Earlyface

Kohlrabi is a German word for  “cabbage turnip”.  It is part of the cruciferous vegetable family as with cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, collard greens and Brussels sprouts.


Although it looks like a root, it is actually a “swollen stem” that grows above the ground.  The texture of kohlrabi is similar to that of the broccoli’s stem, but is sweeter and milder in taste with a tinge of radish.

The purple kohlrabi is only colored on the outside.  Internally, it is the same as the green kohlrabi that has a white-yellow flesh.

There are different types of kohlrabi available in the market:  white and purple Danube, white and purple Vienna, and the grand duke. The kohlrabi can be eaten/juiced in its uncooked form or cooked with other vegetables.

NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS OF KOHLRABI

Kohlrabi is found to be rich in dietary fiber, carotenoids, vitamins A, C, K and the B vitamins.  As with the other vegetables in this family, it is rich with various anti-oxidants that protect against colon and prostate cancer.


 Besides the vitamins, this vegetable is also rich in calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorus, manganese and copper. Because of its rich potassium content, Kohlrabi is useful for keeping blood alkalinity that in turn helps many ailments.
 
HEALTH BENEFITS OF KOHLRABI

The many health benefits of kohlrabi are very similar to those vegetables from the cruciferous family:

Acidosis:  The high level of potassium in kohlrabi makes it a useful ingredient to be included for making an alkalizing drink to counter over-acidification.

Asthma:  The high anti-oxidant levels in kohlrabi helps in fighting asthma and lung problems.  Include this vegetable regularly as your juice ingredient, possibly a good mix with carrots, celery and green apples.

Cancer:  The anti-cancer properties in kohlrabi help in destroying the cancer cells.  However, check with your doctor if you’re on medication or therapy.

Cholesterol level:  Kohlrabi juice when mixed with green apple juice help lower the cholesterol level in one’s body. The high content of phosphorus helps in initiating this action.

Heart problems: Kohlrabi’s rich potassium content helps control the heart rate and reducing risks of heart related problems. Drink kohlrabi juice after cardio exercises for better results.


Indigestion: Kohlrabi is useful in relieving indigestion. Make a juice using kohlrabi, carrot, celery and green apples which are calming to the digestive system.

Muscle and nerve functions: The high vitamin content and enzymes of kohlrabi helps to energize the body and regulate the functioning of the muscles and nerves. Drink a glass of kohlrabi juice with carrot juice in the morning for the extra boost!

Prostate and colon cancer:  Kohlrabi, like some of the other vegetables in the brassica family, contains some health-promoting phytochemicals like sulforaphane, indole-3-carbinol and asisothiocyanates.  Studies show that these anti-oxidants  protect against prostate and colon cancers.

Skin Problems:  Kohlrabi juice also helps in easing skin problems. Regularly drink a glass of carrot and kohlrabi juice in the morning with plenty of water throughout the day for good results.

Weight Loss:  A substance in kohlrabi inhibits the conversion of sugar and other carbohydrates into fat, definitely a better way to lose weight!

CONSUMPTION TIPS

When buying kohlrabi, choose the ones that are medium to small-sized and heavy.  They are young, sweet and most tender at this stage, with the purple variety being sweeter than the green ones.

To store, trim off the leaves and store unwashed, in a plastic bag in the fridge.  Eat within the week.

When preparing kohlrabi for juicing, wash it clean and cut it up to the size that fits your juicer chute.  No skin to peel.  Mixes well with any greens and root vegetables.

Happy juicing!