Kohlrabi is a German term for cabbage turnip. It is known to belong to the cruciferous vegetable family just like cauliflower, cabbage, kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and collard greens. It is also a part of brassica family.
So what does kohlrabi taste like? The taste of kohlrabi is quite similar to a broccoli stem, but sweeter and milder. Some describe its taste as somewhere in between a mild cabbage, jicama and radish.
The whole kohlrabi plant is edible, except for its slender root. The kohlrabi you purchase are most likely to be half bulb and half greens. The edible bulb or stem can either be white, green or purple, depending on the variety. It is loaded with phytochemicals, that help prevent damages to the cells of the bodies and improve overall health.
Health Benefits
1. Bone Strength
Kohlrabi is high in iron, calcium and manganese. These are what your bones need to slow down the process of weakening bones as you get older. Preventing osteoporosis can be done when you are still young, so keep those calcium levels high.
2. Fights Cancer
Kohlrabi belong to the cancer-fighting family of cruciferous vegetables. Components of cruciferous vegetables are known for their ability to prevent the growth of cancer cells, including tumors of the breast, lung, endometrium, liver, cervix and colon.
3. Helps in Weight Loss Booster
Kohlrabi is a perfect diet vegetable, because high in fiber, low in calories and packed with beneficial nutrition. Fiber makes you feel full faster, so you can resist the urge to snack in between meals or overeat.
4. Improves Heart Health
A diet that is rich in Kohlrabi helps protect against cardiovascular disease. A study of individuals ranging in age from 25-74 years showed that there is an inverse association of vegetable and fruit intake with the risk of cardiovascular disease.
5. Indigestion
Kohlrabi is very useful in relieving indigestion. You can make a juice using kohlrabi, celery, green apples and carrot, which are calming to the digestive system.
6. Lowers Blood Pressure
Kohlrabi is loaded with vitamin C. Low levels of of vitamin C have been linked to high blood pressure. It has also been linked to stroke, gallbladder disease, and atherosclerosis and cancer.
7. Metabolism
Kohlrabi is rich in B-vitamins, many of which play important roles in enzymatic processes within the body. This important network of processes determines how efficient and functional your bodies are. Make sure to add B-vitamin-rich foods like kohlrabi to your weekly diet.
8. Vision Health
Kohlrabi is a good source of carotene and this includes beta carotene, which acts as an antioxidant compound in the body, most particularly in the ocular area.