Kohlrabi And Your Health
Honestly speaking, I have never really understood Kohlrabi.
Also called Knol Khol locally, this vegetable has hidden benefits that quite baffled me. I never knew that this ‘German Turnip’ was not really a turnip, but closely related to cabbage!
Firstly, the kohlrabi is rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that has the power to fight the common cold and boost up immunity. The other antioxidants are believed to have the ability to ward off diabetes and premature death.
The high fiber content of this veggie can protect your heart and also help you maintain a healthy bowel. A single cup of Kohlrabi can provide you with nearly 20% of your daily fiber need. Compounds called glucosinolates and isothiocyanates can open your blood vessels, allow for better flow of blood through the arteries, this improving overall heart health.
Kohrabi also contains B complex vitamins, particularly vitamin B6. This vitamin helps maintain the health of blood cells, preventing anemia. Vitamin B6 is also needed to keep your white blood cells in attention at all times, helping fight infections swiftly when bacteria or viruses attack.
At home, we generally have kohlrabi lightly sautéed with come chilli, mustard seeds and coconut. Personally, I love it and make sure I have it when it is in season. Come on, give it a try today!
Dr Vivek Baliga is a medical practitioner and the director of a diagnostic center – Baliga Diagnostics – in Bangalore. He specializes in diabetes and heart disease, and is a visiting consultant in Internal Medicine at corporate hospitals. He is married and has one son.
