Carrots vs Parsnips – Which is Healthier?

Our Verdict

When comparing carrots to parsnips, we picked the parsnips.

Why?

There are arguments for both! But we say parsnips win on overall nutritional density.

In terms of macros, parsnips vary quite a lot from region to another, but broadly speaking, parsnips have more carbs and fiber, and/but the ratios are such that carrots have the lower glycemic index. We’ll call this one a win for carrots.

When it comes to vitamins, carrots have more of vitamins A, B2, B3, B6, and choline, while parsnips have more of vitamins B1, B5, B9, C, E, and K. A small win for parsnips here.

In the category of minerals, carrots are not higher in any minerals, while parsnips are higher in calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, and zinc. An overwhelming win for parsnips.

While the overall vitamin and mineral content puts parsnips ahead, it’s still worth noting that carrots have highly bioavailable megadoses of vitamin A.

Another thing to note is that the glycemic index recorded for both is when peeled and boiled, whereas both of these root vegetables can be enjoyed raw if you wish, which has a much lower GI.

In short, enjoy either or both, but parsnips are the more nutritionally dense overall.

Want to learn more?

You might like to read:

Glycemic Index vs Glycemic Load vs Insulin Index

Take care!