Rutabaga: health benefits and harms

Such a vegetable as rutabaga is quite rare on the table, but still it has its followers who are used to including it in various dishes. Outwardly, this root crop is not at all remarkable, but this does not affect its characteristics in any way. But the benefits of swede for the human body are invaluable. Since ancient times, people have used it for medicinal purposes, since the product has a number of properties that can cure various ailments.

Useful and harmful qualities of rutabaga are interesting to connoisseurs of alternative medicine and lovers of unusual products. Otherwise, rutabaga is called Swedish turnip. This vegetable will help to cope with many diseases, but before using it, you should know how to use it correctly.

What is rutabaga and how it looks

Rutabaga is a vegetable belonging to the Cabbage family. It is presented in the form of a two-year-old plant, which consists of a root crop and a deciduous part located above the soil. The vegetable is characterized by an oval or round shape, looks more like a turnip, only slightly larger. The root peel has a green or red-violet color depending on the species. The flesh may be white, yellow or pale orange.

It should be noted that white rutabaga has a more coarse structure, therefore it is a feed crop, while yellow varieties are used in the culinary sphere. By its origin, it is a hybrid product obtained by crossing turnips with white cabbage.

As for the territorial origin of the vegetable, this question remains open. So, some scientists believe that Sweden is the birthplace of rutabaga, while other researchers suggest that such a delicacy was imported from the Mediterranean.

By taste characteristics, we can say that the root crop resembles both turnips and cabbage at the same time. Raw vegetable has a rich aroma, juicy rutabaga pulp is somewhat sweeter than turnips. In boiled form, the product tastes more like ordinary potatoes.

Kinds

There are six types of plants that are approved for use:

1. Krasnoselskaya rutabaga is a mid-early culture. The vegetable has a gray-green color with shades of purple. It has a flat-rounded shape and yellow sugar flesh.
2. The rutabaga “Children's love” also belongs to mid-early varieties, the vegetation period of which is on average 3 months. The root crop is oval-rounded. Recommended for fresh use. The pulp has a creamy yellow color, is quite juicy and dense.
3. "Hera" is a mid-season crop with anthocyanin root crops. The vegetable has a rounded shape. It has good taste.
4. The rutabaga "Novgorod" is characterized by a long shelf life, which allows it to be used throughout the winter. The fruit is characterized by a rounded elongated shape and juicy pulp of yellow color. This variety matures 4 months after emergence. The product is used fresh, and its processing is allowed.
5. The variety "Bright Dream" is presented in the form of oval, yellowish-green fruits. Also well kept throughout the winter. Used in fresh and processed form.
6. Verey swede is presented in the form of a flat-round root. Her pulp is very juicy, has a yellow color. Maturity occurs 3 months after the formation of seedlings.

From this it follows that there are quite few varieties of this culture. This is due to the fact that the product is grown and consumed in small quantities. Although before it was considered one of the popular vegetables, along with the usual turnip.

Rutabaga and turnip: what is the difference

Rutabaga and turnip are 2 root crops that are similar both in color and in the shape of the fruit and in taste. Yet they are different vegetables.

Both cultures are characterized by many healing qualities, saturated with a large number of useful elements and various vitamins, are popular among gardening enthusiasts. They are characterized by early maturity and resistance to cold. You can use them fresh, as well as stew or stuff.

Despite the fact that these plants are very similar in appearance, they are still different.

As for the shape of rutabaga, it depends on the cultivated variety. So, a vegetable may have a round, cylindrical or slightly flattened shape. The top of the leafy part above the ground is gray or brown in color, and the lower part is yellow. Also, the root crop is distinguished by a delicate pulp of orange color.

Turnip, on the other hand, has a round-flat shape, both inside and outside, it has a golden yellow color. The weight of one turnip is from 50 g to 0.5 kg, rutabaga - from 0.3 kg to 2 kg, depending on the variety. According to the taste characteristics, rutabaga is presented in the form of something average between cabbage and turnip, and turnip is slightly sweeter than cabbage stalk.

Regarding the chemical composition, we can say that turnip has a high level of calcium, vitamins A, PP, and the presence of succinic acid.

