Parsnip:

A less consumed vegetable, parsnip is a root vegetable related to carrots. One cup of sliced parsnips contains 24 grams of carbohydrates, 7 grams of fiber and 2 grams of protein.

Average calories: 104 per one cup, sliced.

Vitamins found in higher amounts: vitamins C, K, B9, E, B6, B5 and B1.

Minerals found in higher amounts: potassium, manganese, magnesium, copper, and phosphorous.

Phytonutrients found in higher amounts and their health benefits: the phytochemicals in parsnips are alpha-thujene, beta-carotene, beta-pinene, isobergapten, isorhamnetin, kaempferol, limonene, quercetin and rutin.

Kaempferol, quercetin and rutin are flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory, cancer-preventing, anti-oxidative, cardioprotective, and immune system-enhancing properties.

Isobergapten is a furanocoumarin found in grapefruit as well and can block the liver enzyme cytochrome P450, having interactions with some medications.

The two distinctive phytonutrients in parsnips are falcarinol and falcarindiol. They are potent antioxidants that have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungalproperties.