“Beet” Your Worries With These Key Beetroot Benefits!
© freepik
Are you looking for a natural way to improve your health and well-being? Look no further than beetroot! This vibrant and nutritious vegetable offers a wide range of benefits that can help boost your overall health. From improving athletic performance to supporting heart health, beetroot is a versatile superfood that can easily be incorporated into your diet. Let’s explore the key benefits of beetroot and how it can help you “beet” your worries about your health!
What Are Beetroots?
Beetroots, or beets, are colorful and adaptable vegetables with an earthy taste. Considered a superfood for their nutritional richness, they offer essential vitamins, minerals, and medicinal plant compounds. Beets are versatile in cooking, adding vibrant color and flavor to dishes like balsamic roasted beets, hummus, fries, and salads, making them a delicious and easy addition to any diet.
Beetroot Benefits That Can Help Improve Your Health
Not only are beetroots tasty, but they can also help due to these benefits:
1. Anti-Inflammatory Goodness
Beets contain betalains, and pigments with anti-inflammatory properties, which could potentially benefit various aspects of health. Chronic inflammation is linked to conditions like obesity, heart disease, liver disease, and cancer. Studies suggest that consuming beet juice or extract may reduce markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Additionally, research in people with osteoarthritis and rats with kidney inflammation has shown promising results. However, more human studies are needed to confirm the anti-inflammatory benefits of incorporating beets into a normal healthy diet.
2. Can Control Blood Pressure
Beets have been extensively studied for their ability to reduce elevated blood pressure levels, a major risk factor for heart disease. Research indicates that beetroot juice can significantly lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, with a greater effect on systolic pressure. The high concentration of nitrates in beets is believed to be responsible for this blood-pressure-lowering effect, as nitrates are converted into nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels. Beets are also rich in folate, which may contribute to lowering blood pressure. However, it’s important to note that the effects of beets on blood pressure are temporary, requiring regular consumption for long-term heart health benefits.
3. Little to No Calories
Beets are nutritionally rich, offering low calories but high levels of essential vitamins and minerals. They contain a wide array of nutrients necessary for overall health, including folate for growth, development, and heart health, as well as manganese for bone formation, nutrient metabolism, and brain function. Additionally, beets are a good source of copper, crucial for energy production and neurotransmitter synthesis.
4. Digestion Buddy
Beets are a good source of fiber, with one cup containing 3.4 grams. Fiber plays a crucial role in digestive health by feeding beneficial gut bacteria, adding bulk to stools, and promoting regularity. Adequate fiber intake may also help prevent digestive conditions such as constipation, inflammatory bowel disease (IBS), and diverticulitis. Additionally, fiber is associated with a decreased risk of chronic diseases like colon cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
Can You Eat Beetroots Everyday?
It’s important to maintain a varied diet to ensure overall nutritional balance and avoid potential adverse effects from excessive intake of certain foods. While eating a small amount of beetroot daily is generally safe, high intake could lead to issues such as low blood pressure, colored urine and feces, and digestive problems, especially for individuals sensitive to its nutrients. Moreover, relying heavily on beets in your diet may mean missing out on essential nutrients from other foods. Consulting with a doctor before making significant dietary changes is always recommended.
Which one of these beetroot benefits were you most shocked to find out about?
Disclaimer: The content provided on this website includes hacks and suggestions for general informational purposes only. While these tips may be beneficial for some individuals, they are not guaranteed to be effective or suitable for everyone. The information presented on this website should not be considered personalized advice and is not a substitute for professional guidance.
You might also want to read: The Healthiest People in the World Live in These 5 ‘Blue Zones’