Vegetables · Vegetable
Turnips
Brassica rapa subsp. rapa · also called Turnip, white turnip, nabo (Spanish)
The turnip is a round root vegetable in the cabbage family, eaten raw or cooked. It has some vitamin C and fibre and very little vitamin K, but its leaves (turnip greens) are a different food. Studies link eating more vegetables to better health, but none looked at turnips on their own. The main cautions are warfarin (for the greens), the thyroid (low concern) and food-safety handling.
General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. How this page is made
About Turnips
The turnip is an everyday root vegetable with some vitamin C and fibre. It is a healthy food, not a proven remedy: most health claims come from studies of vegetables in general, or from powders, extracts and animals.
What it is
The turnip (Brassica rapa subsp. rapa) is a root vegetable in the cabbage family (Brassicaceae). The round root is the part usually eaten. The leaves are sold as turnip greens, a separate food.
USDA data for raw turnip: 28 kcal per 100 g. One cup of raw cubes (130 g) has about 36 kcal, 2.3 g fibre, 4.9 g sugars, 27 mg vitamin C, 248 mg potassium, 39 mg calcium, 20 micrograms folate and 0.1 microgram vitamin K. Cooked, canned and pickled values were not read.
What the research shows
The firmest facts are about nutrients and diet advice. Vitamin C prevents scurvy and turnip contains it. The NHS counts turnips toward 5 A DAY.
Observational studies link more vegetables, including cruciferous vegetables, to less heart disease and longer life. Turnips were not studied on their own, and these studies cannot prove cause.
The only human trials that name turnip used a Tibetan turnip powder for 7 days (27 people) and a Brassica rapa extract for 10 weeks (58 people). Both are small and very low certainty. Other claims come from cells and mice.
Food versus powders and extracts
The hypoxia trial used a Tibetan turnip powder and the blood-fat trial used a Brassica rapa ethanol extract. The uric acid work used an extract in mice. Results for a powder or extract do not carry over to eating the root.
Amounts
This page gives no amounts to eat. Ask a doctor, pharmacist or dietitian what is right for you, especially if you take warfarin or have kidney or thyroid problems.
At a glance
Traditional uses history, not proof
- Eaten as an everyday root vegetable, raw or cooked
- Used as a traditional medicine in some places (a 2019 review lists headaches, chest complaints and rheumatism); tradition is not proof
Studied for research
- Vitamin C and preventing scurvy, high certainty for the nutrient, no turnip trial
- Heart disease, cancer and early death (vegetables as a group), low certainty, observational
- Counts as a vegetable in NHS 5 A DAY advice, official guidance
- Glucosinolates and cancer prevention, very low certainty
- Fibre and potassium, insufficient evidence for any outcome
- Tolerance of low oxygen (Tibetan turnip powder), very low certainty
- Blood fats (a Brassica rapa extract), very low certainty
- Antioxidant, blood sugar, kidney and uric acid findings, cell and animal work only
Main compounds
- Vitamin C
- Glucosinolates
- Isothiocyanates
- Flavonoids
- Fibre
- Potassium
Common forms
- Raw root, sliced or grated
- Cooked root (boiled, roasted, mashed)
- Frozen or canned turnip
- Pickled turnip
- Turnip greens (the leaves, a separate food)
- Turnip powders and extracts (the trials used these, not the vegetable)
Research links: NHS: 5 A DAY, what counts · MedlinePlus: Warfarin · 2024 review: Brassica vegetables and thyroid function · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library
What it is and its history
- Accepted scientific name
- Brassica rapa subsp. rapa
- Naming authority
- GBIF accepted subspecies of Brassica rapa L.
- Synonyms
- Brassica rapa var. rapa
- Common names
- Turnip (English); White turnip (English); Nabo (Spanish)
- Family or group
- Brassicaceae (the cabbage or mustard family, also called Cruciferae), as given by GBIF and the 2021 Cao review abstract.
- Classification
- Plantae > Tracheophyta > Magnoliopsida > Brassicales > Brassicaceae > Brassica > Brassica rapa
- Native range
- Not verified from a source read.
- Habitat
- Not verified from a source read.
- What it looks like
- Roots: The round root is the part usually eaten (existing nutrient summary; not verified from a source read). USDA lists household portions for raw turnip of 130 g (cup of cubes), 65 g (half cup), 122 g, 61 g and 183 g.; Stems: Not verified.; Leaves: The leaves are sold as turnip greens, a separate food (existing nutrient summary). The 2021 review of turnip greens calls the turnip a leaf and root vegetable.; Flowers: Not verified.; Fruit: Not verified.
- Cultivation
- A 2021 review abstract calls the turnip a leaf and root vegetable grown and consumed worldwide, and another 2021 review abstract calls it one of the oldest cultivated vegetables. More detail was not read.
- Harvest and processing
- Eaten raw or cooked; also frozen, canned or pickled (existing nutrient summary; the NHS says fresh, canned or frozen vegetables count as portions). Effects of cooking on nutrients were not read apart from the myrosinase note under Mechanisms.
- Look-alikes and adulterants
- Name: Swede (rutabaga) and radish; Note: Other root vegetables of the cabbage family with their own names. Swedes also count toward 5 A DAY (NHS). Their results are not assumed to apply to turnip.; Name: Tibetan turnip and turnip rape; Note: Tibetan turnip (Brassica rapa L.) is a high-altitude type used in the hypoxia trial. Turnip rape is an oilseed form of Brassica rapa grown for its seeds. Neither is the ordinary table turnip, so their results are labelled.; Name: Turnip greens; Note: The leaves of the same plant, eaten as a green. They are a different food, with a different vitamin K content.
- Sustainability and conservation
- Not assessed.
Photographs
What is inside, and how it may work
What it contains and how those compounds act in cells and animals. Laboratory and animal mechanisms are not proven effects in people.
Main compounds
| Compound | Family | Where it is concentrated | Activity studied | Level of evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) PubChem 54670067 | vitamin | Root USDA: 21.0 mg per 100 g raw | Helps protect cells and supports skin, blood vessels, bones and wound healing (NHS). Lack of it causes scurvy. 20 21 | Human data |
| Glucosinolates (for example gluconapin) | sulfur-containing glucoside | Root and leaves Linus Pauling Institute: 60 mg total in half a cup (65 g) raw cubes | Broken down by the enzyme myrosinase into isothiocyanates and other products when the raw vegetable is chopped or chewed. Gluconapin was the most common glucosinolate across five studies of turnip greens. 15 5 | Human data |
| Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) PubChem 16741 | isothiocyanate | Root (breakdown product) Not given in the sources read | The 2019 review names 2-phenylethyl isothiocyanate as a main constituent of turnip and a major active constituent for anticancer effects in lab work. Clinical evidence of a protective effect of isothiocyanates in people is scarce (Linus Pauling Institute). 9 15 | Laboratory research |
| Goitrin PubChem 7568320 | glucosinolate breakdown product | Leaves (turnip tops) Under 10 micromoles per 100 g of turnip tops (Felker 2016) | Can reduce thyroid iodine uptake at very high amounts; turnip tops are low. The CID is for the chemical name (5S)-5-ethenyl-2-oxazolidinethione returned by a PubChem name lookup for 'goitrin'. 6 | Human data |
| Quercetin and other flavonoids PubChem 5280343 | flavonoid | Leaves Not given in the abstracts read | Turnip greens contain mainly quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin derivatives (2021 review). Quercetin-3-glucuronide was the most abundant compound in a turnip ethanol extract used in mice. 5 12 | Laboratory research |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) PubChem 5284607 | vitamin | Leaves (greens), almost none in the root USDA: 0.1 micrograms per 100 g raw root. Amount in turnip greens not found. | Needed for blood-clotting proteins (MedlinePlus). Affects warfarin. 17 21 | Human data |
Mechanisms, receptors and pathways
| Target or pathway | Gene or receptor | What was found | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glucosinolate breakdown by myrosinase | Myrosinase (beta-thioglucosidase) | When raw cruciferous vegetables are chopped or chewed, myrosinase breaks glucosinolates into isothiocyanates. Cooking inactivates myrosinase; light steaming for under 5 minutes keeps some. In cooked vegetables, gut bacteria do the first step (Linus Pauling Institute). 15 | Human data |
| Urate production and kidney urate transport (mouse extract study) | Xanthine oxidase, adenosine deaminase, URAT1, GLUT9, ABCG2 | In mice with induced high uric acid, a turnip ethanol extract lowered serum uric acid, suppressed urate-making enzymes and changed urate transporters. Mouse and cell work only. 12 | Animal research |
| Goitrin and thyroid iodine uptake | Not specified | Radioiodine uptake to the thyroid was inhibited by 194 micromoles of goitrin but not by 77; turnip tops contain under 10 micromoles per 100 g. 6 | Human data |
Absorption, metabolism and elimination
- Absorption
- Not found for turnip. In a 45-person feeding study cited by the Linus Pauling Institute (mostly glucoraphanin, not turnip), the mean conversion of glucosinolates to dithiocarbamates over 24 hours was about 12%, with wide variation between people.
