Beat your illness with beets! They are power-packed with many nutrients that will benefit you in numerous ways. Beets is a dark-pigmented root vegetable that has an earthy aroma and is prone to stain everything in a second. They are highly nutritious and healthy, making them a must-have ingredient in your fridge. Beetroots are rich in folates, inorganic nitrates, Vitamin C, fiber, and some minerals. They can enhance your exercise ability and reduce your blood pressure. In this blog, let’s take a detailed look at “beetroot health benefits.”
Health Benefits of Beetroot
1. Packed with Antioxidants
Beetroot contains a rich source of antioxidants which are believed to fight cell damage and reduce cardiovascular diseases. Studies say the betalain compound of the beetroot can defend the cells from oxidative damage. Anthocyanin is a compound that gives the beetroot the purple color and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Anti-cancer Properties
The medicinal properties of beetroot can reduce the risks of many types of cancer. Betacyanin, the rich pigment in the beets reduces the growth of certain types of cancer including bladder cancer. Ferric acid and kaempferol are potent compounds that deactivate cancer-developing cells. Moreover, it is capable of destroying cancer formation and improving the immune system to fight cancer development.
3. Anti-inflammatory Properties
Inflammation may lead to various chronic diseases. Adding beetroot to your diet may help you manage inflammation. The compound called betalains is an essential source that can lessen the symptoms and severity of inflammation. Majorly these anti-inflammatory factors help aid the inflamed joints and knees.
4. Lowers Blood Pressure
Beetroots are packed with many nutrients including bioactive compounds like nitrate which supports heart health. This element relaxes the blood vessels, improves the blood flow, and lowers the blood pressure. By consuming the beetroot either in juice or salad you can reduce hypertension. The effectiveness of beetroot retains only for 6 hours so it is recommended to add this veg regularly to get its benefits.
5. Reduces Heart Risks
The enriched source of nitrate stabilizes the blood flow and reduces the risk of heart attack and strokes. It further protects the heart from other diseases as well.
6. Enhances Immunity Power
Vegetables are a major source that boosts immunity power. Beetroots are rich in fiber content which helps the growth of good bacteria. It will help your digestion and reduce the risk of constipation. Such good bacteria will increase and support immunity. As we see, the antioxidant properties aid cellular health and increase your whole health.
7. Improves Bowel Movements
One way to beat constipation is by eating fiber-rich foods like beets. A cup of beetroot contains 3.4 grams of fiber. It feeds your friendly gut bacteria and also adds bulk to your stools. This is the reason why many researchers say, “Increase your fiber intake!”
Furthermore, the betaine found in beets improves digestion. This is the reason why many doctors and healthcare professionals recommend beetroot for digestive health.
8. Supports Brain Health
The benefits of beets go on and on. Beetroot improves the overall body health condition including the brain. The nitrate compound relaxes the brain, transports oxygen, and enhances it for better function. Taking beetroots regularly has been proven to increase the blood flow to the frontal lobe of the brain, the region that is responsible for focus, organization, memory, and decision-making. Also, beets may reduce neurodegenerative disorders like dementia.
9. Supports Athletic Performance
Fitness freaks and athletes must consider consuming this beetroot regularly. As it stimulates the blood flow, your muscles will get more oxygen during the workout. Nitrate can improve the state of mitochondria which boosts up the energy production in the body. Beet juice works its magic only after two to three hours, so it would be better if you consume 2 hours before engaging in any activities.
10. Provides Healthy Skin
Beetroot does miracles for the skin, it improves the skin condition and maintains its radiant glow. The darkly pigmented vegetable offers a clear, blemish-free even skin tone. Moreover, its water content helps retain the moisture in the skin texture making it soft and supple. The vitamin C present in beets increases collagen production and keeps it youthful.
11. Helpful for Post-menopause Diet
Menopause is the hardest and most challenging phase for every woman. It may increase blood pressure and heart disease, hence adding beetroot to a routine will help manage them. Adding this to their diet would be more beneficial for postmenopausal women.
12. Aids Anemic
The dark color of beetroot enhances the condition of blood by improving the hemoglobin level. It is enriched with iron and folic acid helps the normal red blood cells. Regular intake of beetroot juice purifies the blood and ails menstrual disorders.
13. Detoxifies Your Body
People who wish to remove the toxins from their bodies can add beets to their diet. It cleanses and detoxifies the blood, skin, and liver. Beetroot can improve the metabolism.
Ways to Add Beets to Your Plate
Blend them with other fruits. Add a small amount of beet, extract the juice, and mix it with your favorite fresh juice.
Salad. Take a bowl and add grated carrot, beets, and dates syrup. Top it with raisins and walnuts. Here you go! Have a crunchy and healthy salad in a minute.
Roasted beets. Roast the beet slices with the oil of your choice and serve them with mint yogurt sauce.
Smoothies. All you need is an apple, banana, minced beets, and strawberries. Blend them well until it comes in a smoothie consistency. One of the go-to recipes to detoxify.
Bottom Line
As we saw, beetroot is a nutrient-rich food that can benefit in many ways. Try to add this veg at least twice a week for better results. If you have any health concerns or allergies, consult with a physician before consuming one.
