Singkamas Simplified

Veggie superstar alert!  

Although it often disappears in the flavor background, the turnip, or “singkamas” for us Filipinos, is a certified vegetable icon! Eager to know why? Don’t worry, we dug up all the information necessary to back that claim, leaving no room for doubt that the singkamas should be part of your regular meals!

There’s more to the singkamas than just its crunch and taste. It is also packed with carbohydrates, fiber, proteins, Vitamins A, C and K, folate, phosphorus, and calcium—no wonder it’s considered a superfood!

Here’s a simple list explaining why you should include the singkamas in your diet: 

Munch and crunch your way to healthier cells with the high levels of Vitamin C in singkamas. Eat it raw or cooked, it does not matter. You still get all its benefits like stimulating antioxidant activity in your body to maintain overall health and inhibiting the development of some cancer cells. Talk about excellence! 

It’s not a fountain! We’ve been looking at the wrong place the whole time. The simple secret to staying young-looking is the singkamas. It helps fight the harmful effects of cell damage and lessens stress on the skin, leading to glowing, and younger-looking skin. 

Did you know that carbohydrates turn into sugar as you’re digesting them? So, if you’re looking for a fulfilling way to regulate your blood sugar levels, look no further than the turnip. Its low carbohydrate content and high fiber count ensures that each bite you take goes a long way in regulating your blood sugar levels. 

Stand strong with singkamas! Really, you can. Full of calcium, which we all know is good for the bones, adding this to your diet helps strengthen your body’s frame and prevents bone-related conditions like osteoporosis.

Being low in calories and high in fiber makes the singkamas your perfect way into sustainable weight-loss, helping you feel full, and stay feeling full, after eating. This, when paired with physical activities like walking, running, dancing, or swimming, works splendidly for your fitness goals. 

Nature not calling you as much as it used to? What you need is fiber connection! Get more fiber in your body with singkamas to go more regularly. Your tummy will thank you. 

Packed with potassium, which helps lower blood pressure, and fiber, which significantly decreases bad cholesterol, singkamas is your trusted friend that will help in keeping your heart safe from potential aches and breaks.  

Disclaimer: for relationship-induced heartbreaks, talk to a person, not a veggie. 

Expecting moms can expect positive things from eating singkamas. As a valuable source of folate, it helps prevent complications and supports the overall development of the baby. 

Preserving vegetables correctly is important to avoid food waste. Here’s how to store singkamas properly:

• Separate the leaves and roots, carefully washing and drying them. Put them inside a plastic bag or container with a lid. Store in the refrigerator.
• To store the singkamas roots in the refrigerator, wash them well and place them in a plastic bag or container with a lid. This will keep for up to 15 days. If stored outside the refrigerator, the shelf life will be shorter.  

 
More references: 
Singkamas: Mga Nakakabilib na Benepisyo sa Kalusugan Alamin! Prutas Lokal, 2023.
Health Benefits of Singkamas Ang Pinoy, 2021. 
8 Health and Nutrition Benefits of Jicama Healthline, 2023.