- Distribution
- Not found.
- Metabolism
- Glucosinolates are hydrolysed by plant myrosinase when raw vegetables are chopped, or by gut bacteria in cooked vegetables (Linus Pauling Institute).
- Elimination
- Not found.
- Bioavailability
- The 2021 turnip greens review says the bioavailability, transport and metabolism of turnip compounds after eating still need investigation.
Isolated compounds versus whole extracts
The human trials found tested a Tibetan turnip powder and a Brassica rapa ethanol extract, and the animal work used an ethanol extract, so none tells us what eating a table turnip does. Isothiocyanate results from isolated compounds or other vegetables such as broccoli do not carry over to turnip root. Food, powder and extract are different products.
Nutritional composition
Nutrition from USDA FoodData Central (Turnips, raw, FDC 170465, SR Legacy, last updated 4/1/2019, read 2026-10-26). Per 100 g: 28 kcal, 0.9 g protein, 0.1 g fat, 6.43 g carbohydrate (3.8 g sugars), 1.8 g fibre, about 92 g water, 30 mg calcium, 0.3 mg iron, 11 mg magnesium, 191 mg potassium, 67 mg sodium, 21.0 mg vitamin C, 15 micrograms folate (DFE), 0.09 mg vitamin B6, 0.085 mg copper, 0.134 mg manganese, 0.1 microgram vitamin K, no vitamin A. One cup of raw cubes (130 g, a USDA household portion): about 36 kcal, 1.2 g protein, 2.3 g fibre, 4.9 g sugars, 39 mg calcium, 248 mg potassium, 87 mg sodium, 27 mg vitamin C, 20 micrograms folate and 0.1 microgram vitamin K; these cup figures are our arithmetic from the per-100 g values. Figures vary with variety, ripeness and storage. Cooked, canned and pickled values were not read.
2 high certainty1 low certainty3 very low certainty2 not enough evidence
What was looked at
The 8 benefits and uses checked for Turnips, each with how strong the evidence is. Tap one to open it.
- Vitamin C and preventing scurvyHigh certainty
- Heart disease, cancer and early death (vegetables and cruciferous vegetables as a group)Low certainty
- Counts as a vegetable in official diet adviceHigh certainty
- Glucosinolates and isothiocyanates (cancer prevention question)Very low certainty
- Fibre and potassium in a servingNot enough evidence
- Tolerance of low oxygen (Tibetan turnip powder)Very low certainty
- Blood fats in overweight adults (Brassica rapa ethanol extract)Very low certainty
- Antioxidant, blood sugar, kidney and uric acid findings (cells and animals)Not enough evidence
Lab markers tracked in the studies
Cardiovascular disease events and deathsDeath from any causeHDL cholesterol and blood-fat ratiosBlood oxygen saturation (SpO2) under low oxygen
What is Turnips good for?
The main studied uses and how strong the human evidence is for each. Many results are for vegetables as a group, for powders and extracts, or for animals, not for eating turnips.
Benefits, one by one
Each card is a research question, not a promise. Tap a goal to filter. Open a card to see the studies, doses and limits.
Vitamin C and preventing scurvy
High certaintyTurnips contain vitamin C: 21 mg per 100 g of raw root by USDA data, about 27 mg in one cup of cubes (130 g). Not getting enough vitamin C over time causes scurvy. This is a nutrient fact, not a trial of turnips.
2 studiesRaw root as food. Values vary with variety, ripeness and storage. How…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
The NHS says vitamin C helps protect cells, maintain healthy skin, blood vessels, bones and cartilage and helps wound healing, that lack of vitamin C can lead to scurvy, that you should be able to get all you need from a varied and balanced diet, and that the body cannot store it. The NHS page lists citrus fruit, peppers, strawberries, blackcurrants, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and potatoes as good sources and does not name turnips. USDA lists 21.0 mg of vitamin C per 100 g of raw turnip.
Results
Turnip is a vitamin C food. No trial of turnips for scurvy or vitamin C status was read.
Effect sizes as reported
USDA: 21.0 mg vitamin C per 100 g raw turnip; about 27 mg per cup of cubes (130 g).
Why this rating
High for the nutrient role and for turnip containing vitamin C (health-agency statement and USDA data). There is no turnip-specific trial, and the NHS page does not list turnip among its example sources.
Form and dose studied
Raw root as food. Values vary with variety, ripeness and storage. How cooking changes the vitamin C in turnip was not read from a source.
Who was studied
Anyone eating a varied diet; scurvy comes from going without vitamin C for a long time.
Limits
Nutrient fact, not a trial of turnips. Cooking losses were not read.
Why researchers looked
Turnip is a root vegetable that people eat for vitamin C, so people ask how much it contributes.
Traditional use
Turnips are one of the oldest cultivated vegetables, eaten cooked or raw. Long use as food is not proof that they treat any condition.
Proposed mechanism Authoritative guidance
Vitamin C helps protect cells and keeps skin, blood vessels, bones and cartilage healthy. It also helps wound healing (NHS). The body cannot store it, so it is needed in the diet (NHS).
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
None for the food. See the Safety tab for other cautions.
Heart disease, cancer and early death (vegetables and cruciferous vegetables as a group)
Low certaintyIn large observational studies, people who eat more vegetables, including cruciferous vegetables, have less heart disease and live longer. These studies did not look at turnips on their own, and they cannot prove the vegetables are the cause.
1 studiesWhole vegetables eaten as food (the 200 g/day is the analysis unit us…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
A 2017 meta-analysis of 95 prospective studies (142 publications) found that for fruit and vegetables combined, each 200 g a day was linked to a relative risk of 0.92 for cardiovascular disease (95% CI 0.90-0.95, I2 31%), 0.97 for total cancer (0.95-0.99) and 0.90 for death from any cause (0.87-0.93, I2 83%). The abstract says inverse associations were seen for cruciferous vegetables with cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality, and for green-yellow vegetables and cruciferous vegetables with total cancer risk. A figure for cruciferous vegetables alone, and any figure for turnips, is not in the abstract.
Results
Observational studies link more fruit and vegetables, and cruciferous vegetables, to lower risk. The abstract gives no result for turnips alone.
Effect sizes as reported
Fruit and vegetables combined, per 200 g/day: CVD RR 0.92 (0.90-0.95); total cancer RR 0.97 (0.95-0.99); all-cause mortality RR 0.90 (0.87-0.93).
Why this rating
Low, because the evidence is observational: people who eat more vegetables differ from others in many ways, heterogeneity is high for some outcomes (I2 83% for mortality), and the studies are about vegetables as a group, not turnips.
Form and dose studied
Whole vegetables eaten as food (the 200 g/day is the analysis unit used by the authors, not advice).
Who was studied
Adults in prospective cohort studies.
Limits
Cannot show cause. Turnips were not analysed on their own in the abstract read. Definitions and amounts differ between studies.
Why researchers looked
Turnip is a cruciferous (cabbage-family) vegetable, and population studies ask whether eating more vegetables goes with healthier lives.
Traditional use
Turnips are eaten as an everyday vegetable. Long use as food is not proof that they treat any condition.
Proposed mechanism Unknown
Not established. Which nutrient or plant compound in vegetables might matter, if any, is not shown by the abstract read.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
None specific. See the Safety tab for warfarin, thyroid and food-safety notes.
Counts as a vegetable in official diet advice
High certaintyThe NHS counts turnips toward the 5 A DAY because they are usually eaten in addition to the starchy part of a meal. The WHO says people older than 10 should aim for at least 400 g of fruits and vegetables a day. This is food guidance, not a treatment.
2 studiesFresh, canned or frozen vegetables all count (NHS). The NHS suggests …
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
The NHS 5 A DAY page says sweet potatoes, parsnips, swedes and turnips do count toward 5 A DAY because they are usually eaten in addition to the starchy food part of the meal, and that 80 g of fresh, canned or frozen vegetables is one portion. The WHO healthy diet fact sheet (26 January 2026) says everyone older than 10 should aim for at least 400 g of fruits and vegetables a day.
Results
Turnips count as a vegetable in the NHS scheme. This is guidance, not a trial result.
Effect sizes as reported
NHS: 80 g = one portion. WHO: at least 400 g of fruits and vegetables a day for people over 10.
Why this rating
High that these are the stated official positions (pages read). It does not show that turnips themselves improve health.
Form and dose studied
Fresh, canned or frozen vegetables all count (NHS). The NHS suggests canned vegetables without added salt or sugar.
Who was studied
General population.
Limits
Guidance on overall diet, not a test of turnips.
Why researchers looked
People want to know whether root vegetables such as turnips count as proper vegetables.
Traditional use
Turnips are eaten as an everyday vegetable. Long use as food is not proof that they treat any condition.
Proposed mechanism Authoritative guidance
Not applicable. This is portion guidance.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
The NHS suggests choosing canned vegetables with no added salt or sugar.
Glucosinolates and isothiocyanates (cancer prevention question)
Very low certaintyTurnips contain glucosinolates, sulfur compounds that break down into isothiocyanates when raw turnip is chopped or chewed. The Linus Pauling Institute lists 60 mg of glucosinolates in half a cup (65 g) of raw cubes. Eating more cruciferous vegetables is linked to lower cancer risk in observational studies, but it is hard to credit isothiocyanates, and clinical evidence is scarce.
3 studiesRaw turnip root as food. Extracts and isolated compounds are differen…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
The Linus Pauling Institute says higher intakes of cruciferous vegetables are associated with decreased cancer risk in humans, that it is difficult to say whether this is due to isothiocyanates or other factors linked to eating these vegetables, and that clinical evidence of a protective effect of isothiocyanates in humans is scarce. A 2021 systematic review of turnip greens (leaves, not the root) found 129 phytochemicals, including 19 glucosinolates, measured in the lab, and said bioavailability and effects after eating are still to be studied. A 2017 meta-analysis found inverse associations between cruciferous vegetables and total cancer risk (see the main uses).
Results
Turnip is a glucosinolate-containing vegetable. No trial of eating turnips and cancer was read. The cancer link seen for cruciferous vegetables as a group is observational.
Effect sizes as reported
Linus Pauling Institute table: 60 mg total glucosinolates in half a cup (65 g) of raw turnip cubes.
Why this rating
Very low for turnips: the human evidence is observational and about cruciferous vegetables as a group, and the isothiocyanate work is mostly lab and animal. No turnip trial was read.
Form and dose studied
Raw turnip root as food. Extracts and isolated compounds are different products and are not covered here.
Who was studied
Adults in observational studies of cruciferous vegetables.
Limits
Cannot show cause. Glucosinolate content varies, and the amount the body makes into isothiocyanates depends on cooking and gut bacteria.
Why researchers looked
Isothiocyanates from cruciferous vegetables are active in cells and animals, so researchers ask whether eating the vegetables lowers cancer risk.
Traditional use
Turnips are eaten as an everyday vegetable. Long use as food is not proof that they treat any condition.
Proposed mechanism Laboratory research
When plant cells are damaged by chopping or chewing, the enzyme myrosinase breaks glucosinolates into isothiocyanates and other products. Cooking inactivates myrosinase, though light steaming for under 5 minutes keeps some. Most cooked cruciferous vegetables rely on gut bacteria for the first step (Linus Pauling Institute). Mostly lab and animal work.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
See the Safety tab for the thyroid question.
Fibre and potassium in a serving
Not enough evidenceOne cup of raw turnip cubes (130 g) gives about 2.3 g of fibre and about 248 mg of potassium by USDA data. This is a nutrient fact. No trial of turnips for bowel or blood pressure outcomes was read.
2 studiesRaw root as food. Cooked values were not read.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
USDA lists 1.8 g of total fibre and 191 mg of potassium per 100 g of raw turnip. The WHO fact sheet says everyone older than 10 should also aim for a daily intake of at least 25 g of naturally occurring dietary fibre (WHO, 26 January 2026).
Results
Turnip contains fibre and potassium in modest amounts. No turnip trial for bowel regularity or blood pressure was read.
Effect sizes as reported
USDA: 1.8 g fibre and 191 mg potassium per 100 g raw; about 2.3 g fibre and 248 mg potassium per cup of cubes (130 g).
Why this rating
Insufficient for any health outcome: only nutrient content is known, not what eating turnips does for the bowel or blood pressure.
Form and dose studied
Raw root as food. Cooked values were not read.
Who was studied
General adult diet.
Limits
Nutrient information, not a trial of turnips. Cooked, canned and pickled values were not read.
Why researchers looked
Fibre and potassium are nutrients that people look for in vegetables.
Traditional use
Turnips are eaten as an everyday vegetable. Long use as food is not proof that they treat any condition.
Proposed mechanism Unknown
Not tested for turnips.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
People on a potassium-limited diet should follow their kidney team's advice; see the Safety tab.
Tolerance of low oxygen (Tibetan turnip powder)
Very low certaintyOne small 7-day trial in 27 healthy people tested powder made from Tibetan turnip (Brassica rapa L.), a high-altitude type, against radish powder. Some oxygen and exercise measures improved. The trial was small and single-blind, the powder is not the ordinary vegetable, and the authors say larger studies are needed.
1 studiesTibetan turnip powder (Brassica rapa L.), not fresh turnip.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
In a 7-day, single-blind, self-controlled feeding trial, 18 healthy people were given Tibetan turnip powder twice daily and 9 were given radish powder. Before and after, they did a low-oxygen (7.1% O2) test and a treadmill test. In the women, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) at the end of the low-oxygen test rose 6.4% after turnip (p<0.05). Anaerobic threshold, peak O2 pulse and peak VO2 per kg improved after turnip (p<0.05). MCHC rose in the men of the turnip group. Little changed in the radish group.
Results
Small positive changes in oxygen and fitness measures after 7 days of Tibetan turnip powder in healthy adults.
Effect sizes as reported
Women's SpO2 +6.4% at the end of the hypoxia test (p<0.05). Other changes reported as p<0.05 without numbers in the abstract.
