Beetroot is basically the red part of the beet plant that has been eaten since the time of ancient Rome for its amazing health benefits. This root vegetable has its origin from the coastlines of North Africa, Europe, and Asia; this fruit has become popular worldwide because of its sweet flavor and innumerable health benefits. Here are some of the benefits of beetroots that prove why they are so good for our health!
Health Benefits Of Beetroots
1. Reduce high blood pressure
Beetroot is rich in nitrates, which helps in increasing the level of nitric acid in the body, which helps the blood vessels to expand, increasing blood flow and lowering blood pressure. In a study it was proved that by consuming one glass of beetroot juice, systolic blood pressure can be lowered by 4-5 mmHg. Therefore, beetroot acts as an effective supplement for treating as well as preventing cardiovascular conditions.
2. Prevent heart failure & heart diseases
The health benefits of beetroots include the level of nitrate which will increase the power in our muscles, including the heart. A study showed that drinking a glass of beetroot juice improved muscle power in patients with heart failure.
3. Help in exercising
Due to the presence of nitrates, beetroot increases the oxygen circulation in our muscles and hence, helps us exercise for a long time. A study revealed that the stamina-boosting properties of beetroot juice can actually help a person to exercise longer (up to 16 percent).
4. Fight against cancer
Another benefit of beetroots is its great effect on cancerous cells. A few studies showed that tumor cells were reduced in animals by consuming beetroot juice, and in another human study, it was claimed that beetroot juice had the same effect against breast and prostate cancer cells.
5. Good for Diabetes
The antioxidant named alpha- lipoic has a great impact on lowering the glucose levels and increased insulin sensitivity in diabetes. It has been found that, it has reduced the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.
6. Cure Dementia
In dementia, oxygen does not flow to the human brain. But with the consumption of beetroot juice, which is high in nitrate, the flow of oxygen increases, curing the problem of dementia in older adults’ brains.
7. Aid weight control
The nutritional value of beetroot is good for people trying to reduce weight. The calorie content in beetroot is 44 kcal per 100 grams of cooked beets. It also contains 2 grams of fibre, 1.7 grams of protein and virtually no fat in 100 grams of cooked beets. Due to the high fibre content, eating beetroots will make you feel fuller and keep you away from eating junk foods. Discover more weight loss foods that help you lose weight naturally without exercising or dieting.
8. Maintain potassium
Lack of potassium can cause fatigue, digestive problems and weakness. Also, 100 grams of beetroot contains 9 percent of RDA of potassium. So, by including potassium in our diet, improvement can be seen in all the areas.
9. Prevent inflammation
Beetroot has an important pigment called betalains, which has various anti-inflammatory properties. Though no studies on humans have been conducted till now.
10. Strengthen bones
Beetroot contains copper and folate along with the daily requirement of 6 percent magnesium, which helps bones to grow stronger.
11. Maintain healthy liver
Drinking beetroot juice increases the amount of certain detoxifying liver enzymes, which are helpful in protecting organs and also allows them to work more efficiently.
12. Aid pregnancy
Our body contains folic acid and maintaining a good level of folic acid during pregnancy can reduce the risk of birth defects in the baby. Beetroot helps in fulfilling that amount in our body and promotes healthy pregnancy. Discover more benefits of folic acid and why you must include it in your diet.
13. Aid digestion
Beet greens and beet roots are a great source of fibre. If you want to have good gut health then start consuming beetroots as it contains high fibre that helps in digestion by providing good bacteria to the body. It also improves the digestion process and reduces constipation. An increase in dietary fibre can be helpful with conditions that are linked to the digestive system like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and constipation. In addition to beetroots, also check out some more foods that aid digestion and avoid constipation.
14. Boost immune system
One of the key benefits of beetroots is to boost the immune system. Beetroots are rich in fiber that helps in promoting the growth of good bacteria in your gut. The presence of healthy bacteria in your digestive system helps in fighting diseases and boosting the immune system. Also, checkout herbs that boost your immune system.
15. Enhance athletic performance
Nitrates found in beetroot help in enhancing the athletic performance of a person. In a review it was stated that beetroot juice helped in enhancing the endurance of a person by increasing the time of a person getting exhausted.
16. Aid brain health
The presence of nitrates in beets helps in improving the function of the brain by promoting the dilation of blood vessels and increasing the blood flow to the brain. It particularly increases the flow of blood to the front part of the brain called the lobe, the area associated with decision making and working memory. Discover more brain foods to boost memory and concentration.
The bottom line
To conclude, we can say that beets are highly nutritious and full of healthy properties, which in turn can also support the health of the brain, heart and digestive system. It also slows down the growth of cancer cells in the body. Furthermore, beetroots are delicious and can easily be included in your daily diet. These can be added to salads, side dishes, smoothies, dips as well as juices.