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Parsnip vs. Turnip — Health Impact and Nutrition Comparison

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Article author photo Christelle  Tchakerian by Christelle Tchakerian | Last updated on June 28, 2023
Medically reviewed by Igor Bussel Article author photo Igor Bussel
Parsnip
vs
Turnip

Summary

While turnips are particularly rich in vitamin C, parsnips are higher in vitamin K. Turnips also have a lower glycemic index.

Parsnips contain higher amounts of fiber, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin E, and folate. They also have less sodium and saturated fats.

Introduction

Parsnips are a relative of the carrot and celery. They belong to the Apiaceae family.

Turnips are a relative of the cabbage and belong to the Brassicaceae family.

They are both root vegetables that are rich in nutrients. Both foods are usually pale (white in color). Both items should be hard when raw, without any discoloration or cuts and bruises. Moreover, both items are equal in price.

Parsnips are relatively more packed with vitamins and minerals but have a higher glycemic index.

We will further discuss and compare the nutritional components, health benefits, and health concerns that each food possesses.

Flavor

Parsnips are sweet-tasting like carrots. On the other hand, turnips are not that sweet. Smaller turnips are sweeter, while larger ones are spicier and more piquant.

Nutrition

Observing the infographics will allow us to compare the nutrition content of parsnips and turnips.

Both parsnips and turnips have no cholesterol. Parsnips contain more monounsaturated fats (although limited in quantity), while turnips have more polyunsaturated fats (also in minimal quantities). Parsnips contain 2.72 times more fiber compared to turnips.

Macronutrient Comparison

Macronutrient breakdown side-by-side comparison
:
1
Turnip
Contains more Protein +33.3%
Contains more Fats +200%
Contains more Carbs +179.8%
Contains more Other +40%
Contains more Water +15.5%
18% 80%
Protein: 1.2 g
Fats: 0.3 g
Carbs: 17.99 g
Water: 79.53 g
Other: 0.98 g
6% 92%
Protein: 0.9 g
Fats: 0.1 g
Carbs: 6.43 g
Water: 91.87 g
Other: 0.7 g
Contains more Protein +33.3%
Contains more Fats +200%
Contains more Carbs +179.8%
Contains more Other +40%
Contains more Water +15.5%

Calories

Parsnips have 2 times more calories than turnips. Parsnips have 75 calories per 100g, whereas turnips have only 28 calories.

Minerals

Parsnips contain 2 times more potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and 3 times more folate than turnips. They are also higher in iron, calcium, and zinc. Parsnips contain 85.1% less sodium compared to turnips.

Mineral Comparison

Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
Parsnip
10
:
0
Turnip
Contains more Calcium +20%
Contains more Iron +96.7%
Contains more Magnesium +163.6%
Contains more Phosphorus +163%
Contains more Potassium +96.3%
Contains less Sodium -85.1%
Contains more Zinc +118.5%
Contains more Copper +41.2%
Contains more Manganese +317.9%
Contains more Selenium +157.1%
Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Copper Manganese Selenium 11% 23% 21% 31% 34% 2% 17% 40% 74% 10%
Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Copper Manganese Selenium 9% 12% 8% 12% 17% 9% 8% 29% 18% 4%
Contains more Calcium +20%
Contains more Iron +96.7%
Contains more Magnesium +163.6%
Contains more Phosphorus +163%
Contains more Potassium +96.3%
Contains less Sodium -85.1%
Contains more Zinc +118.5%
Contains more Copper +41.2%
Contains more Manganese +317.9%
Contains more Selenium +157.1%

Vitamins

Parsnips have more vitamin E, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, and folate. Moreover, they contain 22400% more vitamin K than turnips. 

Meanwhile, turnips contain more vitamin C.

Vitamin Comparison

Vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
:
1
Turnip
Contains more Vitamin E +4866.7%
Contains more Vitamin B1 +125%
Contains more Vitamin B2 +66.7%
Contains more Vitamin B3 +75%
Contains more Vitamin B5 +200%
Contains more Folate +346.7%
Contains more Vitamin K +22400%
Contains more Vitamin C +23.5%
Equal in Vitamin B6 - 0.09
Vitamin A Vitamin E Vitamin D Vitamin C Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Folate Vitamin B12 Vitamin K 0% 30% 0% 57% 23% 12% 14% 36% 21% 51% 0% 57%
Vitamin A Vitamin E Vitamin D Vitamin C Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Folate Vitamin B12 Vitamin K 0% 1% 0% 70% 10% 7% 8% 12% 21% 12% 0% 1%
Contains more Vitamin E +4866.7%
Contains more Vitamin B1 +125%
Contains more Vitamin B2 +66.7%
Contains more Vitamin B3 +75%
Contains more Vitamin B5 +200%
Contains more Folate +346.7%
Contains more Vitamin K +22400%
Contains more Vitamin C +23.5%
Equal in Vitamin B6 - 0.09

Carbohydrates

Parsnips are 2.8 times higher in carbohydrates than turnips. 18% of the daily carbohydrate need is covered by 300g of parsnips, while only 6% is covered by 300g of turnips.

