Veggie life hacks…

Turnip tips

Turnips are boring – that’s a fact. Nobody ever ‘pops out to the shop for a quick turnip’ or fancies ‘digging into a turnip’ for tea (although they can often help improve a rather mild stew).

Despite their notoriety however, the turnip does hold some hidden secrets. Below are just two little tips for you to try with your turnips:

• Forget deodorant, it’s all about the turnip

This sounds strange and the idea of rubbing any sort of vegetable juice under your armpit may be enough to put you off eating such food for life, yet this tip is apparently a guarantee.

By rubbing the bulbuous root under your arms, you release the turnip juice, proven to actively ward off body odour. Just remember to grate the thing and juice it before you go ahead with the rubbing (not your armpit, the turnip).

• No need for expensive spa days when turnips are in the cupboard

If, like me, you don’t exactly have feet fit for the catwalk, worry no more – turnips are on hand to bring out the inner beauty of those tiresome toes.

For this one, you are going to have to invest in a decent sized bag of turnips – maybe 10 or 12.

Without cutting or stewing them, place the turnips in boiling water. When boiled, let it cool and soak your feet in the solution. Continue this practice for three days – new turnip water every day is preferable – and you will notice a flawless glow to your previously cracked feet.

Cucumber concoctions

Cucumbers are an excellent source of Vitamin K whilst being a good source of copper, potassium, manganese, Vitamin C, phosphorus, magnesium, biotin and Vitamin B1. They also contain the important nail health-promoting mineral silica.

But what else can our funky green friends do for us?

1) A tasty alternative to the classic H2O

We’ve all heard about putting lemons and limes in jugs of cold water, but what about sliced up cucumber? Not only does it look aesthetically pleasing, but it’s also a fantastic detox drink. Try combining cucumber with lemon or mint for a simply sip-able drink.

2) Need the shoes cleaning? Get the cucumber out

Really! Rub a cucumber slice all over your shoes and their natural chemicals will make your shoes super shiny!

3) Forget revising, just eat a cucumber

Feeling tired in the afternoon? Put down the coffee and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up which can last for hours.