Why Are Beets Healthy?

Throughout history, beets have been used for medicinal purposes. Listed below are just some of the benefits of beets.

Benefits of Beats

Beets are an instant source of energy. They are rich in carbohydrates so they provide fuel to the body. They have no saturated fat, no trans fat, and are low in calories. Their sugar content is also considered to be the highest among vegetables so they can satisfy your sweet tooth healthfully.

Beets are rich in antioxidants. They also help your liver produce natural antioxidants that combat the damage brought about by free radicals.

Beets and Disease Prevention

Beets can also prevent disease. For example, beets can help prevent osteoporosis. Adequate levels of calcium and magnesium are required for healthy bone production.

Beets are rich in magnesium which make them suitable vegetables for women who are prone to osteoporosis. However, those who are suffering from osteoporosis should avoid beet greens which have high levels of oxalic acid since oxalic acid is known to affect the metabolism of calcium.

Beets also lower cholesterol. Those who regularly consume beets can reduce their LDL cholesterol levels by as much as 30 percent. The high fiber content, both soluble and insoluble, in beets help reduce serum cholesterol. They can also lower your triglyceride levels thus helping to keep your overall cholesterol at normal levels.

In addition, beets have anti-inflammatory properties. The betaine in beets helps reduce inflammation of blood vessels, bones, throat, and joints by as much as 20 percent. This means beets are recommended for those suffering from osteoporosis and asthma.

Beets and Heart Health

Beets can also improve the health of your heart. Beets contain betain which helps in lowering the levels of homocysteine in your body. Homocysteine is damaging to the body’s blood vessels.

Beets may even lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases and the potassium content can help prevent strokes. Studies show that the nitrates found in beet juice can be digested by the body, and the presence of nitrites in the body helps lower your blood pressure which in turn improves cases of hypertension.

Beets and Pregnancy

Beets can help prevent birth defects. Pregnant women are recommended to consume appropriate dosages of folic acid during their childbearing period. Folic acid or folate is essential for DNA and RNA production during cell development. If a deficiency in folic acid takes place, this can trigger defects in the growth of the fetus. A cup of beets contains 136 grams of folate which makes them an ideal pregnancy food. Beets promote tissue growth.

Aside from folate, beets are also rich in a type of B vitamin. This aids in the natural production of tissue growth, which is highly beneficial to pregnant women and children.

Adding Beets to Your Diet

There are several important key points to remember when adding beets or beet juice to your diet:

Beet juice is very potent. If your body isn’t used to the food just yet, don’t take too much of it at first. Doctors recommend you increase beet intake gradually.
Beet juice is so strong that you may feel a bit dizzy when taking it as a cleansing agent. This sensation is very normal and is actually a sign that toxins are being flushed out of your system. Drink lots of water to help aid in the elimination of toxins.
Once you’ve added beets to your everyday diet on a regular basis, you will notice a red tint to your stools and urine. Don’t be alarmed. That is not blood you are seeing. This is just the red color coming from the beets.

Red beets are most nutritious when eaten raw as cooking or the application of heat will destroy some of its nutrients. You can take beets as a juice or you may grate them as an additional ingredient to your salad and other meals.