Rutabaga is distinguished by a high content of potassium, sulfur, phosphorus, iron and ascorbic acid. Also, this vegetable is more nutritious and nutritious.

Composition and calorie content

Such a delicacy as rutabaga in its nutritional properties and balanced composition can surpass many of its brethren. In the composition of this product, a special place is occupied by substances of starchy origin and natural saccharides. By the amount of vitamin C, the root crop is ahead even of citrus fruits and some berries. Only a little is it inferior to cranberries in its level in its composition. The main benefit of this substance in swede is that over time and during heat treatment it does not break down. Therefore, the product is able to bring great benefits to the human body.

Organic acids, mono- and disaccharides, and dietary fiber were also found in the culture. Almost 90 percent of the product consists of water. The mineral composition of the goodies is also rich. So, here we can distinguish the following elements: Na, Mg, P, Fe, Ca, K. Of the vitamins in the composition of the plant component, a special place is occupied by the B-group, namely riboflavin, thiamine, pyridoxine, folic acid. Also found here are tocopherol, niacin.

The calorie content of the root crop is 37 kcal per 100 g.

Useful properties of swede

General benefit

Adherents of good nutrition regularly introduce rutabaga fruits into their menu in order to enrich the body with mineral components, vitamins and other valuable substances.

1. The root crop is characterized by a low fat content, but at the same time, it contains a sufficient amount of dietary fiber that can activate digestive processes. As a result of consumption of the product, intestinal peristalsis improves and normal microflora is restored.
2. This plant component will protect a person from the development of obesity, will be the prevention of constipation and diarrhea. Some components of the vegetable are included in medications intended for the treatment of lung and rectal cancer.
3. Swede is also necessary in order to protect the heart and blood vessels. This plant product is especially appreciated in that it contains various vitamin B substances that are necessary for the reproductive system.Rutabaga is considered a natural aphrodisiac that can enhance sexuality.
4. Regular consumption of vegetables helps to remove excess fluid from the body. This leads to the fact that swelling subsides, metabolic processes improve, and blood circulation in the body also improves.
5. As you know, every month a woman's body loses a lot of iron, as a result of which a decrease in hemoglobin level is observed. Rutabaga contains a sufficient amount of iron that can normalize hemoglobin, relieve dizziness, weakness and pain in the lower abdomen.
6. It should also be noted the presence of calcium and phosphorus in this root crop. These minerals are essential for the normal functioning of bones, teeth and nails. A vegetable is characterized by an optimal volume of these substances, therefore, it is able to cover the daily need for them for both children and adults.
7. Useful is not only the pulp of the fetus, but also its squeezing. Freshly squeezed drink is characterized by a bactericidal and anti-inflammatory property. Thus, rutabaga juice allows you to disinfect the oral cavity, as a prevention of caries and bleeding gums.
8. The external use of plant material in the form of slurry is also known. Lotions with the addition of mashed sweets heal and disinfect wounds, treat burns and various purulent formations. Rutabaga is a vegetable that has regenerative characteristics. This allows you to use it in the treatment of various dermatological ailments.
9. With regular consumption, the root crop strengthens the protective functions of the body, prevents the development of vitamin deficiency.
10. It is worth noting the diuretic effect of such a plant component. This feature of the culture is useful for people who have a tendency to swelling. In addition, the plant helps to treat diseases of the respiratory system, as it removes sputum from the respiratory organs.
11. It is recommended to include the product in the diet for the prevention of cancer. Rutabaga contains a lot of antioxidants, so it is good for health by preventing the development of malignant tumors.

For women

The benefit of the studied root crop for the female body is, first of all, in the presence of iron. Use such a product in the diet should be with heavy and painful menstruation. The vegetable will make up for blood loss, and will also prevent the development of anemia and weakness. In addition, the plant is able to strengthen the immune system. This will help women to protect themselves from colds.

Vegetables can also be used to treat inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary sphere, as well as with a tendency to form edema. So, a culture can not only have a diuretic effect, but also eliminate the unpleasant symptoms of inflammation.

Since the vegetable is high in vitamins, it will help maintain a good mood, as well as cope with stress.

For men

Periodic consumption of rutabaga allows you to maintain male health and protect the genitourinary system from inflammation. Its benefit lies in the fact that against the background of the introduction of the component into food, prostatitis develops much less often in men.

