Beets! Who hasn’t noticed that red pulpy vegetable that lingers at the grocery stores almost all winter and spring season! Some like to have it with some added sugar, while others prefer to take it as a salad with some lettuce and olive/lemon dressing. Some even like to drink it as juice! The truth is, whether you want to drink or eat it, it surely has so many health benefits! So, next time you are in the store, make sure you pick some up and add them to your next meal!
1- Blood Pressure:
So many studies, throughout the years, have proven the health benefits of beetroot (beets) on blood pressure (diastolic blood pressure). This effect happens in as little as a couple of hours after drinking the juice. It is due to the natural presence of nitrate in the beet, which is transformed into Nitric Oxide (NO) in our bodies. NO helps to relax and dilate our blood vessels. As a result, you will benefit from a healthy regulated blood pressure!
2- Stamina:
Beets, due to their Nitrate, are ergogenic. This term means that they improve a person’s endurance and performance when exercising or doing any activity. A study done by the University of Exeter declared that when you drink the beetroot juice, you are capable of exercising 16% longer. They explain it as such that this juice will let your body use less oxygen during exercising; so, you will feel less tired. So, having this powerful vegetable can help athletes and even elderly who have health issues like cardiovascular diseases.
3- Anti-inflammation:
Beets contain a component called betaine that is a magic ingredient in the world of Health. Its benefits are so many that pharmaceutical companies ended up developing betaine supplements. Betaine has a special function that is to protect our body’s internal organs especially the liver and the kidneys. It acts as an anti-inflammatory, especially by regulating the levels of CR-protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha. The C- Reactive Protein is a ring-shaped protein that is found in our blood. When its levels increase, this means that there is an inflammation of the body. Testing the C-Reactive protein level in your body can determine whether you might be at risk of having a heart attack.
4- Anti-cancer:
The powerful phytochemicals found in beets has been found to prevent the formation of tumors in several organs of the body. Studies are still ongoing to identify the possibility of beets in treating specifically three kinds of cancers: breast, pancreatic and prostate.
5- Detox:
Beets can cleanse our body of toxins. How can it do it? It is very simple. Our liver is the main organ that helps cleanse our body from any harful substance before they turn into diseases and illnesses. When you help keep yoru liver clean and healthy, your entire system will be healthy. Beets contain betaine, betalains, fiber, iron, betacyanin, folate, and betanin. Most of these substances will help flush the toxins that are in the liver. Also, they will help flush that our liver got rid of, instead of making our body reabsorb them.
After understanding all these high-impact naturopathic benefits of this pure vegetable, why wouldn’t you make it part of your routine? Simply add it to your salad, as a side dish, or even a juice.
