Introduction
Beetroots are root vegetables scientifically called as Beta vulgaris but informally known as beets. These vegetables feature its distinct taste and strong aroma with red, white, yellow and orange varieties. They make a perfect ingredient for salads and curries.
Beets are highly recommended for those who want to live a healthier lifestyle, because of its excellent nutrition content. It is good for people trying to shed some weight, because a 100-gram serving of this vegetable contains only 43 calories and high in dietary fiber. A huge chunk of its calorie count comes from carbohydrates, an essential nutrient needed by the body for energy, with 9.56g or 7% of its daily recommended value (DRV).
For every 100g serving of beetroots is 5% DRV of sodium and 7% DRV of potassium. The presence of potassium in the body is important to conduct electricity in the body. The balance of the two electrolytes normalizes the function of the cells and body organs.
This root vegetable is known to improve cardiovascular health, primarily because of the compound glycine betaine it contains. Such compound helps lower the level of homocysteine thereby preventing coronary heart and vascular diseases.
Beets are also significantly high in vitamin C and folates. It contributes 8% DRV of vitamin C and 27% DRV of folates per 100 grams. Vitamin C is an essential element to guard the body from infectious agents. Folates, meanwhile, is vital in the formation of red blood cells and the genetic materials that comprise every cell in the human body.
Other vitamins found in beetroots are vitamins A, K, and B complex. Maximizing the health benefits of beetroots are the minerals that include manganese (14% DRV), copper (8% DRV), iron (10% DRV), and magnesium (6% DRV).
Manganese is important in the metabolism of macronutrients like fat and carbohydrates. It regulates blood sugar and maintains normal brain and nerve function. Like manganese, magnesium likewise regulates the glucose level in the blood while protecting the immune system.
Furthermore, iron and copper are two other minerals of the body. Without adequate supply of the said elements may damage the cells or worse, result to its death. Iron is found in the red blood cells and works to produce hemoglobin, which transports oxygen across the body. Copper works with iron to maximize the health of organs like the nerves and blood vessel as well as the immune system in general.
The Important Health Benefits of Beetroots
Normalize Blood Pressure
Beetroot consumption has instant blood pressure lowering effects. In fact it is used as instant remedy to high blood pressure because of its proven and remarkable results. After drinking beetroot juice, it is shown that blood pressure decreases by 4-5 points. This is because of the impressive nitrate content of beetroot. Nitrates are converted to nitric oxide that calms and widens blood vessels and veins to regulate proper flow of blood in the bloodstream thus normalizing blood pressure. It is important to keep blood pressure low because high blood pressure triggers the proper functioning of the heart.
Lowers LDL Cholesterol Levels
High amounts of body LDL cholesterol encourage cholesterol oxidation that is very damaging to the heart. Consuming beetroot helps in lowering LDL cholesterol or the bad cholesterol type as well as increasing HDL cholesterol which is the good ones. This is because beetroot is concentrated with antioxidants such as flavanoids and betacyanin plus also has soluble fiber that all work together in reducing body cholesterol. Cholesterol oxidation weakens the artery linings as well as affect proper blood flow thus can lead to blood clots that causes stroke, heart ailments, or worst heart attack. To keep your heart stable and healthy, make sure to consume healthy foods that have cholesterol lowering effects just like beetroot.
Healthy for Pregnant Women
One mineral that pregnant women mostly need is folic acid. The body demands more than twice of folate when pregnant. One important health benefit of consuming beetroot is that it is an excellent source of folate. Folate is vital in the formation of fetus’ neural tube and spinal cord. Consuming healthy foods rich in folate during pregnancy will assure that the spinal cord of the baby is healthy and protected from various types of disorders such as spina bifida. This spinal cord disorder is very dangerous because the in this case spinal cord is not fully developed and that it is divided into two. Aside from that, pregnant women also significantly benefit from beetroot consumption because its richness in folate increases the mothers’ energy levels. If you are pregnant, assure that you indulge yourself with foods abundant in folate such as beetroot for you not just to be healthy but for your baby as well.
Promotes Healthy Bones
Beetroot contain a very unique mineral that is excellent in providing the body with sufficient amounts of calcium. Calcium is essential to the health and strength of the bones. It is important to regulate consumption of foods rich in calcium to avoid disorders in the bones specifically bone loss, joint pains, osteoporosis, and even bone cancer. Studies proved that having beetroot juice at least once a day can boost the bone health and thwart off bone disorders and brittle bone diseases.
Prevents Diabetes
Diabetes is triggered by indulging in too much glucose consumption. Although beetroots are sweet, they have very low glycemic index which is beneficial for the diabetics and those exposed to risks of such. Beetroot would make a delicious and satisfying substitute to unhealthy sweet treats like candies, cakes, and many others more. It is wise to add beetroot to your diet if you want to keep your blood sugar levels normal.
Heightens Energy Levels
If you have been feeling sluggish often, it might be caused by low iron intake. Iron in the body assures the proper transportation of oxygen throughout the body parts and organs. Circulation of blood carries with it oxygen that is essential for the body parts and organs to function accordingly. Lack of iron causes low energy levels because of its ineffectiveness in oxygen transportation. This is also the primary cause of anemia that causes nausea, headaches, and sluggishness. Studies proved that because of its nitrate content, it effectively helps in easing fatigue. If you want to keep your energy levels high all the time, make sure to drink beetroot juice at least once a day. This will surely positively affect your productivity and efficiency at work, at school, or in any of your daily activities.
Improves Sex Life
Sometimes, stress and ageing get in the way to a healthy and satisfactory sex life. Beetroot is known to be a natural supplement in improving sexual health. It is a popular all-natural Viagra that gives the body nitric oxide thus making sure blood vessels are dilated and blood flow is regulated to the genital organs. Beetroot also possesses Boron that stimulates production of sex hormones. Instead of buying and taking supplements and pills to increase libido and boost sexual health, you can drink beetroot juice regularly instead. It is safer and guaranteed more effective.