Parsnip: health benefits and harms

Parsnip is a culture with a pleasant smell, in addition, it tastes sweet. Due to the rich vitamin and mineral composition, this product has found application in the culinary field, traditional medicine and cosmetology. The useful and harmful qualities of this root crop have been studied by specialists in the field of medicine and proper nutrition.

The healing characteristics of the parsnip have been known since ancient times. Then healers used such a plant to treat digestive tract disorders, renal colic, as well as male sexual weakness. Despite the fact that many new drugs and innovative treatment methods have appeared at present, interest in natural remedies has not decreased. On the contrary, the use of medicinal herbs for therapeutic purposes is supported by official medicine. Popularly, this plant is also called a “clerk” or “field borsch”

What does parsnip look like and where does it grow

The clerk is a plant that is a representative of Umbrellas, also known as white carrots. The land of the culture in length can reach 2 meters. The root stalk has a straight stem; on thin branches there are long and large leaves. The flowers of the plant are represented by complex umbrellas with a yellow color.

The fruits of the culture are greenish-yellow achenes. At the ripening stage, each fruit is divided into two parts, each of which contains a seed. The underground part of the vegetable has a cone-shaped cream color. Outwardly, it resembles ordinary carrots. The dimensions of such a “carrot” are 10–25 cm.

The historical homeland of the plant is the Caucasus. But today it is widely cultivated in European countries, in Asia and America. Parsnip vegetables grow well on almost all soils. He is completely unpretentious. In order for the plant to yield a good harvest, it is enough that the earth is carefully dug up.

What is the difference between parsnip and celery

Both of these plants belong to the category of “white fruits”, they are well stored all winter, while retaining all their healing qualities. Celery and parsnip differ in chemical composition. So, for example, celery is enriched with carbohydrates. Of the minerals found here are K, Mg, Ca, Zn, P, Na, Fe. The constant consumption of this product allows you to increase vitality, have a rejuvenating effect on the body. Celery root is effective for constipation and in the fight against overweight, since the presence of sufficient fiber in it inhibits the feeling of hunger.

Parsnip is also saturated with carotene, many vitamin oils and mineral components. For example, a high concentration of potassium in its composition is important for the heart muscle. In addition, this root crop provides the removal of excess water from the body, has a beneficial effect on the central nervous system. Another advantage of this product is that it is useful for patients with diabetes, because it contains fructose and sucrose, which does not harm this group of patients. Parsnip is also characterized by analgesic and expectorant action.

It is difficult to determine which of these products is more useful, since each of them is useful in its own way and is necessary under certain conditions of the human body.

Composition and calorie content

To find out what characteristics a parsnip has, you need to study its composition.The combination of useful compounds in it is selected by nature itself. So, it contains such biologically active elements as pectins, proteins, starch, fiber, essential oils, B-group vitamins, as well as tocopherol, ascorbic acid, glycosides, etc.

The mineral series is represented by Mg, Ca, Na, Mn, K, Se, Zn, Cu, Fe. All of these substances have a positive effect on the human body.

The calorie content of the culture is only 75 calories per 100 g of vegetable.

What is useful parsnip

General benefit

Healing qualities are possessed by all parts of the companion: seeds, root and leaves. But the root crop has the greatest benefit. In parsnip there is octylbutyl ether, which gives the vegetable a bright and specific smell. In addition, this plant has furocoumarins. They contribute to the active influence of ultraviolet radiation on the dermis, which makes it possible to use such a plant with vitiligo.

The companion is also characterized by a diuretic, sedative, antioxidant, analgesic, expectorant and immunostimulating effect. The product allows you to normalize the digestion of food. The main advantage of this vegetable is that with regular consumption, blood glucose and cholesterol levels normalize.

The constant inclusion of this ingredient in food allows you to cleanse the body of toxins, strengthen the walls of blood vessels, regulate the production of digestive enzymes, which makes it possible to improve appetite and speed up metabolism. Due to its low calorie content, the product is considered a dietary dish and can be used for weight loss. However, if there is an ulcer, the use of such a culture in food should be discarded.

In addition, white carrots are necessary for the respiratory organs. This vegetable is indicated for patients with asthma and bronchitis. It is also used to detect pulmonary tuberculosis and emphysema.

The presence of vitamin C suggests that the plant is able to strengthen the protective function of the body, reducing the likelihood of developing diseases. If you still have symptoms of a cold, you can use the infusion of parsnip root to relieve all manifestations of the disease and cure the cough.

Another advantage of this product is the ability to destroy kidney stones and remove sand with urine. The culture has anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, products prepared on the basis of white carrots will help to cope with urethritis, cystitis, prostatitis. You can use it even in the case of the development of inflammatory processes in the female reproductive system.

