There are one thousand and one fruits and vegetables
in the world, some of which we have never seen.
You might have come across some strange looking fruits or vegetables and
considered them weeds because you had never seen them before. You might also
hear about some without actually seeing how they look like. Beetroot might just
be one of such vegetables you have heard of without seeing, or seen without
knowing.
What is beetroot?
Beets or beetroots, as
they are often called, belong to the Chenopodiaceous family just like spinach. Their history
stretches back to ancient times, and the earliest signs of their cultivation
was approximately 4,000 years ago in the Mediterranean region.
Beetroot is also known as red beet,
golden beet, table beet or garden beet. Apart from its use as food, it is also a
medicinal plant, and also used for food colouring. Beets are extremely healthy as they have potent medicinal properties and
offer relief in the case of various ailments and diseases.
Health benefits of
beetroot.
Beets
contain betaine: Betaine is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that supports heart health
as well as important vitamins and minerals, including vitamins B1, B2, B12 and
C, copper, magnesium, potassium, iron, phosphorus, and iodine. Beets boost
blood flow, regulate cholesterol levels, and support healthy functioning of the
liver.
Beets fight anemia and detoxify the
body. Consuming beets also decelerates aging and protects the blood vessels.
They are high in antioxidants, cellulose, and pectin, a special type of fiber
which boosts digestion. Beets can be eaten raw, juiced, cooked, and baked. You
should not throw away the leaves; they are rich in potassium (644 mg. per ½ a
cup).
Good for Heart Health: Studies
have shown that the consumption of potassium-rich foods and the elimination of
sodium can lower the risk of heart diseases, including stroke, by 21%. Beet fiber helps to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides by increasing the level of HDL
cholesterol (“good” cholesterol). The presence
of the nutrient betaine lowers the levels of homocysteine in the body which can
be harmful to the blood vessels. Thus, consumption of beetroot helps to prevent
cardiovascular diseases in multiple ways.
Reduces Birth Defects: Beets are good for pregnant women since they are a source of B vitamin folate which helps in the development of
infant’s spinal column. Deficiency of folate could lead to a variety of
conditions called neural tube defects.
Prevent Certain Cancers: Studies have revealed that beets are
good at preventing skin, lung, and colon cancers, since they contain the pigment
betacyaninis, which counteracts cancerous cell growth. Nitrates used in meats as preservatives can stimulate the production of nitrosamine
compounds in the body which can also result in cancer. Studies further shows
that beet juice inhibits the cell mutations caused by these compounds.
Researchers in Hungary have also discovered that beet juice and its powdered
form slow down tumor development. Adding a healthy weekly number of beets to
your diet can keep your body cancer-free for a very long time.
Aphrodisiac: Beets have been
considered an aphrodisiac or libido booster for millennia. Part of this stems
from the fact that beets contain significant levels of the mineral boron, which has been
shown to boost the production of sexual hormones. This can lead to a boost in
libido, increased fertility, sperm mobility improvement, and a reduction in
frigidity.
Boosts Energy Levels
Beets contain
a significant amount of
carbohydrates which provides fuel for energy and prolonged sports activities.
These are the natural building blocks of energy metabolism, and beets
provide them without the negative side effects of many other
carbohydrate-heavy foods. When the body
has a sufficient amount of carbohydrates, it is able to fuel all of the
necessary bodily functions as well, including the important metabolic reactions
that keep your organ systems functioning efficiently. Beetroots are also valuable as a source of sucrose,
which makes them a viable replacement for tropical sugarcane. They are still frequently used to make refined sugar.
A Few Words of Warning: Beets contain oxalates, which when consumed in excess
can cause bodily fluids to crystallize. People with kidney or gallbladder
problems should avoid beetroots because they could exacerbate kidney and
bladder stones.
By Pupwaya Timothy Dibal
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