The benefits and nutritional properties of beets -also called beets- are numerous; reduces inflammation, supports heart health, protects your digestive system, brain, eye health, and others that I will explain in this article.
Beets are a versatile food that can be eaten raw, in salads and juices, or cooked and added to a variety of recipes ranging from breakfast to dinner. In addition to fiber and vegetable proteins, beets provide folaton, magnesium, potassium, copper, magnesium, iron, vitamin C and group B bitamines.
Beets are naturally rich in phytonutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, and trace minerals. They are an excellent source of phytonutrients called betalains (categorized as betanin and vulgaxanthin) that function as protective antioxidants against cancer and as anti-inflammatory molecules.
Studies have shown that betalains help protect the body against the development of cancers such as lung, stomach, colon and breast, as well as heart disease.
The red, purple, crimson, or orange color of beets is an excellent indicator of its high antioxidant content..
Due to its antioxidants, beets are also very useful in protecting eye health. They are a source of lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoid phytonutrients that are also found in other similarly colored vegetables such as carrots and squash..
These two phytonutrients play a role in protecting the eyes and preventing the development of certain conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts..
The highest proportion of these antioxidants that fight free radical damage are found in green beet greens. They contain more lutein and zeaxanthin than purple beet roots, although the roots are also a good source.
Betaines are useful for the elimination of toxins and the decrease of the amino acid homocysteine, which is linked to heart health. Betaine has been documented by the University of Maryland as an aid in lowering elevated homocysteine levels..
Anti-inflammatory compounds found in beets have been shown to inhibit the activity of cyclooxygenase enzymes, which the body uses to trigger inflammation.
While some degree of inflammation is necessary and important to the body because it keeps us free from bacterial or viral invaders, when it happens consistently and with more intensity, inflammation can be a serious problem..
Reduced levels of inflammation helps fight disease, including heart disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
The average person's diet is very high in inflammatory foods such as processed foods, with high amounts of sugar and low amounts of nutrients. Therefore, consuming whole foods such as beets is an excellent way to reduce the immune system's inflammatory response..
Beets are able to fight inflammation due to its betaine compounds, which is activated from choline, which is derived from B vitamins.
Betaine and Choline have been shown to powerfully regulate inflammation in the cardiovascular system, helping to lower cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.
Choline is able to do this due to its ability to deactivate homocysteine, responsible for inflammatory reactions in the body that increase the risk of cardiovascular problems such as atherosclerosis or blocked arteries..
Beets also contain nitrate compounds that have been shown in various studies to positively benefit cholesterol levels. Currently, researchers recommend regular consumption of nitrate-rich vegetables, such as beets, in order to protect heart health..
Beets are known to be natural detoxifiers. These are able to help detoxify and cleanse the blood of toxins, heavy metals and waste due to their compounds called glutathione, essential for the detoxification of the liver and other digestive organs..
Additionally, beet fiber helps flush waste and toxins out of the digestive tract, while restoring normal and regular bowel movements..
The betalains in beets help form glutathione that neutralizes toxins and makes them soluble in water, which means that they can be eliminated through the urine..
Several studies have shown that when animals are given beet extract, their blood becomes more purified and free of toxins and mutagens..
Many cultures have long thought of beets as a natural aphrodisiac. It is believed that it can help increase and maintain sex drive by increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs.
Beets are able to do this due to their high levels of nitrates and boron, two substances that work in the body to regulate the production of human sex hormones..
Reduced inflammation, increased circulation, and increased energy are also benefits of beets that maintain sexual desire..
Consuming beets is one of the best ways to cleanse the digestive tract and blood of contaminants caused by diet and lifestyle that produce high levels of inflammation..
Detoxification in combination with the high antioxidant values found in beets are an effective way to achieve natural aging.
Beets are a great way to help balance pH levels and alkalize the body. The pH scale is used to determine acidity versus alkalinity, with values of 7.1-14 representing alkalinity and 7 being neutral..
Most diseases develop in an acidic environment, so the goal is to keep the body at slightly alkaline levels with whole foods and alkalizing foods like fruits and vegetables that help achieve this goal..
Limiting your consumption of low-quality, processed foods and eating more alkaline foods, such as beets and other root vegetables, can protect your body from diseases that occur more frequently in people as they age.
This is due to its ability to decrease inflammation. Beets are also a great source of fiber, which helps the digestive system function properly. It even supports weight loss, another key area that starts to matter as you get older..
Beets contain nitrates that in the past were considered harmful when consumed from cold cuts, bacon, and other poor-quality packaged meats,.
However, the type of nitrates found in whole foods, such as beets, are actually very beneficial for increasing energy and performance..
Beets have been shown to provide the type of nitrates the body uses for recovery and increased physical performance..
Other studies have shown that supplementation with the type of nitrates found in beets allows athletes to improve their performance and experience less stress with exercise..
Scientists from Wake Forest University conducted research that showed that drinking beet juice increases oxygen delivery to the brain and prevents the advancement of senile disorders such as senile dementia.
Lack of adequate oxygen supply has been linked to aging and senile dementia, and is common with advancing age.
Consuming beet juice as part of a diet high in nitrates can improve blood supply and improve oxygenation to missing areas that are not adequately oxygenated..
Due to the high amounts of iron in beets, eating the vegetable or drinking its juice helps to replenish this nutrient.
If we have adequate amounts of iron in our blood, the air we breathe can be efficiently transported throughout the body.
To further increase the absorption of iron in beets, it is recommended to include a source of vitamin C in the same meal.
And you, what benefits of beets have you observed?
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