Why this rating
Very low: 27 people, single-blind, 7 days, uneven group sizes, healthy volunteers only, and a powder of Tibetan turnip rather than the common market vegetable. The authors call for larger double-blind studies.
Form and dose studied
Tibetan turnip powder (Brassica rapa L.), not fresh turnip.
Who was studied
Healthy adults.
Limits
Tiny sample, short, single-blind, healthy people. Not shown for the common table turnip (Brassica rapa subsp. rapa) or for anyone with a lung or heart condition.
Why researchers looked
Tibetan turnip is described in traditional Tibetan medical books as a tonic against low oxygen at altitude.
Traditional use
Traditional Tibetan medical books describe Tibetan turnip as having 'tonic and anti-hypoxia' effects (as quoted in the trial abstract). Tradition is not proof.
Proposed mechanism Human data
The authors suggest improved oxygen uptake and delivery, better antioxidant capacity and a higher mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), but the trial did not test why.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Not a treatment for altitude sickness or any breathing problem. Anyone with breathing trouble should seek medical care.
Blood fats in overweight adults (Brassica rapa ethanol extract)
Very low certaintyOne 10-week trial in 58 overweight adults tested a powdered Brassica rapa ethanol extract against a starch placebo. HDL (good) cholesterol rose and a few blood-fat measures improved. Body weight and blood sugar did not differ. This is an extract, not the vegetable.
1 studiesPowdered Brassica rapa ethanol extract (not the vegetable).
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 58 overweight adults (age 20-50, BMI 23.0-24.9) took Brassica rapa ethanol extract or starch placebo for 10 weeks. Total cholesterol rose in both groups. The extract group had a significant rise in HDL cholesterol and a fall in the total-to-HDL cholesterol ratio, free fatty acids and adipsin (a fat-tissue hormone). There were no significant differences in body composition, fasting blood glucose, other fat-tissue hormones, or liver enzymes (AST, ALT). The authors say it partially improves blood fat metabolism without adverse effects.
Results
Some blood-fat measures improved with the extract. Body composition and blood sugar did not.
Effect sizes as reported
Not given as numbers in the abstract.
Why this rating
Very low: a single small trial of 58 people, an ethanol extract (plant part not stated in the abstract), total cholesterol rose in both groups, and no repeat trial was found. Whether this applies to eating turnips is unknown.
Form and dose studied
Powdered Brassica rapa ethanol extract (not the vegetable).
Who was studied
Overweight adults aged 20 to 50.
Limits
Small, one trial, extract only. Funding not stated in the abstract (the record lists non-US government research support).
Why researchers looked
Animal work suggested Brassica rapa extract might change blood fats, so researchers tested it in people.
Proposed mechanism Unknown
Not tested in this trial.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Extracts are concentrated products and are not covered by the food evidence on this page. The abstract reports no adverse effects. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any.
Antioxidant, blood sugar, kidney and uric acid findings (cells and animals)
Not enough evidenceReviews list antioxidant, anti-diabetes, anti-hypoxia, kidney-protecting and other activities for turnip compounds and extracts. A 2026 mouse study found a turnip ethanol extract lowered uric acid. These are cell and animal results only; they do not show that eating turnips does the same in people.
3 studiesExtracts and isolated compounds in the lab (not the vegetable).
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
No human evidence for these effects was read. A 2021 critical review says bioactivity studies of turnip revealed anticancer, antimicrobe, anti-hypoxia, anti-diabetes, anti-oxidation and nephroprotective activity, and calls for more work on mechanisms. A 2019 review reports antitumor, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects from pharmacological investigation, and says only a few studies identify the active ingredients. A 2026 study of turnip ethanol extract used a mouse model of high uric acid and kidney cells.
Results
Laboratory and animal activity only. Nothing here shows a health effect from eating turnips.
Why this rating
Insufficient: cell and mouse results from extracts cannot be assumed to apply to people eating the vegetable.
Form and dose studied
Extracts and isolated compounds in the lab (not the vegetable).
Limits
Animal and cell work; extracts are concentrated; the two reviews summarise many small studies.
Why researchers looked
Turnip contains many plant compounds, and laboratory work asks what they do in cells and animals.
Traditional use
Turnip is used as a traditional medicine in some places (a 2019 review lists headaches, chest complaints, rheumatism and others). Tradition is not proof.
Proposed mechanism Animal research
In mice with induced high uric acid, the extract lowered blood uric acid, switched down enzymes that make uric acid (xanthine oxidase, adenosine deaminase) and changed kidney urate transporters (URAT1 and GLUT9 down, ABCG2 up). Computer docking predicted binding. Mouse and cell work only.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Do not use turnip extracts to manage gout, kidney disease or diabetes. Ask a clinician.
Connections to the rest of health
How Turnips connects to the rest of our health knowledge graph. Every link says what kind of connection it is. A safety link (for example to the liver) is a warning, not a benefit. A study that merely mentions a topic never creates a benefit link.
Explore every connection: goals, body systems, organs, symptoms, genes
B. Body systems
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blood And Immune | Biological association | High certainty | Studied for: Vitamin C and preventing scurvy | 20 21 |
| Cardiovascular System | Biological association | Low certainty | Studied for: Heart disease, cancer and early death (vegetables and cruciferous vegetables as a group) Studied for: Fibre and potassium in a serving | 1 21 22 8 |
| Digestive System | Biological association | High certainty | Studied for: Counts as a vegetable in official diet advice Studied for: Glucosinolates and isothiocyanates (cancer prevention question) | 19 22 15 5 1 21 |
| Respiratory System | Biological association | Very low certainty | Studied for: Tolerance of low oxygen (Tibetan turnip powder) | 3 |
| Urinary System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Antioxidant, blood sugar, kidney and uric acid findings (cells and animals) | 2 9 12 |
C. Body parts and organs
I. Biomarkers
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiovascular disease events and deaths | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 1 |
| Death from any cause | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 1 |
| HDL cholesterol and blood-fat ratios | Biological association | Very low certainty | Measured in trials: raised. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 8 |
| Blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) under low oxygen | Biological association | Very low certainty | Measured in trials: raised. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 3 |
K. Biological pathways
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C | Preliminary mechanism | Human | Turnip is a vitamin C food; lack of vitamin C causes scurvy. | 20 21 |
| Vitamin K | Preliminary mechanism | Human | The root has almost none; turnip greens are a leafy green that MedlinePlus lists among vitamin K foods. | 17 21 |
| Potassium | Preliminary mechanism | Human | Turnip supplies 191 mg per 100 g; relevant to people on a potassium-limited diet. | 16 21 |
L. Active compounds
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) | Biological association | Human | Helps protect cells and supports skin, blood vessels, bones and wound healing (NHS). Lack of it causes scurvy. Preparation or compound: Root |
20 21 |
| Glucosinolates (for example gluconapin) | Biological association | Human | Broken down by the enzyme myrosinase into isothiocyanates and other products when the raw vegetable is chopped or chewed. Gluconapin was the most common glucosinolate across five studies of turnip greens. Preparation or compound: Root and leaves |
15 5 |
| Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) | Biological association | In vitro | The 2019 review names 2-phenylethyl isothiocyanate as a main constituent of turnip and a major active constituent for anticancer effects in lab work. Clinical evidence of a protective effect of isothiocyanates in people is scarce (Linus Pauling Institute). Preparation or compound: Root (breakdown product) |
9 15 |
| Goitrin | Biological association | Human | Can reduce thyroid iodine uptake at very high amounts; turnip tops are low. The CID is for the chemical name (5S)-5-ethenyl-2-oxazolidinethione returned by a PubChem name lookup for 'goitrin'. Preparation or compound: Leaves (turnip tops) |
6 |
| Quercetin and other flavonoids | Biological association | In vitro | Turnip greens contain mainly quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin derivatives (2021 review). Quercetin-3-glucuronide was the most abundant compound in a turnip ethanol extract used in mice. Preparation or compound: Leaves |
5 12 |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | Biological association | Human | Needed for blood-clotting proteins (MedlinePlus). Affects warfarin. Preparation or compound: Leaves (greens), almost none in the root |
17 21 |
Each connection is stored with the ingredient, the connected record, the kind of connection, the evidence status, the supporting studies, the preparation or compound involved, and a review date (last reviewed October 26, 2026).
