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The Incredible Power Of Beets
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Most people only know beets as the pickled staple that is found on most salad bars. They have just enough flavor that people either like them or hate them. With all that beets have going for them, it might be time you gave these jeweled colored veggies a chance.
1. Heart healthy
Beets consist of nitrates that occur naturally in the vegetable. When consuming raw beets, they are able to reduce blood pressure levels by up to 5 points in a couple of hours. The nitric oxide in the beets relaxes the blood vessels, and dilates them which increases the blood flow. The nitrates in the beets are as effective in treating congestive heart failure and angina as taking nitrates in their prescription form. Beet juice is also able to increase the strength of patients who end up with a diminished ability to exercise. Just two-thirds of a cup of the beet juice increased their abilities by 13 percent.
2. Anti-cancer benefits
The same phytonutrients that make beets such a deep reddish/purple color are what keeps tumors from forming and offer a variety of anti-cancer components. The extract of the roots of beets has been used to treat prostate, pancreatic, and breast cancer.
3. Help immune system
When consumed raw, the makeup of beets helps to improve the immune function. The combination of fiber, manganese, potassium, and high levels of vitamin C are what work together to boost the immune system. The betalin pigments in beets along with the amino acids work in conjunction with the detoxification process of the body purifying the liver and your blood,
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4. Assists with respiratory issues
As a source of vitamin C, beets are able to alleviate the symptoms of asthma. Lung cancer is prevented by the beta carotene that is found in the beetroot. The wide range as an antioxidant that beets possess is as small as preventing a virus to prevent cancer.
5. Eliminates chances of cataracts
Beets consist of beta-carotene which shows up in its complete form as a vitamin. This vitamin helps with many areas of the vision health that suffers from ace related illnesses. Cataracts and macular degeneration both benefit from the powerful effects of beets and its beta-carotene.
6. Increases energy
Beets are one of the few carbohydrate rich foods that work in a positive way to extend and increase energy levels among sports fanatics. They have been able to keep the organs of the body working efficiently at their optimum level. Drinking beet juice has also been found to improve the uptake of oxygen by up to 15%. This is the highest amount of improvement including through excessive exercising.
7. Anti-inflammatory
Beets consist of compounds that are anti-inflammatory and reduce the activity of “cyclo-oxygenase enzymes.” It is the betaine compounds that help with these enzymes and they help to keep the proteins, cells, and enzymes protected. Betaine also helps to help protect from chronic diseases, the risk factors of vascular issues, and helps to improve performance levels.
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8. Reduces chances of stroke
With their high levels of potassium, beets are able to prevent the chances of getting a stroke. Potassium from beets relaxes the blood vessels and make them unable to maintain plaque levels which is what usually causes a stroke. As it continues to lower blood pressure levels, it also contributes to a heart healthy environment preventing additional potential cardiovascular issues.
9. Detoxes naturally
Again, the betalain pigments found in the beets helps to complete the detoxification process that occurs in the body. During the process defined as Phase 2, the cells join the cells up with toxic substances to smaller nutrient groups. The process creates a water-soluble process for the toxins so they are able to be eliminated through the urine.
10. Anti-aging
The benefits of beets help to reduce any growth of tumors and help to protect the body from diseases that are based on aging. Beets are able to not only help keep your health in check in so many areas, they help keep your skin youthful and help you resist the ravages of aging.
Here is the best way to prepare beets:
- Raw – you can take beets and simply peel the thins skin around the outside, slice them thinly, and sprinkle them with salt and pepper.
- Pickled – brining them with a pickled mixture will give beets the familiar flavor you have probably experienced before when you found them on a salad bar.
- Roasted – take your beets and slice them in half. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over them, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast at 400 degrees for about 45 minutes.
- Sautéed greens -you can take the green stems from the beets and sautee them in olive oil and garlic just as you would spinach.
- Beet and red cabbage slaw – when you make your next batch of coleslaw with red cabbage, grate up some beets and add them to the crunchy slaw.
READ ALSO: Celery: The Underrated Veggie That May Fend Off Breast Cancer
- Borscht – this European style soup is made primarily with beets and is topped off with sour cream.
- Beet and carrot salad – just as you would make a carrot/apple salad, grate up some fresh beets, and add it to the carrots instead of the apples.
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Chris
Apr 6, 2017 at 7:55 pm
Great article! I loooove beets. Anyone interested in this stuff should definitely check out the book Everyday Roots. It teaches you how to replace all of the harmful chemical products in your life with organic ones. It’s completely changed my life and how I feel everyday 🙂
Heres a good article about it: http://reggiesreview.weebly.com/everyday-roots-review.html