Health Benefits of Beets
Beets are full of nutrients and especially a phytonutrient called betanin. Betanin is a phytonutrient that is helpful for inflammation and detoxification, plus it is an antioxidant. Beets contain vitamin C, magnesium and vitamin B folate. They are also full of fiber, so as you can see, beets are a very healthy food to add to your diet.
Here are a few more good reasons for including beets in your diet.
Beets help detox the body.
One of the most outstanding qualities of beets is its ability to help the body’s betaine stay intact. The liver cells need betaine for getting rid of toxins. Betaine not only protects the bile ducts but it helps ensure that the liver is functioning properly by thinning the bile, thereby allowing it to flow easily to the liver and all the way to the small intestine.
Thereby, the body is ridding itself of toxins more easily and ‘detoxing’ the body in the process.
Beets help lessen tumor cell growth.
Studies conducted on tumor cells showed that betanin pigments have the ability to lessen the growth of tumor cells which is done by inhibiting pro-inflammatory enzymes.
The studies were conducted on many types of tumor cells such as those that grow in the stomach, nerves, lungs, testicles, prostate and breasts. Although more research is still needed, experts are already looking at the possibility that the betanin content of beets can be beneficial for preventing and treating different types of cancer.
Beets protect the heart.
A study conducted back in 2000 showed that the fiber content of beets works effectively in increasing the levels of good HDL cholesterol levels while lowering bad LDL cholesterol levels. Additionally, the fiber in beets helps reduce cholesterol plaques by as much as 30% and prevents the plaques from building up in the aorta.
Beets contain flavonoids and carotenoids which help prevent bad cholesterols from being oxidized and left in the arteries to form plaques.
Beets help stabilize blood sugar levels.
Beets have low calories and zero fats and are a low GI food. This means that beets can be converted into sugar in a steady, usable manner thus preventing sugar spikes and keeping blood sugar levels stable.
Beets help prevent osteoporosis.
As mentioned earlier, beets contain magnesium which is important for building healthy bones and preventing bone loss. Magnesium plays a crucial role in regulating calcium levels in the body. Other bone building nutrients that are found in beets include vitamin C, copper and manganese.
Vitamin C is necessary for the production of collagen that helps maintain healthy cartilage and bones while manganese is needed for the synthesis of those connective tissues found in bones and cartilage.
Copper serves as an active enzyme in the production of tissue proteins, elastin and collagen. All these are essential for bone development and maintenance.
Beets help ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Beets are rich sources of vitamins A, B and C. They also serve as powerhouses of phosphorous, fiber, potassium, beta-cyanine, magnesium, iron and folic acid.
These are just some of the reasons why pregnant women should include beets in their diet. Beets contain nutrients that are crucial for the development of new growth cells and a woman’s needs for iron alone doubles when she is pregnant.
Therefore, eating beets helps ensure that the hemoglobin carries oxygen to the placenta and other parts of the body.
An added benefit of beets is that you can eat its roots, stems and leaves which are all packed with vitamins and minerals. You don’t just use a part of it, you can use the whole lot!
You can find many delicious recipes on how to prepare and cook beets for health.