Beetroots, also known as beets, have become a popular superfood nowadays. Several studies have shown that consumption of this plant food can decrease our risk of various diseases.
We can consume beets as juice or chopped up into cubes or sticks and tossed into a bowl of salad.
One cup (136 grams) of boiled beetroot contains fewer than 60 calories, while 3/4 cup (100 grams) of raw beets contains the following:
- Calories: 43
- Water: 88%
- Fiber: 2.8 grams
- Fat: 0.2 grams Protein: 1.6 grams
- Carbs: 9.6 grams
- Sugar: 6.8 grams
Aside from this, beets also contain iron, potassium, manganese, magnesium, calcium, vitamin C, fiber, and various plant compounds like betanin, inorganic nitrate, and vulgaxanthin which all contribute to its many health benefits.
With regular consumption, beets can help us deal with the common health problems listed below:
High Blood Pressure
Beetroots are recommended for people battling with hypertension or for those who want to lower their risk of suffering from the condition. Found in this superfood are compounds that are converted by the body into a gas called nitric oxide which has the ability to open up our vessels, which improves blood flow, lowering the pressure.
To reap these benefits juice not just the beet but also include the beet greens and roots.
Diabetes
Beets contain alpha-lipoic acid, an antioxidant that can help lower glucose levels, prevent oxidative stress-induced changes, and increase insulin sensitivity in patients with diabetes.
Cancer
According to studies, beta-cyanine, the one responsible for the dark color of beetroot, is a powerful antioxidant that’s important in fighting various diseases, including cancer. This antioxidant has the ability to locate and zap cells in the body that are behaving abnormally, which usually marks the beginning of cancerous tissue or growth.
Aside from this, the flesh and peel of beets also contain beta-carotene –a powerful antioxidant phytonutrient.
Dementia
According to studies, consumption of beetroot juice can help improve blood flow and oxygenation to the brain, thereby helping in slowing down slowing the progression of dementia in older adults.
Neural Tube Defects
For those who are trying to get pregnant, beets are beneficial. This food contains folate, a type of B vitamin that a developing baby in the womb greatly needs as it helps prevent neural tube defects and helps in ensuring the proper development of a baby.
Anemia
Beets are good for the blood. It is rich in iron which is needed in the production of red blood cells or RBCs. Anemia occurs when we do not have enough red blood cells or when our red blood cells do not function properly. People with anemia often feel weak, exhausted and lethargic.
Liver Damage
Our liver filters the blood coming from the digestive tract, before passing it to the rest of the body. Aside from this, it also detoxifies chemicals, metabolizes drugs, and makes the protein that is important for blood clotting and other functions.
However, due to unhealthy eating habits and lifestyle, our liver eventually become weakened, damaged and scarred. Luckily, beets contain betalains and betaines which help shield the liver from toxin attacks and also excess fat accumulation, according to studies.
Wrinkles
Beetroots have high amounts of antioxidants that fight off free radicals that cause the aging process to speed up and wreak havoc on our skin.
It is loaded with vitamin C that is needed by the body for the production of more collagen, a protein that makes our skin firm. Therefore, consumption of beets can help us fend different signs of aging such as wrinkles, and dark spots.
