Recently, beets are gaining worldwide popularity as a new superfood. All this thanks to studies that claim that this root crop is ideal for athletes, is able to normalize blood pressure and has a beneficial effect on blood flow. But is that true? In this article we will find out all the beneficial properties of beets, contraindications, indications and a direct effect on the body.
A little bit about the plant
Beetroot is an ancient, prehistoric food that naturally grew along coastlines in North Africa, Asia and Europe. Initially, only the tops were used for food, since the root was small and almost inedible. But when the era of Ancient Rome, the beets were cultivated to achieve a sweet red fruit.
Later, by the beginning of the 19th century, beets became an indispensable source of sugar. Everything happened quickly - at first Britain limited access to sugarcane, after which Napoleon began to look for alternative replacements for the sweet product. Today, sugar beets (often genetically modified) are nothing more than ordinary raw materials, but many do not miss the opportunity to include root crops in their diet, enjoying all the beneficial properties.
Beetroot: chemical composition
Only 100 grams of the product provides: 1% of the daily need for vitamin A, 2% in calcium, 11% in vitamin C, 6% in iron. So, vitamin C plays a key role in the creation of collagen and some neurotransmitters, participating in the metabolism of proteins. Iron is an integral part of hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body’s tissues. It is necessary for the growth, development and beneficial functioning of cells. The absence of iron leads to a certain type of anemia.
The beneficial properties of beets surprise and amaze at the same time: this is a rich content of folic acid with manganese, and the presence of thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B 6 , pantothenic acid, choline, betaine, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper and selenium.
Inside look
So what are the beneficial properties of beets? It has a high content of dietary nitrate, which is believed to benefit the cardiovascular system and can protect the body from cancer. The presence of folate ensures a healthy metabolism, has a beneficial effect on the skin and hair, and prevents the appearance of ulcers in the oral cavity. Folic acid is often prescribed to women during pregnancy to exclude the development of heart disease and the appearance of defects in the central nervous system.
Manganese is found in the human body, but in small quantities. Its absence can provoke infertility, bone deformation, cramps, weakness and fatigue.
Additional substances and their beneficial properties. Beets contain flavonoids, or anthocyanins, which are plant substances - pigments. They can often be found in pomegranates, cherries, apples, grapes, as well as in other fruits, painted in purple. Flavonoids are also found in green and black tea. This substance is a natural antioxidant that protects tissues from damage caused by excessive release of histamines (substances released during inflammatory processes and allergies).
Effect on the heart and blood pressure
In 2008, studies were conducted that were published in the journal Hypertension. Scientists brought together several participants suffering from hypertension, that is, increased blood pressure. Every day, volunteers drank 500 milliliters of freshly squeezed beet juice. Studies have shown that their blood pressure has been reduced and returned to normal.
The main useful property of beets is the presence of a high amount of nitrates, which can become an inexpensive but effective treatment for cardiovascular diseases and blood pressure.
In another study, which was conducted two years later, similar results were obtained. Now, beetroot juice is not only tasty and unusual, but also healthy.
Another beneficial feature of red beets is their high fiber content, which helps lower cholesterol and triglycerides. And thanks to the presence of nutritious betaine, the level of homocysteine in the body (non-protein amino acid) is reduced, which can also be harmful to blood vessels. The inclusion of root vegetables in the diet can prevent the development of diseases such as atherosclerosis and stroke. The fiber contained in the root crop helps to clear the blood paths of plaques and clots - this is another useful property of red beets.
Contraindications and warnings.
You should not abuse juice, salads or dishes containing this root crop if you suffer from low blood pressure. Otherwise, you can feel powerlessness, apathy and weakness in the body, lethargy and distraction, emotional disruptions. Often people experience dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath. Subsequently, hypotension occurs.
A bit about diabetes
Another beneficial feature of red beets for men and women is the presence of an antioxidant known as alpha lipoic acid, which can lower glucose levels, increase insulin sensitivity, and prevent changes in diabetes patients caused by oxidative stress.
During the study of alpha-lipoic acid, it was found that it can reduce the symptoms of peripheral and autonomic neuropathy. Such diseases are often found in diabetics. Of course, in order to use this acid, it is necessary to extract it from the product and enter it intravenously, but it will not be superfluous to simply include beets in the diet. However, you should be careful if you have a very high blood sugar level.
For dementia
The beneficial properties of beets for the body do not cease to amaze. It would seem that an ordinary root crop is used for vinaigrette and is sold even in the smallest store in the city, but hides such a force in itself. For example, regular freshly squeezed juice improves oxygenation in the brain, slowing the progression of dementia in the elderly.
With age, blood flow to certain areas of the brain decreases, which leads to a decrease in cognition and the development of dementia. The consumption of beet juice, due to the content of nitrates, can improve blood circulation and restore the transport of oxygen to the brain.