The evidence
The research centre for Turnips. Every record here was checked against PubMed or the publisher's page; we never list a study we have not verified.
Evidence by outcome
Bars show how many studies we found for each outcome, not how well it works. People are added up across trials only (reviews are not added, to avoid double counting).
How we rate evidence
High certainty
Several well-run trials or reviews agree; further research is unlikely to change the picture much.
Moderate certainty
Good trials point the same way, but some doubt remains.
Low certainty
Small, short or inconsistent trials. The finding could change with better research.
Very low certainty
Very little or very weak human data. Treat as a possibility only.
Mixed findings
Trials or reviews disagree with each other.
Not enough evidence
Not enough human research to say either way.
Evidence against
Good research found no benefit, or found harm.
We take the reviewers' own risk-of-bias and GRADE statements where they exist, and otherwise judge from study size, design, consistency, directness and whether a product matches what is sold. Many publications do not make evidence high. Method note: We started from our existing turnip summary, re-checked nutrition at USDA FoodData Central, read the health agency pages (NHS, WHO, MedlinePlus, FDA, Linus Pauling Institute) and searched PubMed for reviews, trials and case reports. Only abstracts were read for studies, and two allergy reports had no abstract. Items we could not verify are flagged in the research gaps.
Study library: every study we checked 22
| Study | Design | People | Product, dose, length | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aune 2017 Fruit and vegetable intake and the risk of cardiovascular disease, total cancer and all-cause mortality-a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies. Int J Epidemiol · PMID 28338764 · DOI |
Systematic review meta analysis |
Adults in 95 prospective studies (142 publications) | Fruit and vegetable intake as food Fruit and vegetables Per 200 g/day (analysis unit, not advice) Prospective follow-up · vs Lower intake |
For fruits and vegetables combined, each 200 g/day was linked to lower risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, cardiovascular disease, total cancer and death from any cause. The abstract says inverse associations were seen for apples and pears, citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, cruciferous vegetables and salads with cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality, and for green-yellow and cruciferous vegetables with total cancer risk. Turnips are not named in the abstract. Combined per 200 g/day: CVD RR 0.92; total cancer RR 0.97; all-cause mortality RR 0.90 (CVD 0.92 (95% CI 0.90-0.95, I2 31%); total cancer 0.97 (0.95-0.99, I2 49%); all-cause mortality 0.90 (0.87-0.93, I2 83%)) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Cardiovascular disease, coronary heart disease, stroke, total cancer, all-cause mortality Limitations: Prospective observational studies cannot show cause; people who eat more vegetables differ in other ways. The combined figures are not for turnips. No figure for cruciferous vegetables alone in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Cao 2021 A Critical Review on Phytochemical Profile and Biological Effects of Turnip (Brassica rapa L.). Front Nutr · PMID 34395503 · DOI |
Narrative review mixed |
Lab, animal and chemistry studies of turnip | Turnip compounds and extracts Root and other parts |
Turnip contains glucosinolates, isothiocyanates, phenolic compounds, flavonoids and organic acids. Bioactivity studies revealed anticancer, antimicrobe, anti-hypoxia, anti-diabetes, anti-oxidation and nephroprotective activity. The authors call for more work on extraction, purification and molecular mechanisms. Not applicable (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Phytochemical profile and biological effects Limitations: Narrative review. The abstract does not separate human from lab or animal findings. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Chu 2017 Effects of Tibetan turnip (Brassica rapa L.) on promoting hypoxia-tolerance in healthy humans. J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 27856303 · DOI |
Non randomized trial |
27 27 healthy adults (18 in the turnip group, 9 in the control group) |
Tibetan turnip powder (Brassica rapa L.) 7.5 g twice daily (as given in the trial) 7 days · vs Radish powder |
Women's SpO2 at the end of the hypoxia test rose by 6.4% after turnip (p<0.05); hypoxia symptoms were alleviated in most subjects. Anaerobic threshold, peak O2 pulse and peak VO2/kg improved (p<0.05). Antioxidant activities increased. MCHC rose in the men of the turnip group (p<0.05). Little change in the control group. Female SpO2 +6.4% (Not given) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: SpO2 in a low-oxygen test (7.1% O2), treadmill cardiopulmonary measures, antioxidant enzymes, blood tests Limitations: Single-blind, small and unevenly split groups, 7 days, healthy volunteers. The authors call for larger double-blind studies and more diverse populations. The plant part is not stated in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Compes 2007 Allergy to turnip seeds in a bird fancier. Allergy · PMID 17711555 · DOI |
Case report |
Case report (letter): one bird keeper | Turnip seeds (likely as bird feed) Seeds |
Only the title and publication type were read (the PubMed record has no abstract). The title reports allergy to turnip seeds in a bird fancier. Not available (Not available) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Allergic reaction Limitations: No abstract to read. Seeds, not the root; probably a work or hobby exposure rather than eating turnip. Funding and conflicts: Not stated. Read: title-only |
| Dejanovic 2021 Phytochemical characterization of turnip greens (Brassica rapa ssp. rapa): A systematic review. PLoS One · PMID 33596258 · DOI |
Systematic review plant |
Laboratory analyses of turnip greens (18 studies included) | Turnip greens (leaves) Leaves |
18 studies were included. 129 phytochemicals were reported in turnip greens: 19 glucosinolates, 33 glucosinolate breakdown products, 10 organic acids and 59 polyphenolic compounds. Gluconapin was the most common glucosinolate across five studies. Flavonoids were mainly quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin derivatives. The authors say content varied among leaves, tops and roots, and that bioavailability and biological activity after eating still need study. 129 phytochemicals identified (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Phytochemical content Limitations: Chemical analysis of the leaves, not a health study; only half of the studies gave content values. Roots not analysed separately in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Felker 2016 Concentrations of thiocyanate and goitrin in human plasma, their precursor concentrations in brassica vegetables, and associated potential risk for hypothyroidism. Nutr Rev · PMID 26946249 · DOI |
Narrative review |
Review of brassica vegetables and human plasma thiocyanate and goitrin | Brassica vegetables as food Vegetables (including turnip tops) |
Radioiodine uptake to the thyroid is inhibited by 194 micromoles of goitrin but not by 77. Collards, Brussels sprouts and some Russian kale contain enough goitrin to potentially decrease iodine uptake. Turnip tops, commercial broccoli, broccoli rabe and kale (Brassica oleracea) contain less than 10 micromoles of goitrin per 100 g serving and can be considered of minimal risk. The thiocyanate contribution from indole glucosinolates is estimated at up to 10 micromolar, well below background plasma levels of 40-69 micromolar, so minimal risk. Turnip tops: under 10 micromoles goitrin per 100 g (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Goitrin and thiocyanate exposure; risk of hypothyroidism Limitations: A review of precursor concentrations and estimates, not a trial of turnips. Figure is for turnip tops, not the root. Funding and conflicts: Research support from the US National Institutes of Health is listed on the record. Read: abstract |
| Galanty 2024 Do Brassica Vegetables Affect Thyroid Function?-A Comprehensive Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci · PMID 38612798 · DOI |
Systematic review mixed |
123 in vitro, animal and human studies of brassica plants and extracts | Brassica vegetables and extracts |
The authors say the vast majority of results cast doubt on earlier assumptions that brassica plants have antithyroid effects in humans, and that including brassica vegetables in the daily diet, particularly with adequate iodine intake, poses no adverse effects on thyroid function. Not applicable (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Thyroid mass and histology, TSH, T3, T4, iodine uptake, thyroid cancer cells Limitations: Mixes lab, animal and human studies; not about turnips specifically; the abstract names no turnip results. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Jeon 2013 Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of powdered Brassica rapa ethanol extract on alteration of body composition and plasma lipid and adipocytokine profiles in overweight subjects. J Med Food · PMID 23342969 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
