Beetroot is not exactly that root vegetable that people include in their diet on an ongoing basis, but it is quite healthy. There is no such benefit that a portion or two of a red root vegetable is not capable of. The products from it have a beneficial effect on blood pressure, increase performance when playing sports, and help to fight depression during the winter blues.
Whether you add beets to a salad or drink juice from them, they will not lose their properties. In this article, we will tell you what their benefits are and why doctors love them so much.
What Are The Benefits Of Beetroots?
Around the Globe, many people use beets as a cuisine, but not many are aware of their amazing health benefits. The thing that makes them even more popular is that it is delicious.
Improves Heart Function
Beets contain nitrates, which the body converts into nitric oxide, a vasodilator that improves blood flow. Dana Hannes, MD and senior nutritionist at the Ronald Reagan Medical Center, claims that even small portions of the root vegetable can improve cardiovascular function, especially in people over 65.
In addition, work by the William Harvey Research Center, published in 2015, showed that taking a glass of beetroot juice daily can lower blood pressure. Especially in people with hypertension, as well as improve blood flow in overweight older people.
Helps Fight Inflammation
The dark red color of beets is due to betalain, a phytonutrient produced by the plant and is an antioxidant. Dr. Hannes claims that this substance has anti-inflammatory properties, as it can inhibit the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2, which causes disease processes.
Chronic inflammation over time causes damage to healthy tissue and subsequently increases the risk of heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. Hannes compares this to the appearance of rust on iron. If it is not removed in time, corrosion will eventually consume the entire mechanism.
If acid compositions help to clean metals, then food with beets will become such a remedy for the body. For a beneficial effect, two weeks will be enough. During this time, include boiled root vegetable salad in your daily.
Helps To Recover From Alcohol Withdrawal
During and after the detox process, the main focus is to provide the body with the lost nutrients. An easy way for that is drinking beet juice daily as it is rich in vitamin C, folate, and fiber. Thus, we can say that on a journey to sobriety, beets help an addict to recover quickly. The more the number of nutrients in the body, the lesser are the chances of relapse.
Thus, if you or anybody you know is withdrawing from substance addiction, suggest them to include healthy food items in their diet. Other than beets, whole grain foods and spinach also helps to beat the desire to consume alcohol.
Helps In losing Weight
The benefits of beets also lie in the fact that this root is rich in water and fiber while containing relatively few calories. This combination will help to satisfy the body’s need for nutrients. But at the same time helps from eating excessive food. One small serving of beets contains 2 grams of protein, 3.8 grams of coarse fiber, and only 58 calories.
Helps To Get Rid Of Constipation
The fiber in beets allows you to regulate stool and get rid of constipation. This will also play a role in restoring metabolism and allowing you to lose weight faster.
For example, a study published in 2012 confirmed that regular consumption of beets could increase the frequency of going to the toilet. This, in addition, will prevent diseases such as colon cancer, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and diverticulitis.
Supports Brain Health
Since beets are beneficial for blood pressure, consuming them on a consistent basis can save you from the risk of stroke and other brain problems. Every time a person faces hypertension, he gets one step closer to diseases leading to disruption of the central nervous system. The benefit of beets is that it alters the quality of the blood and speeds up its movement, relieving the burden on the brain.
For example, the nitrates found in beets lead to improved concentration, memory, and cognitive abilities. This was confirmed by scientists at Wake Forest University in North Carolina, who published research in 2011 on the relationship between the diet of older people and their propensity for Alzheimer’s disease. It turned out that the daily intake of the root vegetable postpones the likelihood of disturbances in mental work.
Helps Athletes To Give Their Best
The nitrates in beets affect mitochondria, the parts of cells that produce energy. According to Dr. Hannes, the root vegetable allows athletes to work out more intensely. Besides, food containing beets also helps to stay alert throughout the workout.
Two thousand sixteen data published by the Athletic Performance Laboratory, supported by the Davis Sports Medicine Program at the University of California, suggests that consumption of betalain from beets leads to higher performance in running and athletics.
Those who took the root vegetable regularly noticed that they became less tired. The subjects also showed a decrease in the level of lactate dehydrogenase, which signals muscle damage.
Take Away
Due to the versatility of beets, it is easy to add them to any food diet. Beets have amazing health benefits due to their composition and low-calorie content. To get all the benefits of beets, you should eat them for a few days regularly. It is enough to have it for lunch, drink a glass of its juice, or eat beet salad.
Dr. Hannes recommends 200-250 milliliters for drinks or 200-350 grams for solid foods. We are hopeful that you will buy this amazing vegetable and include it in your diet for getting astonishing health benefits.