A high level of potassium in the composition of the vegetable is also able to benefit the male body. Thus, the root crop strengthens blood vessels and prevents the development of atherosclerosis. This leads to the fact that representatives of the stronger sex are less likely to develop cardiovascular diseases.

Useful components of the product will help to strengthen health with vitamin deficiency. The inclusion of the product in food is indicated for athletes. This will increase stamina, as well as energy reserves. In addition, oxygen will be restored to all body tissues.

During pregnancy

Rutabaga can also benefit pregnant women. First of all, it should be noted that this product is practically not able to provoke nausea. During the period of gestation, the vegetable is useful in that it allows you to deal with edema, which often develops in most women.

Ascorbic acid, found in swede, can protect the body of a future mother from a cold. B-group vitamins have a beneficial effect on the developing fetus. While waiting for the baby, women often suffer from constipation. Rutabaga will be able to solve such a delicate problem, as it has a mild laxative effect.

During the expectation of the baby, it is better to use the root crop in boiled or stewed form. Fresh vegetables contain a lot of fiber, which can cause flatulence and intestinal cramps.

When breastfeeding

Spinach root helps to recover faster after childbirth. Such a plant product saturates the body with various useful substances, vitamins, which help to establish digestion, improve intestinal motility, and also return a beautiful figure. However, such a component should be introduced into the diet only after the child is 3 months old. Otherwise, coarse dietary fiber contained in rutabaga can provoke flatulence and colic in a baby.

For kids

Stewed and boiled, the pulp of rutabaga beneficially affects the health of children, as it strengthens the immune system and restores normal digestion. Calcium with phosphorus ensures the correct formation of the skeletal system and the protection of teeth, while fiber prevents the development of constipation.

You can serve such a treat to children from 4 years old. This is due to the fact that the composition of the vegetable contains dietary fiber that cannot be absorbed by immature organisms at an earlier age. Even after 4 years, it is best to heat the root crop. This procedure will slightly reduce the level of fiber.

Despite the many positive properties, rutabaga still has certain contraindications. Therefore, before the first introduction of such a component, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician.

When losing weight

Swedish turnip is one of the best foods recommended by nutritionists. This is due to the fact that the root crop is low-calorie, and also a lot of fiber, vitamins and minerals are concentrated in it.

Such a vegetable can be included in the menu of people who seek to lose weight. The product provides the elimination of toxins from the body, restores intestinal motility.

Ladies who monitor their weight should use this root crop in their diet. It is a plant source of protein.

Rutabaga in folk medicine

With diabetes

As part of such a plant product, a high concentration of natural sugars was found. Therefore, the culture is prohibited for use when detecting a sugar disease. In extreme cases, you can try the delicacy in small portions, but first you should coordinate this with your doctor.

Important: Rutabaga glycemic index - 70 units.

For constipation

For chronic constipation, it is recommended that three times a week eat 200 g of swede, crushed to a mushy consistency. You can also cut the vegetable into slices and send to the oven. Baked product can be eaten every other day for 100 g.

In case of digestion

Rutabaga will also help with digestive disorders. In this case, peel the root crop and boil it. However, it is recommended that you add a small amount of olive oil and lemon juice to the water before boiling it. After such thermal exposure, the vegetable should be infused for another 30 minutes in the liquid in which it was cooked. It is necessary to use such a remedy when there are pains in the stomach, bloating and gas formation are observed.

With pneumonia

As already noted, the test product has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the lungs and respiratory tract. With pneumonia, squeeze the juice from one raw vegetable, mix it with cranberry or currant juice. The resulting product is drunk 4 times a day in an amount of 50 ml.

For arthritis

Rutabaga can cure arthritis. So, in the presence of an inflammatory process in the joints, you can use the recipe of traditional medicine, for which you need to mix rutabaga juice with natural honey. The vegetable must first be crushed in a blender, and then squeeze the juice through cheesecloth. Then combine 100 ml of the resulting drink with 1 tsp. liquid honey. The resulting composition should be taken 3 times a day. With the regular use of such a drug for 2 weeks, it will be possible to get rid of inflammation in the joints, relieve swelling and restore limb mobility. Also, such a complex can extend the period of remission.

