Turnips are part of the same family as Brussels sprouts, kale and cabbage and they supply a vitamin and mineral packed punch the same as their tasty cousins. Although turnip bulbs are eaten more commonly, the leafy greens of the turnip contain a great deal more nutritional benefits.

Turnip roots are a wonderful snack or addition to salads as they are very low in calories (28 per 100 grams) and are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. One hundred grams of raw turnip root provide 35% of your vitamin C daily requirement. Vitamin C helps your body produce collagen, an important component in healthy tissue growth as well as protects your body from cancer-causing free radical damage.

Turnip greens are full of vitamin K and many of the B-complex vitamins. They also contain high amounts of vitamin C, A, lutein and carotenoids xanthins which all work as powerful antioxidants. Fresh turnip greens also provide a good supply of the minerals iron, copper, calcium and manganese.