Why should we eat Beetroots? 6 Reasons

The roots of beet or beetroot have always been included in my list of most recommended vegetables, although they are in the category of “use in moderation”, due to their high levels of carbohydrates.

Although beets have the highest sugar content of all vegetables, most people can eat the beet roots without a problem a couple of times a week (and their leaves in unlimited quantities), enjoying not only their flavor grounded and sweet, but also its powerful nutrients that can improve your health in the following ways.

1. Lower the Blood Pressure

Drinking beet juice or beetroot can help reduce blood pressure in a matter of hours. One study found that drinking a glass of beet juice reduced systolic blood pressure by an average of 5.4 points. The possible benefit comes from nitrates of natural origin in beet, which are converted into nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide, in turn, helps to relax and dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure.

2. Boost your Stamina

If you need a boost to perform in your next workout, beet juice can give you this benefit. People who drank beet juice before exercise were able to exercise for a maximum of 16 percent more.4 It is believed that the benefit is also related to the nitrate nitrate conversation, which can reduce the cost of oxygen in the body, low intensity exercise, as well as improve tolerance to high intensity exercise.

3. Fight Inflammation

Beets are a unique source of betaine, a nutrient that helps protect cells, proteins and enzymes from environmental stress. It is also known to help fight inflammation, protect internal organs, improve vascular risk factors, improve performance, and is likely to help prevent many chronic diseases  as reported by World’s Healthiest Foods. The presence of betaine in our diet has been associated with lower levels of several inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. As a group, the anti-inflammatory molecules found in beets may eventually provide cardiovascular benefits in large-scale human studies, as well as anti-inflammatory benefits for other body systems. “

4. Anticancer Properties

The powerful phytonutrients that give beets their crimson color can help prevent cancer. For example, research has shown that beet extract reduces tumor formations in the organs of various animal models when administered in drinking water, while also being studied for use in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, breast cancer and prostate7 in humans.

5. Rich in valuable nutrients and fiber

Beets have a high content of immunological stimulation of vitamin C, fiber and essential minerals such as potassium (essential for healthy nerve and muscle function) and manganese (which is good for bones, liver, kidneys and pancreas). Beets also contain vitamin B folate, which helps reduce the risk of birth defects.

6. Support for Detoxification

Betalain pigments in beets support your body’s Phase 2 detoxification process, which is carried out when the divided toxins bind to other molecules so that they can be excreted from the body. Traditionally, beets were valued for their support for detoxification and help to purify the blood and liver.

 Also Eat the Beet Leaves:

If you simply throw away the green leaves of the beet or beet, you are doing damage, as they are one of the healthiest parts of the plant. In addition to containing important nutrients such as protein, phosphorus, zinc, fiber, vitamin B6, magnesium, potassium, copper, and manganese, the beet leaves also provide significant amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium and iron.

Beet leaves actually have more iron than spinach (another green leafy vegetable from the same botanical family), as well as a higher nutritional value in general than the beet itself. For example, you may be surprised to learn that research shows that beet greens can:

• Help prevent osteoporosis by increasing bone strength
• Fight Alzheimer’s disease
• Strengthen your immune system by stimulating the production of antibodies and white blood cells

If you have never eaten beet greens before, try them, you will not regret it! They can be added to the vegetable juice base or lightly sautéed together with other vegetables such as spinach and Swiss chard.

There are many ways to enjoy beets. Try this Healing Recipe:

Break them and add them to your salad

Add them to your fresh vegetable juice

Cook them lightly steamed

Sancóchelas with lemon juice, herbs and olive oil

For a more intense flavor, try Borscht, or beet soup, which is a traditional Russian dish. The following recipe, from Dirt Doctor, also includes homemade broth, which is especially nutritious and healing.

Recipe of Beetroot Soup / Borsch

Ingredients:

1 quart of organic broth, homemade (preferably beef or buffalo)

1 tablespoon butter

3 or 4 medium beets – thinly sliced

1 onion – thinly sliced

1 cup red cabbage or shredded red cabbage

1/8 cup of chopped parsley

1 tablespoon of sherry (optional)

Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon

Salt and pepper

Sour cream (optional)

Instructions:

At medium low heat, melt the butter in a medium saucepan.

Add the onions and beets and cook until soft – about 7 or 8 minutes.

Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the broth.

Cook over low heat for about 20 minutes. Then add the fresh cabbage, parsley, and sherry. Cook over low heat for a couple of minutes, season with salt and pepper, serve and enjoy.

Add a spoonful of fresh cream or sour cream, if desired.