For women

The clerk contains various essential oils that stimulate the synthesis of gastric juice, which ensures fast digestion of food. This property, as well as a low calorie index, allows you to consume such a vegetable during weight loss.

White fetus affects hormonal balance. Certain biologically active elements in the product provide the formation of enzymes that stimulate the production of certain hormones. This allows you to tone the body, as well as increase overall performance.

Also for the beautiful half of humanity, white carrots are also useful in that it helps in the fight against the first wrinkles. The leaves of this plant should be included in vegetable salads, seasoning them with any vegetable oils. This property of the culture is explained by the fact that the vegetable provides the production of collagen, which is so necessary for the skin.

For men

It is known that representatives of the stronger sex are much more likely to encounter diseases of the cardiovascular system. Parsnip is also high in potassium, which works as a vasodilator. So, when consuming a companion, blood pressure normalizes, and veins and arteries are not drawn in. This allows you to reduce the load on the CCC. In addition, folate was found in the composition of this vegetable, which helps to reduce the level of homocysteine ​​in the body. It should be noted that an excess of this substance causes various pathologies of the heart.

The culture is characterized by anti-inflammatory action.It contains an active compound that will help find and suppress colon cancer cells.

Interestingly, the product affects the male hormonal system. The fact is that it contains components that stimulate the functioning of the excretory glands. The essential oils in it are an effective aphrodisiac. There are many recipes that guarantee an increase in libido.

During pregnancy

It is useful to use parsnip when bearing a fetus. This is because it has a lot of folic acid, which helps reduce the likelihood of developing neural tube disorders in babies. Also, such a vegetable can prevent the development of iron deficiency anemia, since it contains iron, vitamins B9 and C. All these substances are needed for the production of blood and the prevention of anemia.

When breastfeeding

It is recommended to use a white root in the diet of young mothers. Such a product is saturated with vitamins and minerals, which are so necessary for a woman after the birth of a child. For example, in this culture, there is folate, which is useful for the prevention of postpartum depression in women. When lactating, you can eat only heat-treated vegetables. They must be boiled, steamed or baked.

For kids

The root crop is enriched with antioxidants and various organic substances that protect the body from many diseases. Compounds like Vitamin C and E help neutralize disease. Ascorbic acid provides the formation of white blood cells, which act as the main defense of the body. White blood cells also provide collagen formation - the main builder of the blocks of the human body.

As already mentioned, in this culture contains a lot of calcium, as well as magnesium, which is responsible for the absorption of the first substance. Regular consumption of such a vegetable helps to maintain healthy teeth and bones.

When losing weight

Since the white root is a product with a low degree of calorie content, it can be included in the diet with dietary nutrition, without fear for the figure. It contains elements that activate metabolic processes, which allows you to accelerate the breakdown of fats.

Also, the vegetable due to the diuretic properties can remove excess fluid from the body. With the use of parsnips, you can even spend fasting days. To do this, all day you can eat about 1 kg of vegetable in boiled or stewed form.

Parsnip in traditional medicine

There are a number of healing products that can easily be made at home. However, it should be borne in mind that parsnip, like any other herbal preparation, is effective in combination with another type of treatment.

1. So, from white carrots you can get a composition with an expectorant property. It will help eliminate the cough, which is often present with bronchitis and laryngitis. In this case, you need dried leaves of the culture. Need 2 tbsp. pour raw materials with a glass of hot water and insist about half an hour. Ready broth can be drunk, and also gargle with it.
2. To make a choleretic infusion, you need to grind the root of the culture, 1 tbsp. slurry pour 1.5 cups of boiled water and place the mixture in a water bath for half an hour. Such a drug is taken in 2 tbsp. before meals, so that the medicine works.
3. From the dry roots of the companion, you can get an external pain medication that will help quickly relieve pain with bruises, abrasions and sprains. To do this, you must first grind the root of asthenia, and then take 3 tbsp. the resulting mass and pour it with boiling water. Next, put the parsnip on a gauze napkin and apply in the form of a compress to the affected area.
4. To maintain a normal level of sexual activity, you can prepare a very simple elixir. You just need to mix the parsnip squeeze with parsley juice in a ratio of 2: 1. Such a drink to drink 1 tsp. before eating. At night, increase the dose of such a drug to 1 tbsp. Such prevention should be carried out within a month. This will restore potency.
5. To normalize digestion, you can use a fairly simple recipe. So, you need to pour 1 tbsp. dry leaves 500 ml of water. Cover the container with herbal mixture and cook for 10 minutes. Next, allow the mixture to cool for two hours, after which it is filtered. Such a healing composition will be effective if you drink it 20 minutes before eating. A whole week you need to drink 50 ml of decoction, in the second week, double the dose of such a drug and drink 100 ml of herbal drink.
6. With urolithiasis, a decoction should be prepared. To do this, it is necessary to obtain powder from the dried parsnip foliage, then pour 1 tbsp. bulk substance 250 ml of hot water. Next, cook the mass for about 15 minutes, and then filter. The resulting broth drink 1 tbsp. three times a day.
7. The white root can cope with anemia. At the same time, the vegetable must be chopped by grating. Then mix 2 tbsp. natural component with 1 liter of milk. In this case, first bring the milk product to a boil, and then add white carrots. Wrap a container with a healing composition in a warm towel and insist 5-6 hours. Keep this product in a cool place. For medicinal purposes, infusion of 50 ml before meals for two days. Then take a break for two days, after which the treatment is repeated again. The course of therapy is 30 days.
8. To cure depression, you can prepare a tincture. To do this, take 0.5 cups of chopped root vegetables, place it in a container with a volume of 1 liter, pour 500 ml of vodka. Close the jar with a lid. In this form, the container should stand in a dark place for a month. After 30 days, filter the mixture and drink 1 tsp. 3 times during the day.
9. To obtain a mixture intended for the treatment of intestines and kidneys, you need to grind fresh leaves. So, for 1 tbsp. raw materials need 400 ml of boiling water. First, pour the leaves with water, and then cook for about 10 minutes. After that, give the mass a little insist. Then filter the broth, and then drink 50 ml three times a day, gradually increasing the dosage to 70 ml. Take such a decoction should be three weeks.

