13 Surprising Health Benefits of Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi health benefits includes  supporting healthy digestion, promoting weight loss, providing energy to the body, fighting cancer, fighting free radicals, slowing down aging process, fighting diabetes and managing blood pressure. Other benefits includes anemia prevention, supporting healthy eyes, boosting metabolism, providing the body with needed nutrition and reducing C-Reactive protein

What is Kohlrabi?

Kohlrabi is a German word; Kohl means cabbage and rabi mean turnip. Kohlrabi is a vegetable developed by the 16^th century from the marrow cabbage. A botanist mentions the 1^st records of Kohlrabi in 1554. It was quite a popular vegetable in Germany, Italy, Spain and the Mediterranean. Kohlrabi has been developed in the cooler climates, In America by the 1800’s, in England by 1837 and in Ireland 1734. This is an easy-to-grow garden vegetable which grows in abundance when planted. It is an acquired taste and is eaten only in limited quantities.

There are two kinds grown in America, The white and the purple one. In Europe, there are fancy kinds of Kohlrabi grown for Decoration. The tender leaves can be eaten raw, and the stem is cooked as a vegetable. Some kinds are grown for stock feed as well. Kohlrabi should be planted during mid summers to reap a fall harvest. The seedlings should be thinned two to five inches apart. For a good harvest, keep the weeds out of the plants and water well.

It is a delicious vegetable with a taste almost like the turnip, but sweeter and milder. It is packed full of nutrients that are beneficial in protecting the body and mind from diseases and the effects of an unhealthy lifestyle. Here are 13 reasons why Kohlrabi should be an addition to your garden and your daily diet.

13 Surprising Health Benefits of Kohlrabi

1. Healthy Digestion

A healthy digestive system is the most important factor in maintaining an overall healthy body. Cruciferous vegetables such as Kohlrabi are extremely high in fiber which is essential, efficient digestion. Fiber found in Kohl rabi improves the health of the gastrointestinal system by ensuring adequate and regular bowel movements, elimination of constipation and bloating. A clean digestive system ensures that the body extracts nutrients efficiently from the food that we consume.

2. Weight Loss

Plant-based foods are the best weight loss foods. Cabbages, mustard and Brussel sprouts along with Kohlrabi are fiber-rich foods, They help the body stay fuller for longer and help break down the fats in foods quicker and maintain a healthy digestive system. Kohlrabi can be added to meals as a side dish as well which will help in preventing excessive snacking. Healthy weight loss is the right way to lose weight and adding vegetables such as Kohlrabi is very helpful.

3. Source Of Energy

Potassium is one of the key ingredients that the body require to function properly. It helps with muscle and nerve behavior which keeps the energy levels in the body up and keeps it consistent. Kohlrabi is an excellent source of potassium, that helps maintain heart function and is necessary for smooth muscle contraction.

4. Anti-Cancer

Much like other cruciferous vegetables, Kohlrabi also contains glucosinolates that are compounds with strong anti-cancer properties. Glucosinates are sulfur-based compounds that are responsible for the odor and pepper flavor of certain vegetables. Glucosinolates are responsible for chemical reactions that form biologically active compounds such as indoles and isothiocyanates. These compounds cause apoptosis (cell death) in cancerous cells. These compounds also prevent cell mutations that often lead to cancer. Eating Kohlrabi on a regular basis has shown to reduce the risk of mouth and lung cancer to a great extent.

5. Antioxidants

Antioxidants are responsible for protecting the body from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Kohlrabi contains isothiocyanates, anthocyanins, and carotenoids which are potent antioxidants. They protect different parts of the body from long-term damage and prevent cell mutations that may cause cancer.

6. Anti-Aging

Kohlrabi along with its antioxidant properties is also a source of vitamin C; it provides up to 62mg of vitamin C per 100grams of serving. Vitamin C is an immunity booster that strengthens the body from within and promotes collagen production in the body. It helps slow down the aging process and prevents the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging. A healthy body entails a healthy and glowing skin.

7. Anti-diabetic

Diabetes is like an epidemic affecting thousands of people in the world. Prevention through a good diet and controlling spikes in blood sugar level is the key to maintaining a healthy diabetes-free life. Kohlrabi contains high polyphenols and glucosinolates that are anti-inflammatory and affect diabetes negatively. Purple Kohlrabi has comparatively stronger diabetes-fighting abilities than the green kind.

8. Managing Blood Pressure

Potassium acts as a vasodilator that protects the body from spikes in blood pressure; it helps ease the tension in arteries and blood vessels that ensures an adequate flow of blood. The increased blood circulation helps in oxygenation which contributes to protecting vital organs of the body.

9. Anemia Prevention

Kohlrabi is an excellent source of iron and folates that are essential to keep the blood count up and prevent anemia. Especially for women who are expecting to have an iron-rich diet helps protect the baby from neural tube disorders and ensures a healthy and safe delivery.

10. Healthy Eyes

A healthy diet can help keep the eyes healthy for a long time and prevent the effects of age and such. Kohlrabi contains carotenoids which are very beneficial for eyes health and prevent a problem such as glaucoma, cataracts and other vision issues.

11. Metabolism Boost

A healthy metabolism ensures adequate muscle regeneration and helps your body function. Kohlrabi is a treasure of B vitamins that are known to increase the metabolic rate in the body. Vitamin B causes an enzymatic reaction that ensures proper muscle function in the body.

12. Nutrition

Kohlrabi is a powerhouse of nutrients, 2.6 grams of protein, 4.9 grams of fiber, 83.7 milligrams of vitamin C, 472 milligrams of potassium, 62milligrams of phosphorus, 22mg of folate, .1 grams of thiamine and 32 mg of calcium per 1cup of serving.

13. Reduces C-Reactive Protein

Kohlrabi is rich in carotenoids, which control the C – reactive protein in the blood. C reactive protein is an indicator of inflammation in the body; it is produced in the liver, and its access is harmful. Kohl Rabi reduces inflammation in the body and prevents diseases such as arthritis and other diseases. The high water content in this vegetable helps regulate blood in the body and fight off infections and other inflammation-causing elements.

Bottom Line

The phytochemical content of Kohlrabi makes it a powerhouse of health fighting elements. It helps fight off cancer, acidosis, and Asthma; it is especially beneficial in reducing the risk of breast and prostate cancer. Kohlrabi does not contain any known allergens and can be eaten without any problems. Consuming kohlrabi regularly can help the body stay healthy and prevent diseases.