Turnips contain fewer sugars (a difference of 1g).

Protein

Parsnips are higher in protein than turnips. 7% of daily protein needs are covered by 300g of parsnips. On the other hand, 5% of protein’s daily needs are covered by 300g of turnips.

Glycemic Index

The glycemic index of turnips is lower than that of parsnips. 

The glycemic index of turnip is 73, while parsnip has GI equal to 97.

Both are classified as high-glycemic index foods.

Weight Loss and Diets

Turnips are preferred over parsnips in low-calorie, low-fat, low-carb, and low-glycemic index diets.

Both foods are low in carbohydrates and calories and are, therefore, consumed on low-carb and low-calorie diets.

In the keto diet, these root vegetables can be consumed as potato substitutes.

Moreover, both parsnips and turnips are high in fiber. Fiber helps one stay fuller for longer. Furthermore, eating foods high in fiber helps keep one’s blood sugar steady. Such foods that are rich in water also help the individual feel fuller and may lead to increased weight loss (1).

Parsnips and turnips are also both recommended in the DASH diet, which is mainly adopted to lower blood pressure (2).

Health Benefits

Cardiovascular Health

Turnips are considered to be in the medium range for nitrate content (3). Dietary nitrate has been associated with cardiovascular benefits. Some of these benefits include reduced blood pressure. The consumption of nitrate-rich vegetables lowers cardiovascular risk (3).

Moreover, turnips contain 1.8g of fiber per 100g portion (4). Fiber affects cardiovascular disease risk factors beneficially (5).
Likewise, parsnips may also have valuable cardiovascular effects.

Additionally, parsnips are high in potassium. It is known that potassium protects heart health by lowering blood pressure. Furthermore, parsnips are rich in folate. Folate decreases one’s risk of having a stroke (6).

Therefore, turnips and parsnips may contribute beneficial effects to cardiovascular health.

Diabetes

Flavonoids such as kaempferol and quercetin glycosides were found in turnip extracts (7). These compounds have beneficial effects on diabetic patients. For instance, kaempferol possesses an antidiabetic power by enhancing glucose metabolism (8). Also, quercetin has been shown to have antidiabetic potential by affecting glucose utilization and insulin sensitization (9).

The dietary fiber contained in these vegetables may also play a role in decreasing the risk of diabetes (10). The fiber contained in both of these foods helps improve insulin sensitivity (5).

A study suggests that turnips may play an important role in the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus (11). Another study demonstrated that turnip leaf extract plays a role in decreasing blood sugar levels (12).

Similarly, parsnips may aid in preventing the development of type 2 diabetes because of their richness in antioxidants (13).

Thus, parsnips and turnips may aid in the management and prevention of type 2 diabetes.

Cancer

According to the National Foundation for Cancer Research, turnips are rich in carotenoids that decrease the risk of some cancers (14).

Turnips are cruciferous vegetables. Regular cruciferous vegetable consumption leads to a decrease in the risk of lung cancer as well as colorectal cancer (15).

Turnips also contain phytochemical compounds known as glucosinolates (16). Intake of isothiocyanates (hydrolysis product of glucosinolate) may have a protective effect against cancer (17). Cooking methods may alter the bioavailability of glucosinolates (18).

Some epidemiological studies have shown a decrease in the risk of colon and rectal cancer upon the consumption of cruciferous vegetables (among which are turnips) (18).

Parsnips may also play a role in the prevention of some cancers. Turnips and parsnips are rich in vitamin C. Studies suggest that vitamin C has a role in inhibiting the process of tumor formation (19). Moreover, a study revealed that parsnips have cytotoxic abilities against cancer cells, meaning they may be toxic to cancer cells (20).

Downsides and Risks

Allergy

Parsnips contain a type of phototoxic substance called psoralen (21). Phototoxicity is a cytotoxic reaction produced against skin cells due to the activation of phototoxic chemicals by light (22). These substances found in parsnips have been linked to photodermatitis (23). Parsnips could cause photodermatitis in some individuals (24).

Moreover, parsnips may be associated with oral allergy syndrome (25). Oral allergy syndrome is an allergic response in the mouth.

Turnips may also be associated with allergic reactions. One case study showed that handling turnip greens (leaves of the turnip) may trigger allergic reactions (particularly contact allergy) (26).