With bronchitis

To cure bronchitis, you need a stronger remedy based on this vegetable. To do this, you need to cut and stew 500 g of root vegetables with the addition of 50 g of butter. Add the same amount of walnuts to the mixture. Next, pour 3 tbsp. natural honey. The mixture is simmered over low heat for a few more minutes, and then removed from the stove. The finished drug is eaten twice a day as a separate meal. Treatment last 10 days.

Is rutabaga juice good for you?

Lettered juice is an effective expectorant and diuretic. In addition, it is recommended for use in acute diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The composition of such a drink contains volatile, which have an antimicrobial effect. Thus, the product is indicated for external use in the treatment of dermatological pathologies, burns and purulent wounds.

For a long time, rutabaga juice has been used in folk medicine as an expectorant. Such a composition is useful in chronic diseases of the lungs and bronchi, a debilitating dry cough with sputum that is difficult to separate. In these cases, honey root juice is shown, for preparation of which it is necessary to peel a medium-sized vegetable and peel it with a meat grinder or blender. Next, add honey in the pulp at the rate of 2 parts of vegetable juice and 1 part of honey. Mix the mass thoroughly. Ready-to-use medicine to use 1 dessert spoon several times a day, regardless of meals.

In diseases of the heart and urinary system rutabaga juice will help cope with edema due to its diuretic effect.

It should also be noted the bactericidal properties of the drink based on this vegetable. This allows you to use it to treat burns and wounds.

Vegetable juice is contraindicated in diseases of the stomach and intestines, which occur in the acute phase, kidney pathologies. Excessive consumption of juice leads to increased gas formation in the intestine.

Rutabaga in cosmetology

Nourishing mask for the skin

To saturate the dermis with useful substances and moisturize it, you can prepare a healthy mask of rutabaga. To do this, you need to chop a small piece of root vegetables with a blender and mix with the same amount of homemade sour cream. Add 15 ml of cucumber juice and 10 g of honey to this mixture. Apply the resulting mask evenly with a dense layer to the skin of the face. The mask is valid for 20 minutes. It perfectly nourishes the skin tissue. This leads to the fact that all inflammatory processes are eliminated. Also, the pores are narrowed, the synthesis of subcutaneous fat is normalized.

You can use another recipe. At the same time, the root crop needs to be grated. Then mix 50 g of the obtained raw material with 15 ml of honey and 20 g of carrot juice. You will also need to mix 50 g of low-fat cottage cheese with the composition. Such a tool is distributed on the skin of the face. After 10-15 minutes, wash with cool water.

From skin pigmentation

To eliminate age spots, stimulate hair growth and get rid of dandruff, it is necessary to rub freshly squeezed swede juice into problem areas.

Root juice and pulp from vegetable pulp is recommended for irritated skin care, as well as for quick healing of wounds and cuts. It is quite simple to apply: it is only necessary to grind it to a mushy consistency, mix with vegetable oil, cream or sour cream. To apply such a simple complex of substances on the skin and stand for half an hour. Valuable substances of this compress provide a quick renewal of the dermis. This tool is also used in order to get rid of acne and blackheads.

With dandruff and hair loss

Vegetable can also be used for dandruff and hair loss. The benefit of this herbal product in this case is that it strengthens the weakened hair follicles. To achieve a positive effect, you need to mix 2 tbsp. squeezed root vegetables and 3 drops of lemon juice. Rub the resulting mixture regularly into the hair roots and let stand 30 minutes under a warm towel. Swedish turnip will help restore the health of the dermis of the head, eliminate dandruff and make hair stronger.

Harm and contraindications

It must be remembered that each product has certain contraindications, regardless of the number of positive properties. As for rutabaga, it should be noted that a high level of dietary fiber is concentrated in it. Therefore, if there are pathologies of the digestive tract, the root crop is contraindicated for use.

It is also important to know that this root vegetable belongs to cabbage. It follows that the abuse of such a product can lead to increased gas formation. Therefore, the use of the plant must be limited during pregnancy. At the same time, it is better to eat a treat in boiled or baked form. Also, such a component can be added to vegetable salads.

