Incorporating enough fruits and vegetables into your daily meals can be a challenge—especially for those with picky palates. Yet, these plant-based foods are nutritional powerhouses, and one often overlooked leafy green in particular may deserve a second look: turnip greens.A cup of cooked turnip greens contains fewer than 60 calories, but don’t let that fool you. This humble vegetable delivers an impressive 4.87 grams of protein, 5.05 grams of fibre, 39.1 milligrams of magnesium, 209 milligrams of calcium, and 29.7 milligrams of vitamin C. Despite this, its naturally bitter taste can be off-putting for many.Kathleen Benson, a registered dietitian-nutritionist with Top Nutrition Coaching, says preparation is key. “You can toss turnip greens into soups or add them to a grain bowl with a tangy dressing to balance out the bitterness,” she suggests. A little creativity in the kitchen can go a long way in making these greens more palatable—and more beneficial to your health.Why bother with turnip greens? Beyond their robust nutrient profile, they belong to the Brassicaceae family, also known as cruciferous vegetables. This puts them in the same league as kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts when it comes to health benefits. Among the most noteworthy is their potential to prevent cancer.The cancer-fighting power of turnip greens is attributed to their glucosinolate content—naturally occurring compounds that can interfere with cancer development. A 2023 review in Medical Oncology emphasized their usefulness for both cancer prevention and treatment. Another review published in 2009 in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research noted a decreased cancer risk among people who regularly consumed these sulfur-rich compounds.But the benefits don’t stop there. The calcium and magnesium in turnip greens support strong bones and play a vital role in maintaining healthy muscles, circulation, and nerve function. A 2011 study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition also found that eating cruciferous vegetables like turnip greens may lower the risk of cardiovascular death for both men and women.Vitamin C, another major nutrient found in turnip greens, is known for boosting immune health and aiding in tissue repair. This makes the vegetable an excellent ally in fighting off illness and helping the body heal from injury.To make turnip greens more enjoyable, Benson recommends cooking methods that enhance their taste while preserving nutrients. Acidic ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice can "cut the bitterness." Garlic and olive oil not only add flavor but help the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins such as A and K. While cooking may slightly reduce the greens’ vitamin C content, Benson has a fix: "Adding a squeeze of lemon at the end can brighten the flavor even more and help preserve some of the vitamin C in the dish."Turnip greens might not be the first vegetable that comes to mind, but with the right preparation, they can be both delicious and incredibly good for your health.