58 58 overweight adults aged 20-50 (BMI 23.0-24.9) |
Brassica rapa ethanol extract (powdered) 2 g/day (as given in the trial) 10 weeks · vs Starch placebo, 2 g/day |
Total cholesterol rose in both groups over 10 weeks. The extract group had a significant rise in HDL cholesterol and significant falls in the total-to-HDL ratio, free fatty acids and adipsin. No significant differences in body composition, fasting glucose, other adipocytokines, AST or ALT. The authors say it partially improves plasma lipid metabolism without adverse effects. Not given as numbers in the abstract (Not given) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Body composition, plasma lipids, adipocytokines, liver enzymes, fasting glucose Limitations: Small single trial; extract, not food; plant part not stated; within-group changes are mixed with between-group differences in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Paul 2019 Phytochemical and Health-Beneficial Progress of Turnip (Brassica rapa). J Food Sci · PMID 30561035 · DOI |
Narrative review mixed |
20 years of chemistry and pharmacology studies of turnip | Turnip compounds and extracts Root and other parts |
Turnip is used as a traditional medicine for headaches, chest complaints, rheumatism, oedema and other conditions. Glucosinolates and isothiocyanates are the main constituents. Pharmacological investigation reported antitumor, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects. Anticancer was called the most promising activity. Only a few studies identified the active ingredients. Not applicable (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Chemistry and reported health effects Limitations: Narrative review of mostly pre-clinical work; the abstract gives no human trial results. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Pereira 2007 Turnip and zucchini: new foods in the latex-fruit syndrome. Allergy · PMID 17362260 · DOI |
Case report |
Case report (letter) | Turnip |
Only the title and publication type were read (the PubMed record has no abstract). The title reports turnip and zucchini as new foods in the latex-fruit syndrome. Not available (Not available) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Allergic reaction Limitations: No abstract to read. Case report: shows it can happen, not how often. Funding and conflicts: Not stated. Read: title-only |
| Poikonen 2006 Turnip rape and oilseed rape are new potential food allergens in children with atopic dermatitis. Allergy · PMID 16364167 · DOI |
Cross sectional challenge |
1887 1,887 children screened by skin prick test; 28 with a clearly positive test challenged; 25 eczema controls with negative tests |
Turnip rape seeds (Brassica rapa), oilseed form Seeds Labial challenge, then open oral challenge for up to 7 days · vs Children with eczema and negative skin tests |
206 children (10.9%) had a positive skin test to turnip rape and/or oilseed rape. 25 of 28 challenged children (89%) reacted to turnip rape: 17 with labial whealing and 8 in oral challenge with facial hives, flare-up of eczema or abdominal symptoms. All 25 controls were negative. 25/28 (89%) challenge-positive (Not given) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Skin test positivity and reactions on food challenge Limitations: Turnip rape seeds, an oilseed form, in young children with eczema; not the turnip root and not the general population. Sensitisation routes unknown. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract (the record lists non-US government research support). Read: abstract |
| Wang 2026 Brassica rapa L. (Turnip) Ethanol Extract Alleviates Hyperuricemia by Modulating Purine Metabolism Enzymes and Renal Urate Transporters. Foods · PMID 42737352 · DOI |
Animal study mouse |
Mice with hypoxanthine/potassium oxonate-induced high uric acid, and uric-acid-stimulated human kidney (HK-2) cells | Brassica rapa L. ethanol extract (BrEE) · vs Untreated model mice |
BrEE significantly lowered serum uric acid and improved kidney function in mice. It suppressed xanthine oxidase and adenosine deaminase, lowered URAT1 and GLUT9 and raised ABCG2. It reduced oxidative stress, inflammation and kidney damage. Computer docking predicted binding of its main constituents to xanthine oxidase and URAT1. The authors call it preliminary evidence. Not given as numbers in the abstract (Not applicable) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Serum uric acid, kidney function, enzymes and urate transporters Limitations: Mouse and cell study of an extract; no human data. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| s-fda-produce FDA: Selecting and Serving Produce Safely · Source |
Health agency n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-gbif-brassica-rapa-rapa GBIF Backbone: Brassica rapa subsp. rapa (usageKey 7225636) · Source |
Reference database n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-lpi-isothiocyanates Linus Pauling Institute (Oregon State University): Isothiocyanates · Source |
Health agency n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-medlineplus-potassium MedlinePlus: Potassium in diet · Source |
Health agency n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-medlineplus-vitk MedlinePlus: Vitamin K · Source |
Health agency n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-medlineplus-warfarin MedlinePlus: Warfarin · Source |
Health agency n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-nhs-5aday NHS: 5 A DAY: what counts? · Source |
Health agency n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-nhs-vitc NHS: Vitamin C · Source |
Health agency n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-usda-fdc-170465 USDA FoodData Central: Turnips, raw (FDC 170465) · Source |
Reference database n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-who-healthy-diet WHO: Healthy diet (fact sheet) · Source |
Health agency n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text |
What we do not know yet
- No trial of eating ordinary turnip root was found for vitamin C status, heart disease, cancer or any other outcome.
- Vegetable studies pool many vegetables, and a turnip-only result was not in the abstract read.
- The only human trials that name turnip used a Tibetan turnip powder (7 days) and a Brassica rapa extract (10 weeks); both were small.
- The vitamin K amount in turnip greens was not found in a source read.
- Allergy was found only in two case reports without abstracts and a study of turnip rape seeds; how common it is for the root was not found.
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding, choking risk in young children, oxalate, FODMAPs, histamine, nitrate, pesticide residues, heavy metals and the effect of cooking were not researched.
How new research is added
New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and placed in a review queue before the page changes.
Lab markers
What changed in blood or saliva tests during trials. A changed number is not the same as feeling or being healthier, and we give no "normal ranges".
Metabolic 1
HDL cholesterol and blood-fat ratios
Raised in trials
HDL is the cholesterol carried in 'good' lipoproteins. The total-to-HDL ratio compares total cholesterol with HDL.
Very low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Blood fats are used as markers of heart risk.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
One small extract trial; it does not show a benefit from eating turnips.
Safety implication
The abstract reports no adverse effects and no differences in AST or ALT.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | HDL cholesterol rose significantly and the total-to-HDL ratio, free fatty acids and adipsin fell with the extract; total cholesterol rose in both groups; no difference in body composition or fasting glucose | 58 overweight adults, 10 weeks | Brassica rapa ethanol extract (not the vegetable) versus starch placebo |
Other 3
Cardiovascular disease events and deaths
Lowered in trials
How many people in a study develop heart disease or stroke, or die of it.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
These are the outcomes that matter most to health, so population studies count them.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
An association in observational studies, not proof that vegetables prevent disease.
Safety implication
None specific.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fruit and vegetables combined, per 200 g/day: cardiovascular disease RR 0.92 (95% CI 0.90-0.95); inverse associations also reported for cruciferous vegetables | Adults in 95 prospective studies | Fruit and vegetables as food (not turnips alone) |
Death from any cause
Lowered in trials
The number of people in a study who die of any cause during follow-up.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
It is the simplest overall measure of long-term health in population studies.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
An association in observational studies with high heterogeneity, not proof of cause.
Safety implication
None specific.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fruit and vegetables combined, per 200 g/day: all-cause mortality RR 0.90 (95% CI 0.87-0.93), I2 83% | Adults in 95 prospective studies | Fruit and vegetables as food (not turnips alone) |
Blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) under low oxygen
Raised in trials
The share of the blood's haemoglobin that is carrying oxygen, measured here at the end of a low-oxygen (7.1% O2) breathing test.
Very low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
It shows how well the body copes with low oxygen.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
A small single-blind trial; not shown for the common table turnip.
Safety implication
None reported in the abstract.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Women's SpO2 rose 6.4% at the end of the hypoxia test after 7 days of Tibetan turnip powder (p<0.05); little change in the radish control group | 27 healthy adults | Tibetan turnip powder (Brassica rapa L.) for 7 days versus radish powder |
Safety
What studies and official sources say about side effects, medicines and who should check first. Each point shows what kind of evidence it comes from.
Main points to know 5
- Warfarin: turnip greens are a leafy green, so keep vitamin K foods steady and ask your clinic. The turnip root has almost no vitamin K (USDA: 0.1 micrograms per 100 g raw). Turnip greens, the leaves, are a different food. MedlinePlus lists turnip greens among green leafy vegetables that contain vitamin K but gives no amount, and no source with the amount in turnip greens was read. MedlinePlus advises people taking warfarin to eat consistent amounts of vitamin K foods from week to week, not to eat large amounts of leafy green vegetables, and to talk to their doctor before changing their diet. Do not change a prescribed medicine on your own. Authoritative guidance 18 17 21
- Thyroid: low concern at ordinary food amounts, ask a clinician if you have a thyroid condition. Some glucosinolates in cabbage-family vegetables break down to goitrin, which in very high amounts can reduce the thyroid's iodine uptake. A 2016 review found turnip tops contain less than 10 micromoles of goitrin per 100 g serving and can be considered of minimal risk. A 2024 systematic review of 123 articles said brassica vegetables in the diet, particularly with adequate iodine intake, pose no adverse effects on thyroid function. These reviews are about brassica vegetables in general, and the 2016 figure is for turnip tops (the greens). Systematic review 6 7
- Allergy: any food can cause it; turnip allergy is described only in case reports and in studies of turnip rape seeds. A 2007 case report is titled 'Turnip and zucchini: new foods in the latex-fruit syndrome', and a 2007 case report describes allergy to turnip seeds in a bird fancier. Neither has an abstract, so only titles were read. A 2006 study of turnip rape (an oilseed form of Brassica rapa, not the table root) found 25 of 28 children with eczema and a positive skin test reacted when challenged with the seeds. These show that reactions can happen. They do not say how common allergy to the turnip root is. Case report 10 4 11
- Food safety: wash, scrub and keep produce cold. The FDA says to wash all produce under running water even if you will peel it, not to use soap, detergent or commercial produce wash, and that washing reduces bacteria but does not eliminate them. It says to scrub firm produce with a clean brush, to cut away damaged areas, and to keep perishable produce in a refrigerator at 40 F (4 C) or below. Authoritative guidance 13
- Kidney disease: potassium. USDA lists 191 mg of potassium per 100 g of raw turnip. MedlinePlus says people with kidney problems, particularly those on dialysis, should not eat too many potassium-rich foods. MedlinePlus does not name turnip. Anyone on a potassium-limited diet should ask their kidney team about vegetables. Authoritative guidance 16 21
Side effects 2
| Effect | How often | Severity and recovery | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allergic reactions to turnip (case reports) and to turnip rape seeds (children with eczema) The children's study was of turnip rape seeds in children with eczema, not the root vegetable in the general population. The two case reports have no abstract. | Turnip rape seeds: 25 of 28 children with a clearly positive skin test reacted to challenge; 206 of 1,887 screened (10.9%) had a positive skin test to turnip rape and/or oilseed rape | In the challenge study: lip wheals, facial hives, eczema flare-up or abdominal symptoms; other severities not stated Not stated in the abstract | Observational 11 10 4 |
| No adverse effects reported with a Brassica rapa ethanol extract for 10 weeks An extract in 58 overweight adults (liver enzymes AST and ALT unchanged). It is not the vegetable, and a short trial cannot rule out rare effects. | Not established | not applicable Not applicable | Controlled trial 8 |
Liver
No liver injury from eating turnips was found. A liver-safety source (such as LiverTox) was not searched for this food page. In one 10-week extract trial, liver enzymes AST and ALT did not differ between groups. 8
How often. No frequency was found.
Monitoring. No agency monitoring advice was found.
This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that Turnips supports liver health.
Medicines and supplements 3
| With | Why it matters | Importance | Evidence | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warfarin (blood thinner) prescription | Vitamin K helps blood clot, and warfarin works by lowering vitamin K activity. The turnip root has almost no vitamin K (USDA: 0.1 micrograms per 100 g). Turnip greens (leaves) are a green leafy vegetable that MedlinePlus lists as containing vitamin K; their amount was not found. | MedlinePlus advises people on warfarin to eat consistent amounts of vitamin K foods week to week, not to eat large amounts of leafy green vegetables, and to talk to their doctor before diet changes. It does not name the turnip root. | Authoritative guidance Moderate certainty 18 17 21 | Ask your warfarin clinic or pharmacist, especially before adding turnip greens regularly. Do not change your medicine on your own. |
| Thyroid conditions (hypothyroidism, goitre) condition | Goitrin from some glucosinolates can reduce thyroid iodine uptake in very high amounts. | Reviews find low concern at food intakes with adequate iodine; turnip tops are low in goitrin. The reviews are about brassica vegetables, not turnip trials. | Systematic review Low certainty 6 7 | If you have a thyroid condition or take thyroid medicine, ask a clinician about cabbage-family vegetables. |
| Turnip extracts, powders and supplements supplement | Concentrated products are not the same as the vegetable. | The two human trials read tested a Tibetan turnip powder for 7 days and a Brassica rapa ethanol extract for 10 weeks. No interaction study of any turnip product was found. | Controlled trial Not enough evidence 3 8 | Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any extract or powder, especially with prescription medicines. |
Who should check first 5
| Situation | Advice | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Taking warfarin (for turnip greens) | Keep vitamin K foods consistent from week to week and follow your warfarin clinic's advice. Do not stop or change medicine on your own. | Authoritative guidance 18 17 |
| Thyroid disease or goitre | Reviews find little concern at ordinary food amounts with enough iodine. Ask your clinician about your own case. | Systematic review 6 7 |
| Kidney disease on a potassium-limited diet | Ask your kidney team how vegetables such as turnip fit your plan. | Authoritative guidance 16 |
| Known allergy to turnip, or to turnip rape or oilseed rape, or latex-fruit syndrome | Avoid it and ask an allergist. Call emergency services for trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat. | Case report 10 4 11 |
| Pregnancy, young children, older age or weakened immunity (foodborne illness) | The FDA says these groups can be especially vulnerable to foodborne illness. Wash, scrub and refrigerate produce as the FDA advises. | Authoritative guidance 13 |
Overdose, product quality and regulators
Summary. No toxicity from turnip as ordinary food was found in the sources read. The cautions are specific to people with certain conditions or medicines.
Animal. Not reviewed.
Human doses studied. A Tibetan turnip powder trial (7 days, 27 healthy adults) and a Brassica rapa extract trial (10 weeks, 58 adults) are described in the abstracts; the extract trial reported no adverse effects. The Tibetan turnip abstract does not mention harm.
Overdose response. Not found.
Genotoxicity. Not researched.