Article author photo Christelle  Tchakerian
Education: Institute for Integrative Nutrition New York
Last updated: June 28, 2023
Medically reviewed by Igor Bussel

Infographic

Parsnip vs Turnip infographic
Infographic link

Fat Type Comparison

Fat type breakdown side-by-side comparison
:
2
Turnip
Contains more Monounsaturated Fat +1766.7%
Contains less Saturated Fat -78%
Contains more Polyunsaturated fat +12.8%
24% 54% 22%
Saturated Fat: 0.05 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.112 g
Polyunsaturated fat: 0.047 g
16% 9% 76%
Saturated Fat: 0.011 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.006 g
Polyunsaturated fat: 0.053 g
Contains more Monounsaturated Fat +1766.7%
Contains less Saturated Fat -78%
Contains more Polyunsaturated fat +12.8%

Comparison summary table

Pay attention to the rightmost column. It displays the amounts side by side, giving a clearer understanding of the difference.
Parsnip Turnip
Lower in Sugar ok
Lower in Saturated Fat ok
Lower in Glycemic Index ok
Lower in Sodium ok
Rich in minerals ok
Rich in vitamins ok
Lower in Cholesterol Equal
Lower in price Equal

All nutrients comparison - raw data values

Nutrient Parsnip Turnip Opinion
Net carbs 13.09g 4.63g Parsnip
Protein 1.2g 0.9g Parsnip
Fats 0.3g 0.1g Parsnip
Carbs 17.99g 6.43g Parsnip
Calories 75kcal 28kcal Parsnip
Sugar 4.8g 3.8g Turnip
Fiber 4.9g 1.8g Parsnip
Calcium 36mg 30mg Parsnip
Iron 0.59mg 0.3mg Parsnip
Magnesium 29mg 11mg Parsnip
Phosphorus 71mg 27mg Parsnip
Potassium 375mg 191mg Parsnip
Sodium 10mg 67mg Parsnip
Zinc 0.59mg 0.27mg Parsnip
Copper 0.12mg 0.085mg Parsnip
Manganese 0.56mg 0.134mg Parsnip
Selenium 1.8µg 0.7µg Parsnip
Vitamin E 1.49mg 0.03mg Parsnip
Vitamin C 17mg 21mg Turnip
Vitamin B1 0.09mg 0.04mg Parsnip
Vitamin B2 0.05mg 0.03mg Parsnip
Vitamin B3 0.7mg 0.4mg Parsnip
Vitamin B5 0.6mg 0.2mg Parsnip
Vitamin B6 0.09mg 0.09mg
Folate 67µg 15µg Parsnip
Vitamin K 22.5µg 0.1µg Parsnip
Tryptophan 0.009mg Turnip
Threonine 0.025mg Turnip
Isoleucine 0.036mg Turnip
Leucine 0.033mg Turnip
Lysine 0.036mg Turnip
Methionine 0.011mg Turnip
Phenylalanine 0.017mg Turnip
Valine 0.03mg Turnip
Histidine 0.014mg Turnip
Saturated Fat 0.05g 0.011g Turnip
Monounsaturated Fat 0.112g 0.006g Parsnip
Polyunsaturated fat 0.047g 0.053g Turnip

Which food is preferable for your diet?

ok
ok
is better in case of low diet
Parsnip Turnip
Low Fats diet ok
Low Carbs diet ok
Low Calories diet ok
Low Glycemic Index diet ok

People also compare

Vitamins & Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score

The summary scores indicate the extent to which this food can fulfill your daily vitamin and mineral requirements if you consume 3 servings, consisting of 100 grams of each (an approximation of 3 serving sizes).
Vitamins Daily Need Coverage Score
25%
Parsnip
12%
Turnip
Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score
26%
Parsnip
12%
Turnip

Comparison summary

Which food is lower in Sugar?
Turnip
Turnip is lower in Sugar (difference - 1g)
Which food is lower in Saturated Fat?
Turnip
Turnip is lower in Saturated Fat (difference - 0.039g)
Which food is lower in glycemic index?
Turnip
Turnip is lower in glycemic index (difference - 24)
Which food contains less Sodium?
Parsnip
Parsnip contains less Sodium (difference - 57mg)
Which food is richer in minerals?
Parsnip
Parsnip is relatively richer in minerals
Which food is richer in vitamins?
Parsnip
Parsnip is relatively richer in vitamins
Which food contains less Cholesterol?
?
The foods are relatively equal in Cholesterol (0 mg)
Which food is cheaper?
?
The foods are relatively equal in price ($)

References

All the values for which the sources are not specified explicitly are taken from FDA’s Food Central. The exact link to the food presented on this page can be found below.

  1. Parsnip - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170417/nutrients
  2. Turnip - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/170465/nutrients

All the Daily Values are presented for males aged 31-50, for 2000-calorie diets.

Data provided by FoodStruct.com should be considered and used as information only. Please consult your physician before beginning any diet.