Can parsnips be used for diabetes and pancreatitis?

Parsnip is useful for type 2 diabetes. The product normalizes the level of glucose in the blood, improves the functioning of the nervous system and the brain, strengthens the immune system, enhances skin renewal and normalizes the digestive tract. A vegetable strengthens the walls of blood vessels and peripheral capillaries, which prevents the occurrence of diabetic angiopathy. Therefore, the patient’s body is protected from irreversible changes in the retina and the development of complications such as diabetic foot.

A high level of potassium in the root crop has a firming effect on the heart muscle, allows you to remove water from the body and reduces blood pressure. This helps to prevent the development of hypertension and atherosclerosis, as well as the consequences of a sugar illness such as stroke and heart attack.

A decoction based on a white root is characterized by a tonic property, effectively copes with a breakdown and chronic fatigue, which is often encountered by patients in this category. Reception of such a herbal remedy allows you to regain strength and increase muscle tone.

In diabetes, parsnip is used as an immunostimulant. This product perfectly strengthens the immune system, protecting the patient's body not only from the common cold, but also from various viral diseases. This is also very important in case of a failure of carbohydrate metabolism, since an increase in the level of glucose in the blood disrupts the activity of the immune system.

Positively affects the product on the endocrine system. So, it allows you to normalize the activity of the glands, including the pancreas. This makes it possible to enhance insulin synthesis and improve glucose uptake.

The white root will help to establish the pancreas with its inflammation. So, with pancreatitis, it is recommended to cook porridge from a companion. To prepare it, you need to grate the root crop and grate it and pour 500 ml of boiling milk. Then simmer the mass over low heat for three minutes. Porridge is ready. This dish is good for breakfast.After eating it for three hours, it is not recommended to eat anything. If you cook such a treat for breakfast during the week, there will be no problems with the pancreas.

Parsnip preparations

A culture such as parsnip is also popular in the pharmaceutical field as a medicine. Based on the extract from this plant, some preparations are made:

1. "Beroxan" - used to treat vitiligo and various other skin diseases, also helps with baldness.
2. "Pastinacin" - tablets with analgesic effects, in addition, are used for coronary insufficiency.
3. "Epigalin" is a drug for the treatment of hyperplasia, prostate, diseases of the ovaries, mammary glands and uterine endometrium.

All these drugs can only be prescribed by your doctor. Uncontrolled use of them will harm the body and lead to serious side effects.

Application in cosmetology

White root vegetable is used not only as a medicine in medicine, but also in cosmetology, helping to solve problems with dermis. There are many recipes that have healing properties.

1. For example, for the treatment of vitiligo or acne, a remedy should be prepared. In this case, place half of the large root in a bowl with 500 ml of water. Cook the mixture for 10 minutes, and then strain immediately. Cool the prepared broth to room temperature and apply to wipe the face. Such a tool will help relieve inflammation and reduce acne.
2. To prepare the anti-wrinkle composition, you will need to take white carrots, peel it and finely grate it. Mix this slurry with 1 tsp. vegetable oil, one egg yolk and 1 tsp. natural honey. Heat the mixture by placing it in a warm place. After 60 minutes, apply the finished mask to the face. The mixture is valid for 20 minutes, after which it is washed off with warm water. This will smooth wrinkles, give the skin freshness and youth.
3. To get a remedy for hair loss, you need to squeeze the juice from the root crop and rub the resulting fluid into the scalp. The mass on the head should be about 15-20 minutes. Then rinse your head with nettle broth. Repeating this procedure is recommended every time you wash your hair. The course of treatment is at least 30 procedures.

