Beetroot

Beets have naturally occurring nitrates which are converted into nitric oxide in the human body. Nitric oxide helps to relax and dilate blood vessels, improves blood flow, and reduces blood pressure. Beetroot is good for blood pressure, it is extremely beneficial as it helps to lower blood pressure within a couple of hours.

The nitrates present in beet get converted into nitric oxide in the human body. This nitric oxide helps to reduce the amount of oxygen expended for low-intensity exercises and also enhances tolerance to high-intensity exercises. Studies have shown that people who consume beet juice prior to exercise can exercise for a 16% longer period.

High levels of triglycerides in your body pose serious problems to the heart. Beetroot reduces triglycerides and cholesterol by increasing the amount of HDL cholesterol or good cholesterol. Beetroot also helps to decrease the level of homocysteine as it contains the nutrient betaine. The development of conditions like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes can be prevented by the consumption of beet.

Beets are a rich source of Vitamin B folates and it helps in the formation of a baby’s spinal column. Thus beet can be a beneficial addition to the diet of a pregnant woman. Folate deficiency can lead to several complications like defects in the neural tubes which means defects in the brain, spine, or spinal cord.

Beetroot contains the pigment betacyaninis which can prevent the growth of cancer cells. Beetroot is good for preventing colon, lung, and skin cancer. Nitrates are used as preservatives in meat and their consumption may result in the formation of nitrosamine compounds in the body which can lead to cancer. Beetroot juice helps to reduce or stem the cell mutations caused by these compounds.

Blood flow to certain areas of the brain decreases with age and this can lead to loss of cognition and eventual dementia. Research has shown that drinking beetroot juice helps to improve the supply of oxygen to the brain and slows the progression of dementia. The high nitrate concentration in beet juice aids this process.

Vitamin C, which is found in beetroot is a powerful anti-oxidant that is good for the immune system. Not only is Vitamin C a powerful anti-oxidant protecting the body against free radicals, it also stimulates the activities of the white blood cells which are the body’s primary line of defense against alien bodies.

Beetroot also has natural beta carotene which helps to prevent lung cancer.

Beetroot contains betalin pigments which support your body’s Phase 2 detoxification process. This process occurs when broken-down toxins are bound to other molecules so that they can be excreted from the body. Beetroot are valued all over the world for their ability to detoxify your body and thus purify your blood and liver.

Beta-carotene which is present in beetroot helps to prevent cataracts which is a type of blindness that mostly afflicts old people. Beta-carotene, which is a form of Vitamin A, also prevents macular degeneration in elderly people. Thus, consumption of beet will help you to have healthy eyes.

Beetroot contains calcium, betaine, B vitamins, iron, and anti-oxidants which are very good for your liver. Beet also helps to thin the bile, thus allowing it to move smoothly through the liver, and does not let any pressure be exerted on it.

The fiber present in beetroot ensures that the toxins are properly removed from your liver. Beetroot also contains zinc and copper which are instrumental in protecting the cells of the liver.

Beetroots have been used as an aphrodisiac for centuries. Beetroot contains significant levels of boron, a mineral, which helps to stimulate the production of sexual hormones. Beetroot can cause a boost in your libido, increase fertility and sperm mobility, and also help to reduce frigidity when you are getting intimate with your partner.

Beetroot is one of the healthiest vegetables and consuming it can positively impact your health in several ways. Beetroot prevents colon, skin, and lung cancer. It also takes care of your liver and ensures a seamless movement of bile.

Beetroot enhances your immunity and takes care of your heart in several ways. It reduces the chances of various defects that may occur to a child during birth and so it is beneficial for expecting mothers. It also helps to reduce macular degeneration and helps prevent respiratory ailments.

There is no denying the fact that beetroot has several beneficial effects. But there is a flip side to this story too. Excessive consumption of beet may result in beeturia in some people. It is a condition where your urine may appear pink.

Beetroot is rich in oxalates and excessive consumption may lead to a person developing kidney stones. However in some rare cases, beetroot may cause allergies in certain individuals. These allergic reactions may include rashes, hives, itchiness, and even chills and fever.

Betaine present in beetroot may cause complications in pregnant women. And, if you are suffering from gastrointestinal problems, consumption of beetroot may aggravate the situation.

The oldest archaeological evidence suggests that beetroot in ancient times was found on the Neolithic site of Aartswoud in the Netherlands and the Saqqara pyramid at Thebes, Egypt. Greeks also cultivated beetroot in around 300 B.C. However, they used to consume the leaves and not the roots. Modern beetroot appeared in the 16th and 17th century in Europe. It became popular in central and eastern Europe after a few hundred years.

Beetroots should be sown 2 cm deep. Seeds or seedlings should be sown at a distance of 5 to 10 cm and it is better to sow them in rows. Beetroots grow best in cool conditions. Garden beets can be grown on a variety of soils but well-drained loams and sandy loams are considered the best.