a tasty option for your mashed potatoes.
• Shred or chop raw Prairie turnips and use them as your salad topper.
• Add some Prairie turnips to your stew or soup at the same time you add potatoes.
• Include some cubed Prairie turnips in a slow-cooked roast.
• Add some Prairie turnips to a favorite coleslaw dish.

Some registered dietitians have come up with the following delicious turnip recipes:

• roasted Prairie turnips with garden thyme
• Prairie turnips chips
• Quick pickled Prairie turnips

Prairie turnips can be a healthful supplement to many balanced diets. Consuming a varied diet is more beneficial to our health than concentrating on specific foods.