11 Impressive Health Benefits of Salsify

Salsify impressive health benefits include improving digestion, supporting immune system, regulating blood pressure, improving skin health, helps fight cancerous cells, support healthy bones, improves symptoms of Premature Syndrome, promote weight loss, helps improve brain health, good for regulating blood sugar, and promotes healthy hair growth.

What is Salsify?

Salsify is the name given to two breeds of vegetable, with the most common salsify consumed in most parts of the world being the black salsify. Salsify was very popular but fell out of popularity in the late 19th century. Purple salsify is a root vegetable popularly called the oyster plant, belonging to the Asteraceae family.

It is a biennial herb, native to the Mediterranean region, however, historical records suggest that it was probably first cultivated in Italy. It has linear leaves and is cultivated for its edible root and other parts which may also contain medicinal properties. It was very popular in ancient Rome for its ornamental properties, but today, salsify is grown in a similar manner as carrots and is grated onto salads and is even added to eggs and sandwiches due to its delicious flavor.

Nutrition Info (per cup 135g)

Total Carbohydrate-25g
Dietary Fiber-4.4g
Protein-4.4g 9% RDA
Vitamin C-10.6mg 18% RDA
Thiamin-0.1mg 7% RDA
Riboflavin-0.3mg 17% RDA
Niacin-0.7mg 3% RDA
Vitamin B6-0.4mg 18% RDA
Folate-34mcg 9% RDA
Pantothenic Acid-0.5mg 5% RDA
Calcium-80mg 8% RDA
Iron-0.9mg 5% RDA
Magnesium-30.6mg 8% RDA
Phosphorus-99.7mg 10% RDA
Potassium-505mg 14% RDA
Zinc-0.5mg 3% RDA
Copper-0.1mg 6% RDA
Manganese-0.4mg 18% RDA
Selenium-1.1mcg 2% RDA

11 Impressive Health Benefits of Salsify

11 Impressive Health Benefits of Salsify

1. May Help Improve Digestion


2. Help The Immune System


3. Help Regulate Blood Pressure

The kidneys are responsible to a large extent for regulation of blood pressure, although most people don’t appreciate or know this.  Salsify has a proper balance of dietary minerals that can regulate blood pressure, such as a high amount of Calcium and Potassium, and a low amount of sodium, which together help to optimize blood pressure. The kidneys help to regulate the delicate balance between potassium and sodium. When there is excess sodium, this fragile balance is disrupted and there is an accumulation of fluid which results in higher blood pressure. To restore balance, foods rich in calcium can potassium, like salsify should be consumed to counter the effect of sodium and restoring homeostasis, thus, assisting the kidney to work properly.

4. Help Improve The Appearance of The Skin


5. Excellent In Fighting Cancerous Cells

Salsify is loaded with very active antioxidants which are very effective in reduction of a variety of carcinogens, and can prevent or manage cancers affecting the prostate, breast, colon and ovary. The presence of Vitamin C also supports against oxidative stress, a known risk factor for development of cancerous cells.

6. Good For Healthy Bones


7. Help Improve Symptoms Of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

The calcium level in salsify may help alleviate mood swings, breast tenderness, pain and anxiety, all of which occur during pre-menstruation. If left unattended to, it may affect daily life and emotional activities. Salsify may help to bring relief to the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, helping make the monthly occurrence a less stressful one.

8. Helps With Weight Loss


9. Help Improve Brain Health

Salsify is enriched with vitamins that enhance the function and development of the brain. Vitamin A helps to enhance signal conduction of neurotransmitters by carrying signals from one nerve cell ending to the next. This helps the brain to function its best. Salsify is also important in regulating mood and preventing mental disorders due to neurotransmitter dysfunction. Some researchers believe that with regular intake of salsify, serotonin levels increase which help to reduce symptoms of depression and other negative effects on brain-health.

10. Good For Regulating Blood Sugar

When the body fails to efficiently transport glucose from the blood into the cells where they are needed, this is usually an indicator of diabetic illness. The major hormone for regulation of blood glucose is insulin. Studies suggest that the naturally occurring herbal plant, salsify may be able to contribute to controlling blood sugar levels, helping to slow the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream. This delayed absorption helps insulin to function better, and as a result allows for enhanced energy production and better overall health.

11. Promotes Healthy Hair Growth

Salsify contains a moderate amount of iron which promotes steady and regular hair growth. It is believed that the flow of blood into the scalp may be enhanced since iron is a fundamental factor responsible for the formation of red blood cell. When there is increased red blood supply to the follicle beds, they stimulate hair growth and promote thick hair. It may also reduce the rate of premature hair growth or loss of hair, which can be impaired by inefficient blood flow. The iron in salsify promotes a healthy scalp and is widely included as an ingredient for scalp treatment and as a tonic for the hair


The salsify plant may be unpopular, but its benefit to the human body should not be overlooked. It is an easier alternative to many supplements that claim to perform similar functions but end up damaging the cells of the body, and will add a new dimension to your repertoire of recipes.