Digestion
The beneficial properties of beets for the human body were known even to our ancestors. This root contains a large amount of protein. Because of this, the fetus helps people suffering from frequent constipation, normalizing the work of the gastrointestinal tract. Now you know the beneficial properties of beets.
Contraindications
Persons with diarrhea should be extremely careful when eating beets. In the worst case, you may encounter dehydration, which leads to weakness, fatigue, powerlessness.
Sports loads
Eating freshly squeezed beetroot juice improves muscle activity during exercise. Thanks to this, a person becomes more resilient, improves metabolism and blood circulation, tissues receive proper nutrition in the form of oxygen. After a month of regular use of this root crop, you can notice how physical indicators have become better (speed, strength, dexterity).
Natural aphrodisiac: beneficial properties for men
Beets are considered the most powerful aphrodisiac and sexual enhancer for millennia. This is partly due to the fact that it contains a significant amount of mineral boron, which increases the production of sex hormones. This can lead to increased libido, increased fertility, improved sperm mobility and reduced frigidity. Your sexual life can change for the better, you just need to add beets to the diet.
Cancer control
Studies have shown that beets are good in preventing cancer of the skin, lungs and colon, as it contains pigmented betazhany, which counteract the growth of cancer cells. Nitrates, often used as preservatives for fresh meat and vegetables, can stimulate the production of pathogenic cells in the body, which cause the growth of tumors.
Beetroot juice inhibits cell mutations, slowing down or completely stopping the development of the tumor. Of course, it is not rational to use one beet against cancer, but to include it in the diet for prevention is not only possible, but also necessary.
Respiratory disease
The root vegetable is a source of vitamin C, which helps prevent asthma symptoms. Useful properties of beets boiled, raw and freshly squeezed juice:
- Natural beta-carotene prevents lung cancer.
- Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that stimulates the immune system, protecting the body from free radicals and stimulating the activity of white blood cells, which are the main line of defense against foreign bodies, as well as viruses, bacteria, fungi, toxins.
Against cataract
Beta-carotene is a form of vitamin A. The absence and deficiency of this substance can lead to visual impairment, and even blindness! Beet juice will be able to solve this problem and prevent diseases of the visual system.
Useful properties and contraindications:
- The presence of beta-carotene helps prevent senile blindness associated with cataracts.
- Eating beets reduces macular degeneration in the retina.
- The content of flavonoids and vitamin C help maintain the structure of capillaries.
- Beta-carotene acts as an antioxidant, protecting the eyes from the damaging effects of free radicals.
- Excessive consumption of beets can lead to spasm of blood vessels.
Against stroke
A deficiency of potassium in the body increases the risk of stroke. Thus, beets rich in this chemical element are really able to improve heart health. Potassium dilates blood vessels, which means that it relaxes them, lowering blood pressure throughout the body.
When blood pressure rises and blood vessel walls contract, blood clots begin to form, which clog the bloodstream. It is blood clots that subsequently lead to a heart attack and stroke, so beets will help to deal with this problem as well as possible (of course, with a view to prevention).
Additional benefits
In ancient times, beets were used to treat fever and constipation. In the Middle Ages, root crops were also used as an excellent natural remedy against digestive upsets. And beet leaves can accelerate the healing process of wounds.
Caution: this root crop contains oxalates, which, when consumed excessively, can cause crystallization of fluids in the body. People with kidney and gall bladder diseases should avoid excessive consumption of beets because it can cause stone formation.
How to apply
There are many ways to eat beets. But before you use it, you must remove the thin skin. The root crop is cut into strips and served on the table, added to the salad in boiled or fresh form. It is not forbidden to lightly fry beets, or pickle with vinegar. In some countries, this root crop is added to soups.
Here is a great example of a healthy snack: take a small beetroot, rinse with running water, peel with a sharp knife, cut into thin circles or straws. Season the root vegetable with lemon juice, salt or pepper, and olive oil.
Do not be afraid to pickle beets, because it will not lose its beneficial properties. But all year round you will have an irreplaceable source of dietary fiber, carbohydrates, minerals (potassium, magnesium) on your table.
Anti premature aging
Toxins and free radicals adversely affect body cells. Due to malnutrition and poor-quality products, poor ecology and a difficult lifestyle, all harmful substances accumulate in the body. In the worst case, a person is faced with incurable diseases, but the first stage is earlier skin aging, a change in the structure of hair, nails. Thanks to beta-carotene, the process of premature cell change is halted, as this form of vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant.
Beetroot is a unique and indispensable product. Despite its nondescript appearance, the root crop contains a huge amount of vitamin C, flavonoids, minerals and organic compounds that are ready to protect, nourish and nourish our body. Include beets in your diet and after a few weeks notice the first positive changes.