Benefits of Beets

Beets beautiful beets!!

Love the color, love the nutritional health boost, do we love the taste? I find it acquired so read until the end of this post for some easy and delicious beet recipes. However, the nutritional benefits of beets makes them worth finding a way to ease your pallet. The pigment that gives beets their rich, purple-crimson color-betacyanin-is also a powerful cancer-fighting agent. Beets' potential effectiveness against colon cancer, in particular, has been demonstrated in several studies. One cup of raw beets is high in carbohydrates and low in fat. It contains phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, calcium, iron, and potassium, as well as fiber, vitamins A and C, niacin, and folic acid, and biotin.  


Benefit break-down after the jump...

• Good for heart: Beet fiber helps to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides by increasing the level of HDL. High level of triglycerides increases the risk for heart related problems. 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. 
• Avoids birth defects: Beet is good for pregnant women since it is a source of B vitamin folate which helps in the development of infant’s spinal column. Deficiency of folate could lead to the condition called neural tube defect.
• Prevent certain cancers: Studies revealed that beet are good in preventing colon cancer, as it contains the pigment betacyaninis, which counteracts cancer. Nitrates used in meats as preservatives, cause the production of nitrosamines compounds in the body resulting in cancer. Studies reveal that beet juice inhibits the cell mutations caused by these compounds. Researchers in Hungary have also discovered that beet juice and its powdered form slows down tumor development.
• Good for liver: Betaines contained in the beet juice stimulates the functions of liver.
• Prevent respiratory problems: Beetroot is a source of vitamin C which helps to prevent asthma symptoms. The natural beta-carotene in beetroot also helps to prevent lungs cancer.
• Boosts energy: Beetroot contains a significant amount of carbohydrates that provides fuel for energy and prolonged sports activities.
• Prevent cataract: The presence of beta-carotene (vitamin A) helps to prevent age related blindness called cataract.
• Capillary fragility: The flavonoids and vitamin C in beets help to support the structure of capillaries.
• Macular degeneration: The beta-carotene present in beetroot avoids macular degeneration.
• Stroke: Low level of potassium in body increases the risk of stroke. So potassium-rich beetroot is recommended in that aspect.
• The presence of the mineral Boron in beetroot juice helps in the production of human sex hormones.
• In ancient times Beetroot was used to cure fever and constipation. In the Middle Ages, beetroot was also used as a remedy for digestive disorders.
• Beet leaves are also good for curing wounds.

Precaution: Beets contain oxalates, which when in excess, can cause body fluid to crystallize. So people with kidney or gallbladder problems should avoid beetroots. 


Recipes:
*I simply use beets in my juice (paired with carrot and papaya is delicious!); also use the greens in salad for a spicy kick and nutritional punch!
Roasted Beet, pear, walnut & goat cheese salad from WebMD
Velvety Beet and Cocoa cake
Beets on Crostini 
CHeck out 5 ways to eat beets at TheKitchn
Roasted Beets