Not everyone can use rutabaga for therapeutic purposes. The product can not be used for individual intolerance, the presence of an inflammatory process in the bladder, gastritis and ulcer in the acute phase.

Coarse fibers in the root crop can irritate the inflamed mucous membranes of the digestive tract. With a tendency to heartburn, eat rutabaga with caution.

How to choose and store

For sale, the vegetable comes in raw form. To choose a quality product, there are several points to consider. First of all, you need to remember that you should pay attention to root crops with a smooth and hard surface. A vegetable should have several leaflets and fibrous roots.

Soft and damaged specimens should not be chosen, as they may be damaged inside.

If the fruits are very light, they are most likely empty or porous, and also have hard fibers. Such a product is sharp in taste and hardly anyone will like it.

Overripe rutabaga is characterized by a tart taste, and mid-ripe vegetables have a sweeter taste.

The plant product is stored in the refrigerator, in the vegetable department or in the cellar.

How to eat swede

To root vegetable in the form of rutabaga was useful for health, he needs some preparation before use. First you need to rinse it thoroughly. Next, cut off the top of the vegetable, divide the fruit into 2 parts with a knife and peel it.

Cut the pulp into slices and eat fresh. You can also cook such a vegetable until it becomes soft, stew or bake in the oven. The root crop goes well with other vegetables and meat dishes.

It is not recommended to eat rutabaga with skin, as this layer of vegetable is not suitable for use in food.

It is best to consume the product in the morning or afternoon. There will be no great harm from the evening reception of goodies, but this will lead to the fact that digestion processes are activated in the body. This, in turn, will cause insomnia.

What can be cooked from rutabaga: recipes

Salads

1. You can cook various dishes from rutabaga, for example, a fresh salad. To do this, chop fresh sliced ​​root vegetables and radishes in small slices. Next, cut ham into small pieces. Now add chopped greens with onions to these ingredients. After that, grind several pistachios until flour is formed and combine with the rest of the components. Season the salad with the sauce obtained from mayonnaise and mustard and serve.
2. To prepare another salad, it is necessary to grate medium root vegetables and carrots on a coarse grater, add a little raisins, walnuts. Use sour cream for dressing. Decorate the finished dish with fresh herbs.
3. Rutabaga is also part of another salad, for which you will also need apples. In this case, you will need to grate the vegetable, then pour it with boiling water, and then ice water. Now dry the root crop with paper towels. Then mix the rutabaga with the same amount of apples, chopped into thin strips. For dressing, sour cream is perfect, which should be pre-mixed with a small amount of lemon squeeze and chopped parsley.

Mashed potatoes

To obtain rutabag mashed potatoes you need to take 800 g of vegetable and cut it into small pieces. After that, place the product in a pan and pour hot water so that the treat is drowned in a liquid. Slightly salted, cook the root crop until soft. Then crush the rutabaga until mashed. Then add 100 g butter and 250 ml hot milk to the dish. If necessary, salt to taste. Serve a treat with fresh parsley.

Baked vegetable with egg

To cook rutabaga baked with an egg, you need to peel the root crop from the skin, add water and cook until half cooked. After that, cut the vegetable in any convenient way, salt and pepper. Next, the product is breaded in flour and fry in oil on both sides. Now mix the raw egg with sour cream. Pour the root mixture with the resulting mixture, sprinkle with grated cheese and send to the oven.

Porridge

From this vegetable you can cook porridge. To do this, you need 2 fruits of rutabaga, a pair of bulbs, 300 ml of milk, 1 tbsp. flour and the same amount of oil.

First you need to boil the fruits of this culture in water, grind until gruel is formed, and then add the onions, previously fried in oil. It remains only to pour milk and simmer over low heat for another 5 minutes, constantly stirring the porridge.

Interesting facts about rutabaga

1. In Tsarist Russia, such a vegetable was practically not grown. The product came to our region from Europe in the twentieth century. Initially, it was used in food with turnips.
2. There is an opinion that a writer like Goethe was very fond of rutabaga, and on his table were mainly dishes from it.
3. Every year in November in one of the towns of Switzerland a holiday is held, where this root crop is in the spotlight.
4. In Ireland and Britain, Halloween used turnips, beets, and rutabaga to get inside-glowing heads.

Photo of swede