Beetroot juice contains vitamins and nutrients, helps in the treatment of many diseases. It can enhance immunity, slow down the aging process and prevent cancer. This drink is great for people with heartburn, hypertension and anemia. Consider the main medicinal properties and contraindications of beet juice for the human body.
The nutritional value
Red beets and a drink made from it are valuable and delicious food products that are common throughout Europe. The composition of the vegetable includes:
- proteins;
- simple sugars (glucose, fructose), polysaccharides (sucrose);
- anthocyanins;
- beta alanine, betaine;
- flavonoids: rutoside, quercetin, kempferol;
- folic acid;
- phenolic compounds: chlorogenic, caffeic, coumaric, ferulic acid ;
- organic acids: oxalic, malic, citric;
- vitamins: C, A, group B, nicotinic acid;
- mineral salts of calcium, cobalt, magnesium, iron, potassium, sodium, rubidium, cesium, as well as silicon and phosphorus.
Vegetables are the richest source of glutamine and nitrates. This is a low-calorie product, 100 g contains only 38 kcal.
If you want to take full advantage of the elements in the beets, you must use it in an appropriate form. The mineral substances present in the vegetable are soluble in water, and during heat treatment the beets lose many nutrients. The best solution is to prepare the vegetable in the peel and peel it immediately before serving. In this case, all valuable compounds remain inside it.
Another valuable product for the body is freshly squeezed beet juice. If it is not exposed to high temperature, all the nutrients are completely stored in the healthy drink.
Beneficial features
The benefits of beet juice due to its rich composition. Its main beneficial properties for the body:
- decrease in systolic blood pressure;
- improved blood circulation;
- maintenance of the liver;
- help in the fight against anemia;
- contribute to weight loss;
- slows putrefactive processes in the intestine;
- regulates metabolism (promotes the excretion of uric acid from the body),
- reduces the level of "bad" cholesterol;
- reduces unpleasant symptoms during menopause;
- irreplaceable after a course of antibiotics;
- in men increases sexual function (according to some, the juice acts as an aphrodisiac);
- increase endurance (beet juice is an excellent energy drink that gives energy, physically strengthens and increases the body's endurance);
- helps during the recovery period after illness.
Beetroot drink and gastrointestinal tract
In folk medicine, this drink is used for diseases of the intestines and stomach. Due to the high content of pectin substances, beet juice facilitates digestion and suppresses putrefactive processes in the intestine, stimulates its work and has a cleansing effect. In addition, the drink stimulates the gallbladder. It is a good remedy for heartburn, lowers blood sugar, and also prevents bowel and stomach cancer. Introduction to the diet of this healthy drink helps in the fight against overweight and obesity. It suppresses cravings for sweets, which is also important. The healing properties of beet juice are also manifested in gastritis and gastric ulcer.
Circulatory system
Beetroot drink with honey is a well-known remedy for high pressure. Nitrogen compounds present in a healthy drink help dilate blood vessels, preventing heart attack and stroke.
Due to the high content of magnesium and potassium, the beneficial properties of beet juice are used in the treatment of hypertension and other cardiovascular disorders.
Useful components in the vegetable activate the formation of red blood cells. There are many positive reviews from people who cured anemia by drinking freshly squeezed red beet juice daily.
Excretory system
Beet juice accelerates the elimination of toxins from the body, as it stimulates the liver, intestines and kidneys. It also cleanses the blood, removes uric acid from the body. Beet root crops contain a large amount of pectin, which helps to remove heavy metals, microorganisms dangerous to the digestive system, and excess cholesterol from the body.
Nervous system
Betaine is present in beets, a substance that is used to treat certain forms of depression. Beetroot also contains tryptophan, an amino acid that relaxes the brain and gives a feeling of happiness. Folic acid has a calming effect, so it helps people with sleep problems fall asleep. In addition, beets improve overall well-being, increase concentration, reflexes, memory, reduce nervous tension, treat stress, depression, apathy, various kinds of neurosis, and sleep disturbances.
The beneficial properties of beet juice and Alzheimer's disease were studied. With age, the number of areas of the brain that are not adequately supplied with blood increases, and this, in turn, affects the development of dementia and reduces cognitive function. Scientists have proven that beets can increase blood flow to the brain due to the high nitrate content in vegetables. Nitrates dilate blood vessels and improve the flow of oxygen and blood through tissues. A diet rich in nitrates enhances the flow of oxygen to the white matter of the frontal lobes of the brain. These are frequent foci of chronic cerebrovascular insufficiency, which is the main reason for the development of Alzheimer's disease.
Musculoskeletal system
This valuable drink improves muscle performance and increases endurance. Oxalic acid in beets binds inorganic calcium compounds, which are considered the cause of many chronic diseases. And therefore, by eating beets, it is possible to prevent inflammation of the joints, the deposition of kidney stones or varicose veins. Eating vegetables helps prevent osteoporosis.
Beet juice should be a component of the diet for athletes, as it quickly gives energy to the body.
