The Eight Most Strengthening Root Vegetables

Why Some Roots Give More Oomph

A true root vegetable better supports your overall energy than any of the so-called root vegetables. Here’s why. Be it a tree or a carrot, it is a plant’s penetrating roots that extract nutrients from the soil and anchor it firmly into the ground. Burdock, for example, can penetrate several feet straight into the earth.

In contrast, the function of other belowground veggies like bulbs and tubers (leeks and potatoes respectively) is to store carbohydrates. For example, we consume leek bulbs and leaves, but the vegetable’s true roots are the 30-plus gnarly and fibrous rootlets that the grocer typically discards but a savvy home gardener adds to the stockpot.

Similarly, true root vegetables most strengthen our body’s comparable “roots” or kidneys, according to Five Element Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).  Roots shore up our foundational energy (Water Element) and support our courage, stamina and pluck. Secondarily, they support our other below-the-belt organs (the Metal and Fire Element organs–intestines and reproductive organs).

For optimum well-being, aim to enjoy a variety of root vegetables daily; or better yet, with every meal. And don’t limit yourself to carrots! Wherever you’d normally use a carrot–in soups, stir-fries, braised and baked dishes–try substituting another root for flavor diversity. Or get creative. For example, grate some burdock or turnip shreds along with potatoes for a more savory version of hash browns.

True Root Vegetables

Beets
Burdock
Carrots
Daikon
Parsnips
Radishes
Rutabagas
Turnips

Underutilized true root vegetables include: horseradish, parsley root, salsify, scorzonera and wasabi. Roots such as angelica, chicory and dandelion can be dried for herbal kidney tonics.

Bulbs, Corms, Hypocotyls, Rhizomes and Tubers 

Celery root (celeriac)
Garlic
Jerusalem artichokes
Leeks
Lotus root
Onions
Potatoes
Sweet potatoes
Water chestnuts
Yacón
Yams

The Root of the Matter

As I review my clients’ food logs, I typically see a dearth of roots. Yes, carrots are a favorite and radishes may figure into a salad, but that’s about it. So next time you’re at the market, take a fresh look at the produce for some new veggie allies. Liberally use them in your diet and enjoy feeling more grounded. In the cold months when the kidney system is most challenged and in need of support, the true roots are especially medicinal.