Beets have a wide array of health benefits. They are considered as one of the treasures of the vegetable world. These round, hard, red little bulbs are included in the group of veggies and fruits that may help lower down our risk for chronic diseases like dementia, diabetes, and heart diseases.
They are high in nutrients yet low in calories. Present in this bright-colored veggie is essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are responsible for its numerous positive effects.
Beets are great sources of vitamin C, folate, fiber, and minerals like potassium that is great for the nerves and muscles. Aside from this, they are also packed with betaine, a naturally occurring amino acid compound.
Beets And Its Role In Keeping Our Heart Healthy
Betaine present in beets is good for our cardiovascular health. It acts by lowering the body’s concentration of homocysteine, a substance that is harmful to blood vessels and causes artery-damaging inflammation, thus contributing to heart diseases, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Additionally, there were also studies showing the important role played by betaine in protecting against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and other numerous chronic diseases.
Furthermore, beets, along with cabbage, celery, lettuce, carrots, and spinach, have significant levels of nitrates. These nitrates are not the ones that are added to processed foods (like deli meat) and forms cancer-causing nitrosamines.
Naturally occurring nitrates are converted into nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide is a powerful neurotransmitter that confers a wide range of health benefits related to heart health. It helps open up and relax blood vessels, improves circulation and lowers blood pressure and heart rate. Aside from this, beets also contain vitamin C as well as other beneficial components that prevent them from becoming nitrosamines.
According to a 2014 study, participants who consumed one cup of beetroot juice daily for four weeks were able to experience a reduction in blood pressure and an overall improvement in the function of their blood vessels. The results of this study were published in Hypertension.
Different Ways To Consume Beets
- Eat them raw. Simply slice them and sprinkle with chili and lemons.
- A perfect addition to our dinner salads.
- Roast them until they are tender and juicy.