Reproductive system
Beetroot is a rich source of folic acid and is involved in the proper development of the fetus. Women planning a pregnancy should introduce beet juice 3 months before conception into their diet. This product is used in the treatment of infertility, as it can increase the level of sex hormones responsible for ovulation. Due to the fact that beets improve blood circulation, including in the uterus, it is advisable to use it in the luteal phase. In addition, zinc, manganese and copper stimulate growth and development, positively affect the functioning of the sex glands.
Proved the benefits of beet juice for men. Even in ancient times, the Romans used this vegetable as an aphrodisiac. All this is provided by boron in beets, which affects the production of hormones responsible for sex drive and libido.
Red beet juice for skin
Regular consumption of this healthy drink protects the skin from premature aging and wrinkles. In addition, the lycopene present in the vegetable improves skin elasticity and protects it from sunburn. Beetroot juice helps eliminate head itching, dryness, dandruff and even psoriasis. In addition, the carotenoids in it improve the condition of the hair, increase their thickness and give them shine.
Juice is useful for acne and boils. Using vegetable juice to wipe the skin will help keep it moisturized and supple.
How to make red beet juice?
To prepare a healthy drink, you need to choose juicy dark red beet varieties without white rings. Before use, a fresh drink should be placed in an open container in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, as it contains volatile compounds that can cause discomfort, nausea and weakness. It is best to prepare a daily serving of juice in the morning and store it in the refrigerator. Fresh juice from red beets can be stored in a closed bottle for 5-7 days, during which time it will not lose its valuable properties.
How to drink beetroot juice?
Do not drink pure beetroot juice. This can result in a burning sensation, sore throat, or stomach irritation. It is recommended to add to it, for example, juice from carrots, cucumbers, apples and other vegetables and fruits in order to soften the sharp taste of the drink.
In some cases, consuming large amounts of pure beetroot juice at a time can cause malaise and even vomiting. Why? The drink has a strong detoxifying effect, so a large dose of juice causes the release of a significant amount of toxins accumulated in the body. Nutritionists are advised to start by taking small portions of juice and gradually increase its quantity so that the body gets used to a new product.
At the beginning of the treatment, beetroot juice can be added to the drink carrot or apple in a ratio of 1: 5 and even 1:10. Then gradually increase the amount of juice from the vegetable. At the beginning of treatment, you should drink no more than 1-2 tablespoons of red beet drink per day to check the digestive system reaction. If the body tolerates it well, you can gradually increase the amount of juice from the vegetable to 120 ml-250 ml per day.
A drink diluted with water should be drunk half an hour before meals. It is recommended to add a few drops of vegetable oil or a spoonful of cream to it, so that the body can absorb carotenoids and vitamins that are soluble in fats. Treatment with such a vegetable drink should last no longer than 3 months with breaks every 2 weeks.
Contraindications and side effects
The main contraindications for beet juice:
- Persons suffering from rheumatism or urolithiasis, due to the high content of oxalate in the vegetable, should avoid using it in large quantities.
- People suffering from gastritis, peptic ulcer of the stomach and intestines should not drink this drink during exacerbations of the disease. During periods of remission, beet juice should be drunk with great care.
- Due to its high sugar content, beetroot juice is not indicated for diabetics. They can eat small portions of boiled beets no more than 2 times a week.
- Patients suffering from malignant neoplasms should consult with an oncologist before using fresh vegetable juice.
- 1-2 cups of pure beetroot juice can cause a sharp decrease in blood pressure. The harm of beet juice in this case can be manifested by a weakening of the body or dizziness. People with low blood pressure can only drink a drink in the evening before going to bed. Otherwise, a decrease in pressure can lead to excessive drowsiness.
Recipes
To make beetroot juice, you will need:
Training:
Squeeze juice from vegetables and fruits. If the taste is too intense, it can be diluted with water.
Application:
Such a drink has the property of purifying the blood, and helps to remove uric acid from the body. In addition, it stimulates blood circulation and metabolism.
For a beetroot drink you need the ingredients:
- 0.5 kg of beets;
- honey;
- lemon juice.
Training:
Squeeze the juice from the vegetable and mix it in a ratio of 1: 1 with honey. Add lemon juice for taste.
Application:
A drink prepared in this way is indicated for recovering, debilitated people suffering from anemia. In addition, it helps with hypertension.
Natural cosmetic
Ingredients:
- a tablespoon of carrot juice;
- a tablespoon of beet juice.
Training:
Mix a tablespoon of carrot juice with a spoon of beet juice and apply to the face with a cotton swab. After 10 minutes, rinse your face with warm water.
Application:
The tool will help moisturize the skin, improve its elasticity and reduce age spots on the skin. Be careful, tonic stains the skin.
Ingredients:
- beet juice;
- a teaspoon of ginger.
Training:
Mix the juice from the vegetable with ginger and rub into the scalp.
Application:
The mask prevents hair loss and baldness.
Ingredients:
- beetroot juice;
- natural henna.
Training:
Natural henna should be mixed with red beet juice and applied to the hair. The mixture will give a beautiful chestnut color to the hair without damaging it. Rinsing the curls with juice only will give them a reddish tint.
To summarize, beetroot juice is a rich source of minerals and vitamins, as well as antioxidants. The benefits and harms of beet juice for the body depend on its proper use and compliance with certain doses, which can not be exceeded.