Beets

Most people fall into three categories: people who love beets, people who’ve never tried beets because they look funny, and people who just can’t stand beets.

What’s so great about beets? Beets are a very good source of commonly known antioxidants like vitamin C and manganese. In addition, the blood-red color of beets comes from a powerful group of antioxidants called betalains. There are hundreds of studies on the positive health benefits of betalains.

Benefit #1: Reduce Inflammation

The inflammatory response is a natural function of the body which saves our lives when it responds to the acute stresses in our lives, like bacterial infection and injury. Due to the constant stress in our modern lives, however, this inflammation becomes chronic. It is as though our body is constantly in a battle. Inflammation has been linked to a number of symptoms and diseases including:

• Wrinkles
• Susceptibility to infections
• Cancer
• Arthritis
• Bronchitis
• Chronic pain
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Osteoporosis
• Heart disease
• Candidiasis

Benefit #2: Cancer Prevention

Many preliminary studies have suggested that beetroot juice can prevent lung and skin cancer. Other studies have shown that beet juice inhibits the formation of cancer-causing compounds called nitrosamines.\

Benefit #3: Detoxification

The antioxidants in beets have been shown to support cell cleansing. Essentially, beets help to toxins inside your body more water-soluble, so that they can then be excreted through the urine.

Benefit #4: Mental Illness Prevention

Betalains have also been used in certain depression treatments of depression. Additionally, beets contain tryptophan, which relaxes the mind and creates a sense of well-being.

Benefit #5: Weight Loss

Beets can easily be a dream food if you’re trying to lose weight. Sweet and healthy, one cup of cooked beets are only 60 calories and have 10 gram of fiber. Beets are considered to be complex carbs, since they come in a natural whole food form, containing multiple nutrients and phytochemicals.

Beet juice, with its high concentration of nitrates, may help boost muscle strength among heart patients, a small study has found.

Nitrates are processed into nitric oxide by the body, which helps relax blood vessels and improve metabolism. Dietary nitrate, found in beets and leafy greens like spinach, has been shown to boost muscle performance in elite athletes.

Benefit #6: Boosts Energy

Beets are naturally high in natural nitrates. Numerous studies have confirmed that nitric oxide expands the walls of blood vessels. This equals an increase in oxygen, nutrients, and energy.

Benefit #7: Improves The Libido

One of the first known uses of beets was by the ancient Romans – as an aphrodisiac. How can beets help with this? As mentioned earlier, nitrates in beets can increase blood flow. Increased blood flow to the genitals can help improve sexual health. Beets are also a great source of boron, which is directly related to the production of human sex hormones.

Things To Keep In Mind When Eating Beets

Beets contain measurable amounts of oxalates, which are not recommended for people with kidney or gallbladder concerns. If you have questions about this, be sure to talk with your doctor.

Also, some people notice that their urine and stool turn red after beet consumption.  This condition, called beeturia, is not considered harmful and occurs in 10-14% of the population. Individuals with iron metabolism issues are more likely to experience beeturia.

February 26, 2013 by Derrick Lane