Root vegetables can carry soil and germs; the FDA gives handling advice. Pesticide residues, heavy metals and nitrate in turnips were not researched.
Food safety handling. The FDA says to wash all produce under running water even if you will peel it, not to use soap, detergent or commercial produce wash, that washing can reduce bacteria but will not eliminate them, to scrub firm produce with a clean produce brush, to dry it with a clean towel, to cut away damaged or bruised areas, and to keep perishable produce at 40 F (4 C) or below. It says cooking produce thoroughly kills harmful bacteria. 13
| Body | Action | Date |
|---|---|---|
| NHS (UK) (United Kingdom) | 5 A DAY page: sweet potatoes, parsnips, swedes and turnips count toward 5 A DAY; 80 g of fresh, canned or frozen vegetables is one portion source | 2026-06-09 |
| WHO (World Health Organization) (International) | Healthy diet fact sheet: everyone older than 10 should aim for at least 400 g of fruits and vegetables per day source | 2026-01-26 |
| MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) (United States) | Warfarin drug page: foods and drinks with vitamin K can affect how warfarin works; eat consistent amounts week to week; do not eat large amounts of leafy green vegetables; talk to your doctor before diet changes source | 2026-03-15 |
| MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) (United States) | Vitamin K page: lists turnip greens among green leafy vegetable food sources of vitamin K source | 2025-01-21 |
| MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) (United States) | Potassium page: people with kidney problems, particularly those on dialysis, should not eat too many potassium-rich foods source | 2026-04-30 |
| FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) (United States) | Produce safety page: wash produce under running water, no soap or produce wash, scrub firm produce, refrigerate perishable produce at 40 F or below; some groups are especially vulnerable to foodborne illness source | 2024-03-05 |
When to get medical help
- Trouble breathing, swelling of the lips, face or throat, or widespread hives after eating turnip
- Signs of serious bleeding while taking warfarin, such as blood in urine or stool, unexplained bruising or nosebleeds
- Vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain or fever after eating raw produce (symptoms of foodborne illness)
Stop using the product and contact a clinician or emergency service. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.
General information only, not medical advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or with a health condition. See the Natural Remedy Safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
What are turnips good for?
Do turnips have vitamin C?
Do turnips count toward 5 A DAY?
Yes. The NHS says turnips, swedes, parsnips and sweet potatoes count because they are usually eaten in addition to the starchy food part of a meal. Fresh, canned or frozen all count.
Are turnips safe with warfarin?
Are turnips bad for the thyroid?
Do turnips help prevent cancer?
Are turnips good for the heart?
Observational studies link more fruit and vegetables to lower heart disease (RR 0.92 per 200 g a day), and cruciferous vegetables showed inverse links. Turnips were not singled out and this cannot show cause.
Can turnips lower uric acid or help gout or kidneys?
Is turnip powder or extract the same as eating turnips?
Can I be allergic to turnip?
Is it safe to eat turnips if I have kidney disease?
How should I wash and store turnips?
The FDA says to wash produce under running water without soap, scrub firm produce with a clean brush, cut away damaged areas and keep perishable produce at 40 F (4 C) or below. Washing reduces bacteria but does not remove them all.
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Editorial transparency
- Written by
- AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against the sources listed.
- Medical review
- None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
- First published
- 2026-10-26
- Last substantive update
- 2026-10-26
- How we research
- We started from our existing turnip summary, re-checked nutrition at USDA FoodData Central, read the health agency pages (NHS, WHO, MedlinePlus, FDA, Linus Pauling Institute) and searched PubMed for reviews, trials and case reports. Only abstracts were read for studies, and two allergy reports had no abstract. Items we could not verify are flagged in the research gaps.
- How we rate evidence
- See "How we rate evidence" in the Evidence tab.
- Independence
- No product is promoted on this page. No affiliate links are shown.
Sources 22
Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.
- Aune D, Giovannucci E, Boffetta P, et al.. Fruit and vegetable intake and the risk of cardiovascular disease, total cancer and all-cause mortality-a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies.. Int J Epidemiol. 2017. PMID 28338764. DOI 10.1093/ije/dyw319. (abstract)
- Cao Q, Wang G, Peng Y. A Critical Review on Phytochemical Profile and Biological Effects of Turnip (Brassica rapa L.).. Front Nutr. 2021. PMID 34395503. DOI 10.3389/fnut.2021.721733. (abstract)
- Chu B, Chen C, Li J, et al.. Effects of Tibetan turnip (Brassica rapa L.) on promoting hypoxia-tolerance in healthy humans.. J Ethnopharmacol. 2017. PMID 27856303. DOI 10.1016/j.jep.2016.11.028. (abstract)
- Compes E, Palomares O, Fernandez-Nieto M, et al.. Allergy to turnip seeds in a bird fancier.. Allergy. 2007. PMID 17711555. DOI 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2007.01497.x. (title-only)
- Dejanovic GM, Asllanaj E, Gamba M, et al.. Phytochemical characterization of turnip greens (Brassica rapa ssp. rapa): A systematic review.. PLoS One. 2021. PMID 33596258. DOI 10.1371/journal.pone.0247032. (abstract)
- Felker P, Bunch R, Leung AM. Concentrations of thiocyanate and goitrin in human plasma, their precursor concentrations in brassica vegetables, and associated potential risk for hypothyroidism.. Nutr Rev. 2016. PMID 26946249. DOI 10.1093/nutrit/nuv110. (abstract)
- Galanty A, Grudzinska M, Pazdziora W, et al.. Do Brassica Vegetables Affect Thyroid Function?-A Comprehensive Systematic Review.. Int J Mol Sci. 2024. PMID 38612798. DOI 10.3390/ijms25073988. (abstract)
- Jeon SM, Kim JE, Shin SK, et al.. Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of powdered Brassica rapa ethanol extract on alteration of body composition and plasma lipid and adipocytokine profiles in overweight subjects.. J Med Food. 2013. PMID 23342969. DOI 10.1089/jmf.2012.2249. (abstract)
- Paul S, Geng CA, Yang TH, et al.. Phytochemical and Health-Beneficial Progress of Turnip (Brassica rapa).. J Food Sci. 2019. PMID 30561035. DOI 10.1111/1750-3841.14417. (abstract)
- Pereira C, Tavares B, Loureiro G, et al.. Turnip and zucchini: new foods in the latex-fruit syndrome.. Allergy. 2007. PMID 17362260. DOI 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2006.01313.x. (title-only)
- Poikonen S, Puumalainen TJ, Kautiainen H, et al.. Turnip rape and oilseed rape are new potential food allergens in children with atopic dermatitis.. Allergy. 2006. PMID 16364167. DOI 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2005.00929.x. (abstract)
- Wang Y, Yang Y, Liu Y, et al.. Brassica rapa L. (Turnip) Ethanol Extract Alleviates Hyperuricemia by Modulating Purine Metabolism Enzymes and Renal Urate Transporters.. Foods. 2026. PMID 42737352. DOI 10.3390/foods15173108. (abstract)
- . FDA: Selecting and Serving Produce Safely. . . (full-text)
- . GBIF Backbone: Brassica rapa subsp. rapa (usageKey 7225636). . . (full-text)
- . Linus Pauling Institute (Oregon State University): Isothiocyanates. . . (full-text)
- . MedlinePlus: Potassium in diet. . . (full-text)
- . MedlinePlus: Vitamin K. . . (full-text)
- . MedlinePlus: Warfarin. . . (full-text)
- . NHS: 5 A DAY: what counts?. . . (full-text)
- . NHS: Vitamin C. . . (full-text)
- . USDA FoodData Central: Turnips, raw (FDC 170465). . . (full-text)
- . WHO: Healthy diet (fact sheet). . . (full-text)
