Kohlrabi (2024)

FAQs

Is kohlrabi a laxative? ›

Supports Gastrointestinal Health

Kohlrabi is rich in both soluble and insoluble (doesn't dissolve in water) fiber. Insoluble fiber can't be broken down by your digestive system, speeding up the movement of food through your stomach and intestine. It also adds bulk to your stool.

It's a nutrient-rich plant, and the leaves, stems and bulbs can all be consumed for a slightly sweet, earthy flavor. Research has shown that the phytochemical content of kohlrabi makes it a powerhouse when it comes to fending off cancer, diabetes and high cholesterol while improving liver and kidney function.

Kohlrabi is a good source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. The former is water-soluble and helps maintain healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels. On the other hand, insoluble fiber isn't broken down in your intestine, helping add bulk to your stool and promote regular bowel movements ( 19 ).

A study by Jung et al. in 2014 showed that the green and purple-red kohlrabi varieties have flavonoids and phenolics compounds that act as anti-inflammatory agents. The kohlrabi extracts also inhibit the production of compounds that are involved in inflammatory processes.

A cup of cubed or sliced kohlrabi has just 36 calories and 8 grams of carbs - about one-third of the carbs and calories found in potatoes. Blood-pressure friendly: A cup of kohlrabi slices has just 27 mg sodium, with more potassium than a medium banana, making it doubly beneficial for managing blood pressure.

Kohlrabi is an excellent source of vitamin C and a good source of fiber, vitamin B6 and potassium. Vitamin C plays an essential role in repairing wounds and forming scar tissue, as well as maintaining bones, teeth, and cartilage. Vitamin C rich foods also support absorption of iron.

All parts of the kohlrabi are edible, though most people just stick to the bulbous bottom. The leaves and stems are best sautéed or added to a stir-fry. The bulb can be eaten raw, which maintains its super-crisp texture and mild bite, or it can be roasted, sautéed, steamed, or boiled and mashed like a potato.

Kohlrabi is taken by mouth as an antioxidant and for cancer, heart disease, constipation, diabetes, gout, hemorrhoids, hot flashes, high cholesterol, liver disease, menstrual symptoms, a pain disorder called sciatica, scurvy, weight loss, and wound healing.

Be sure to eat them when they're young, as the flavor intensifies and they toughen with age. The freshness of the attached greens is a good indicator of age, so try to find kohlrabi with greens attached.

The vegetable is very high in Vitamin C and fiber, and is a good source of Vitamin B-6 and potassium, too. It's also fairly high in minerals, including copper and manganese. Kohlrabi is also low in calories, unless you mix it with flour and egg and fry it as in these pancakes.

What is the number one vegetable for inflammation? ›

Broccoli: Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, arugula and kale are rich in sulforaphane, an antioxidant that helps decrease inflammation. They also contain soluble fiber, which keeps digestion on track.

Kohlrabi (German: [koːlˈʁaːbi]; pronounced /koʊlˈrɑːbi/ in English; scientific name Brassica oleracea Gongylodes Group), also called German turnip or turnip cabbage, is a biennial vegetable, a low, stout cultivar of wild cabbage.

Five of the best vegetables that meet these criteria include green peas, artichokes, broccoli, collard greens and Brussels sprouts. However, the combined efforts of a fiber-rich diet, adequate water intake and exercise are all needed to help you go No. 2.

The best naturally laxative foods are those that are rich in fiber, like papaya, plum, pumpkin, orange, oatmeal and chia seeds.

Both the water and fiber abundant in kohlrabi help this veggie are good for your gut and digestive health as well. It contains both soluble and insoluble fiber, which promotes overall digestive regularity while combating common gastrointestinal (GI) complaints like gas, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.