Did You Know…that black salsify is a highly nutritious root that can improve hair health, gut health, and bone health?
Black salsify (pronounced sal-suhf-eye) is a humble, low-calorie root crop that offers a completely safe, natural way to strengthen hair follicles, prevent premature greying, boost digestive health, protect bone health, and fire up immunity.
A member of the dandelion family, black salsify is a fairly common weed beneath which is found a highly nutritious root that is blackish brown on the outside and creamy white on the inside. Black salsify is often compared to the parsnip but its flavor is more akin to an oyster. It hails mainly from the Mediterranean region but has been cultivated the world over.
Black Salsify for Healthy Hair
As mentioned, black salsify is packed with iron, copper, and vitamin C, all proven hair-health boosters.
Iron: Carries oxygen to the scalp to protect and nourish hair follicles. Low iron is one of the most common reasons pre-menopausal women lose their hair.
Copper: Prevents hair loss and stimulates hair growth. Also strengthens hair, intensifies hair color, and keeps hair from going gray.
Vitamin C: Essential for the synthesis of collagen. Supports healthy blood vessels in the scalp and strengthens hair follicles, while increasing absorption of iron from foods.
A Powerful Prebiotic Food
Black salsify offers one of the best dietary sources of inulin, a type of prebiotic fiber. This health-boosting fiber:
- Is safe and healthy for diabetics
- Keeps the pancreas running smoothly
- Stimulates the growth of “friendly” bifidobacteria
Bifidobacteria are anaerobic (they live in the absence of oxygen), rod-shaped bacteria found in the large intestines of most mammals, including humans. |
Friendly bifidobacteria reduce the numbers of harmful intestinal bacteria and cancer-causing enzymes. They also prevent and cure constipation and charge up your immune system.
Supports Healthy Digestion & Strong Bones
Black salsify is rich in thiamine, crucial for your nervous system and muscles. Thiamin also supports carbohydrate metabolism and production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, key to protein metabolism. Hydrochloric acid prevents bacterial overgrowth in your stomach. Unfortunately, hydrochloric acid levels drop off with age. Black salsify and other veggies that stimulate hydrochloric acid can help.
Black salsify is also rich potassium, a mineral that’s often overlooked. Your muscles rely on potassium, including your heart. Black salsify and other potassium-rich foods foster strong bones and reduce your risk of osteoporosis.
Like other starchy roots, salsify root can be:
Fried
Mashed
Roasted
Baked
Tossed in a stew or soup
