Chances are you’ve eaten a bowl of steamed cabbage, but you may not have enjoyed another member of the cabbage family – kohlrabi. Some people say it has a taste similar to broccoli stems only sweeter. The bulb has an appearance like that of a turnip with long green leaves that can be steamed and enjoyed like turnip greens or kale. Either way, kohlrabi is a healthful treat to enjoy in salads, in stir-fries, or as an addition to soups. What are the health benefits of kohlrabi?
Health Benefits of Kohlrabi: It’s Low in Calories and Fat
If you’re watching your waistline, kohlrabi won’t cause you a moment’s guilt. With only 36 calories in a cup of raw kohlrabi, it’s a food you can enjoy without regret. It’s also completely fat-free. Because a small amount of fat is needed to absorb the fat soluble vitamins in kohlrabi, it’s best to serve it with a sauce, dip, or dressing that has some heart-healthy fat to help your body utilize its nutrients better.
Health Benefits of Kohlrabi: It’s Rich in Vitamin C
Kohlrabi is an excellent source of vitamin C with one serving supplying 140% of the day’s requirement of this vitamin so essential for maintaining healthy skin, connective tissue, and a strong immune system. If you’re not eating five to seven servings of fruits and vegetables each day, you may not be getting enough vitamin C. Some experts now believe that people need more than the recommended daily requirement of this vitamin, and kohlrabi is a good way to get it.
Health Benefits of Kohlrabi: It’s a Good Source of Fiber
Most Americans aren’t getting enough fiber in their diets. A serving of kohlrabi provides five grams of soluble fiber – the kind that’s important for heart health. Most people need from twenty-five to thirty-five grams of fiber per day based on age and sex, and a serving of kohlrabi supplies almost a fifth of that amount.
Health Benefits of Kohlrabi: It’s a Good Source of Potassium
A full cup of raw kohlrabi has 450 mg. of potassium, one of the most important minerals in the body. Potassium is important for proper functioning of every cell in the body and is critical for muscle contractions and controlling the heartbeat. It also helps to lower blood pressure. Studies have shown that a potassium rich diet can also reduce blood pressure in those who are hypertensive. With its high levels of potassium and fiber, kohlrabi is a good choice for anyone seeking a healthier heart.
Health Benefits of Kohlrabi: Other Benefits
Kohlrabi is also a good source of B vitamins as well as magnesium – another mineral important for normalizing blood pressure. Magnesium is also important for a healthy heart and strong bones.
A quick Internet search will reveal a variety of recipes for preparing this healthful veggie. Why not enjoy its taste and do something good for your body at the same time?
References:
http://www.nutritiondata.com
