Beets – The incredible health benefits

Beets (blood turnips) are an excellent nutrition source and can find his place in variety of foods. Today we are showing you the fantastic health benefits of beets.

Antioxidants

 

Antioxidants help you body to prevent or delay the damaging of the cells that can lead to a diseases.

The antioxidant content is revealed by the purple and orange hues of beets same as berries. Many studies confirm that betalains provide great protection against ling, colon, stomach and breast cancer. Beets are also excellent for eyes. Antioxidants (lutein and zeaxanthin) found in beets and other veggies can protect against macular degeneration or cataracts.
Majority of these antioxidants are found in the greens of the beets.

 

Anti-Inflammatory abilities

 

Too much inflammation can cause serious problems. Inflammation is linked to:

  • Osteoporosis
  • Chronic pain
  • Candidiasis
  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Wrinkles
  • Cancer
  • Bronchitis
  • Infection
  • Arthritis

Processed foods have high levels of sugar and that can lead to highly inflammatory diet. Consuming vegetables like beets can be a great alternative to boost your immune system. The nutrient Betaine is a compound in beets that helps protect cells and enzymes form stress. Betaine can also improve vascular risk factors and protect internal organs.

Better Brain and Mental Health

Beets can help if you are feeling down or have memory issues. Nitric oxide produced by beets can increase blood flow throughout body and brain.
A significant amount of manganese (Mg) is produced in only ½ cup of cooked beets. Manganese is needed for calcium absorption, blood sugar regulation, making sex hormones, bones and blood-clotting factors. Your brain and nerves function in optimal levels when you eat a manganese-rich foods such as beets.

Great for Your Heart

Consuming Beets can help you lower your blood pressure same as medications. Beets are powerful for blood pressure regulation because of their anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation in the cardiovascular system can be controlled by Betaine and choline. Potassium is also a compound in beets.

Natural Detoxification

‘’Detox’’ is a phase when people try to wash their bodies of toxins. Natural body detoxification can be supported by Betalain pigments that are present in beets. Detoxification neutralizes toxins so they can be excreted in the urine.

Anti-Aging Abilities

The anti-inflammatory and detoxification abilities of beets can contribute to keep you younger. Betalain exhibits antiviral and antimicrobial effects that can protect against age-related diseases.

As a great source of fiber, beets can improve the function of the digestive system.

Improved physical performance

Beets can help you body to stay hydrated and can improve the way it uses oxygen. With the low level of calorie beets can be added to almost every meal.

How to eat Beets

Beets can be eaten raw or added to smoothies, salads, juices and side dishes. Every part of the beets is eatable. Beets contain:

  • Protein
  • Zinc
  • Fiber
  • Phosphorous
  • Magnesium
  • Copper
  • Vitamin B6, A , C
  • Potassium
  • Iron and Calcium

There is one more thing- Beets can change the colour of your urine to red or pink. This is called ‘’beeturina’’. Only 5-15% of adults in US can experience beeturina after consuming beets.


Image Credits: legionathletics.com