Beetroot has been gaining immense popularity being the superfood; it’s deep color, and earthy flavor makes it a great source of manganese, potassium, and iron. The reddish hue makes this superfood as one of the bossy veggies that can instantly change your dish.
But, from the past many years, this amazing vegetable has been restricted to the corner of serving dish; or was mostly included in salads. But, with its rustic charm and sweet flavor, beets are making their way to many dishes- all thanks to its plethora of health benefits.
Here Are Some Benefits Of Beetroot:
It Helps Lowering Blood Pressure:
High blood pressure can damage your heart and blood vessels, and it’s the strongest risk factor for strokes and premature death. Beets contain a good quantity of nitrates, which help improve blood flow and lower blood pressure.
When you eat beets, the high concentration of nitrates in this superfood gets converted into nitric oxide, which is a molecule that dilates blood vessels, which causes a drop in blood pressure.
Beet has High Nutritional Value:
Beetroot is loaded with minerals and nutrients, so having this amazing juice will help you fill nutrient deficiencies in your body. Let’s say a 100 ml serving i.e., equivalent to a small glass contain approximately 29 calories, zero fat, and following nutrients:
- Proteins
- Calories
- Fiber
- Vitamin C
- Phosphorous
- Manganese
- Potassium
- Folate
- Vitamin B6
- Copper
- Zinc
Also, it contains inorganic nitrates and pigments; both are plant compounds with a large number of benefits. Moreover, beets are loaded with Carbs ( 8%), fiber (2-3%), water (87%).
- Carbs: Cooked or raw beetroot contain about 8-10% of carbs. Beets are also a good source of fructans, which are short-chain carbs that cause unhealthy digestive symptoms. Also, the GI score of beetroot is 5, which means that the effect of beetroot on blood sugar level will be minimum.
- Fiber: Beetroot is high in fiber and is also linked to the minimal risk of various diseases. Beets also contain FODMAPs, which some people find difficult to digest.
Good For Digestion:
The fiber present in beetroot helps in regulating the digestive disorder and also helps in relieving constipation. Rich with betaine, beetroot helps to increase the stomach acid levels making it feel relaxed. Just a glass of beetroot juice helps to ease the upset stomach.
Beetroot Helps To Prevent Anemia:
Since beetroot is filled with iron, which is essential for RBCs, it helps fighting anemia. People with low iron levels suffer from iron deficiency called anemia. Therefore, having beetroot reduce this condition. The common symptoms of anemia include:
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Rapid heartbeat
Reducing Inflammation:
Inflammation is linked to many diseases like obesity, liver diseases, heart disease, and other chronic diseases like cancer. And, beetroot helps to prevent it; it contains pigments called betalains, which show proven effects on reducing inflammation.
Besides, a report from the 2014 study shows that the capsules made from betalain help reducing the symptoms.
It Protects The Liver:
Vitamin A, B6, iron, and other antioxidants present in beetroot help protecting the liver from inflammation. Besides, they help in minimizing oxidative stress, thereby enhancing the ability to reduce toxins from the body.
Traditionally, beetroot has been used as a remedy that helps increase bile, activate liver enzymes, and improve the liver’s detox functioning. You can try whole beet juice or can try combining beet, grapefruit, and lime juice.
May Improve Brain Health:
It is said that mental and cognitive abilities diminish with time and age; for some, it results in conditions like dementia.
Reduced oxygen supply and blood flow to the brain may contribute to this condition. However, nitrates help in improving these conditions. It provides enough dilation of blood to the vessels, thereby increasing the flow to the brain.
It Increases Exercise Capacity:
The nitrates present in the beetroot helps to improve physical performance, especially during the high-intensity exercises. Dietary nitrates reduce oxygen during physical exercises, thereby affecting the efficiency of mitochondria.
However, the consumption of beetroot improves running and cycling performance, boosts oxygen use, and also helps in increasing stamina.
Beetroot is a good source of fiber, nutrients, and other plant compounds, and their health benefits are umpteen. So, include them in your diet and improve your wellbeing. Easy to prepare, you can have them raw, boiled, or as juices.