Poper's essential oil is also characterized by many useful qualities. So, this tool is used as an antiseptic, it dries up inflammation and helps smooth out small wrinkles. In addition, this oil is used for anti-cellulite massage. Also, such a plant component is used for acne. In this case, acne is cauterized.

Masks made from fresh gruel of parsnip or essential oil of this product are used to cleanse the dermis with acne.

The use of parsnip in cooking

White carrots are widely used not only in medicine and cosmetology, but also in the culinary field. Such an original product is an integral part of many dishes, salads and sauces. In this case, not only the rhizome is used, but also the aerial part of the popovnik.

The root of the culture is included in the recipes for the manufacture of first courses. It is also included in side dishes for stewing meat. In addition, this product is used in a fresh state - it is added to salads, made from it for the winter, dried to obtain spices. Leaves of culture are also included in salads, soups.

Vegetables are rarely prepared as a separate dish. Usually it is a spice in various dishes. They are served not only with soups and side dishes, but also with desserts.

Harm and contraindications

Despite the fact that the white root crop is characterized by a number of advantages, there are still certain contraindications that must be taken into account.

A contraindication to the use of this product is a severe degree of urolithiasis, serious kidney diseases, severe disorders of the nervous system, a high susceptibility of the dermis to the ultraviolet exposure to the sun (parsnip only increases it, which can cause a burn that will require treatment).

Preparations with such a plant can harm a weakened body. They should not be taken by children, as well as the elderly.

When to clean and how to store parsnips

For harvesting, root crops that do not have any external damage should be selected.

The plant is harvested in late autumn, when there is a maximum level of nutrients in it. In this case, the vegetable is carefully removed from the soil.

If you have to store the product fresh, it should be folded in boxes with moistened sand and placed in the basement.

You can also dry such a crop. To do this, cut each vegetable into strips and place on a baking sheet, which is sent to the oven for 20 minutes. The temperature of the device should be 50 degrees. Finished raw materials are stored in glass containers with a hermetically sealed lid. This method will save all the useful elements in it.

To prepare the stems and foliage of white carrots, the collection must be carried out at the flowering stage. The collected raw materials should be decomposed and dried in the open air. Dried plant stems are stored in a tightly closed container. In the same period, the collection of parsnip seeds is carried out. They need to be placed in a glass jar. You can store seeds up to 3 years.

What can be prepared from parsnip: recipes

Mashed potatoes

White carrot puree will appeal to children, because the vegetable has a delicate and sweet flavor. To make such a dish, you need to peel 0.5 kg of vegetable and cut into small pieces. Next, place the product in a small bowl, pour milk so that it is completely drowned in liquid. Cook the mass over low heat for no more than 10 minutes. If the parsnip has become soft, it is ready. Now pour the milk into a separate container, and crush the popovnik using a blender. At the same time, gradually add milk to get the dish of the desired consistency. After this mashed potatoes need only salt and pepper.

Borscht

To cook borsch with parsnip, you must first cook the broth of 250 g of pork ribs. While the meat is being cooked, peel the same amount of potatoes and cut them into cubes. Next, grate 1 beetroot, carrot and parsnip. Send these ingredients to fry using vegetable oil. Also peel 1 onion, cut it and send to the pan to the rest of the vegetables. After that, add a small amount of pepper, salt and a few cloves of garlic. Pour potatoes into the prepared broth. When it becomes soft, add 100 g of cabbage, fried vegetables. Then continue cooking for another 25 minutes.

Salad

To get a salad, peel and grate 1 white carrot on a coarse grater, peel the apple, peel the seeds, and cut into thin cubes. Next, mix the ingredients, sprinkle 4 g of citric acid and season with 1 tbsp. mayonnaise. At the bottom of the plate put a sheet of salad, then the finished dish, and sprinkle with parsley on top.

Interesting Facts

1. If you add sugar to parsnip, you get a product with an appetizing effect.
2. Scientists could not determine who first discovered the properties of a vegetable. So, the seeds were found in Switzerland when excavating the site of an ancient man. At the same time, parsnip or a plant similar to it was found in the diet of the Incan Peruvian Indians.
3. For the emperor Tiberius, culture was cultivated quite far from the Eternal City - in the German colonies. This is due to the fact that the fruits grown in the northern regions were much tastier.
4. Until the 19th century, parsnip played an important role in the nutrition of Europeans.But with the discovery of previously unknown plants, such as turnips, rutabaga, white carrots became undeservedly forgotten. The exception is the UK. There and to this day on the table you can often see this root crop. It is served in boiled form for meat, jam and even alcoholic beverages are prepared from it.

Parsnip root photo