Health Benefits of Beets
- Introduction of Beets
Beetroots are commonly known as beets. They are versatile as well as vibrant type of the vegetable. They are known for their aroma and their earthy flavor. Beetroots are not only known as beets, they are also known as golden beet, ret beet, garden beet and table beet. It is also a taproot part of the beet plant. It is not only used in medicine and coloring but also used for nourishment. It can used between raw to heavily processed anywhere in the world. They are highly nutritious. Beetroots are packed with essentials compounds, vitamins, minerals and also have medicinal properties. They are very delicious as we use it in our daily diet such as we can easily add it in balsamic roasted beets, fries, salads, and hummus and among many others.
Belonging to the same family such as spinach and chard, root of beetroot may be eaten. The leaves of beetroot have a bitter taste whereas the root of beetroot is sweet. They are available in every country. They are sweetest vegetable and also most tender during their season, which in the UK is from June to October. Only red beets have the cancer-fighting compound (betacyanin) while heirloom varieties (yellow and white beets) make for the pretty dishes.
- Etymology of Beets
The beets is derived from Latin word, Old English bete “beetroot, beet”, which is believed to be of Celtic origin. The Plant of beets are growing in Northern Europe it is cultivated for use of its succulent root as for sugar extraction as well as for food.
- Origin of Beets
It is said that, beets are originated in the Mediterranean area. In the Near east, with the secondary region of development, they are spreading eastward in prehistoric times. In ancient times, the leaves of the several kinds of beets were harvested from the wild for use as a potherb.
- History of Beets
Beetroots are also known as Beta Vulgaris. Around 2000 BC, it was first consumed by Mediterranean cultures. Although at this time, it was just only the leaves when they were eaten. It was only the part of the plant which we discard in this modern world. Beets were ranked as the second hated vegetable throughout history because of its smelling and the dirt they were grown in. Goemin is the chemical which is contained by beets, was to blame for their earthy smell. Beets were developed into the round bulbous through cultivation over many centuries.
- Nutritional Information of Beets
Beets have many nutrients. 100 gram serving of boiled beetroots has following nutrition.
- 2g Fibre
- 7g protein
- 10g Carbohydrates
- 44 Calories
- 2g Fat
- 20% of Daily value (DV) Folate
- 4% of DV Vitamin B6
- 14% Manganese
- 4% Vitamin C
- 8% Copper
- 6% Magnesium
- 4% Iron
- 7% Potassium
- Use of Beets in Medicine
The plant of beets is used in natural medicines. They are used in the treatment of fatty liver and liver diseases along with medications. They are also used to lower the blood pressure, lower the level of triglycerides which is the type of fat and also help to improve the athletic performance.
- Health Benefits of Beets
Beets are rich in nutrients. It has following health benefits.
- Increase Stamina
Beets have the ability to increase our stamina. During exercise, beets as well as its juice may help our lungs and heart to work better. Beetroots have Nitric oxide which increases the flow of our muscles. To improve the performance during exercising, athletes eat beetroots and drink beet juice for better performance.
Beets may prevent from stroke and heart disease. As it is rich in vitamin B9 (folate) which helps the beets to cells function and its growth. Vitamin B9 play an important role in controlling damage in blood vessels which reduced the risk of stroke as well as reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Lower Blood Pressure
Beets also play an important role in lowering the blood pressure. They are naturally high in nitrates. Nitrate is turned into the oxide in the body. By causing the blood vessels to widen and relax, Nitrates lowers the blood pressure.
- Boost Your Immune System
Beets boost our immune system. They are high in fibre which promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria in our gut. Healthy bacteria in our digestive system may helps to boost our immune system as well as fight from various diseases. Fibre, presented in beets also reduces the risk of constipation as well as it also improves our digestion.
- May have Anti-Cancer Properties
Beets may have anti-cancer properties. The plant pigment gives beetroot the betacyanin which is a powerful agent and also helps to reduce the growth of some types of cancer such as bladder cancer.
- May Improve Digestive Health
Beets may improve our digestive health. They are the richest source of amino acid and glutamine which are essential to our health as well as maintenance of our gut. They are rich in fibre which enables our digestive system to work in proper and healthy way.
- May be Anti-Inflammatory
Beets may be anti-inflammatory. Red beetroots are an antioxidant vegetable and it has been ranked as the one of the most potent antioxidant vegetable. Beets have beta lain compound which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant capabilities. It is showed that, they help to fight against the age related disease like cancer and heart disease. They also protect the cells from damage.
Summary
To sum up, it cam be concluded that, Beets are very beneficial for our health. As it is rich in folate, vitamin B9, vitamins, minerals, potassium, have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory capabilities which helpscells to function properly as well as to grow in an effective manner. Beets also play an important role in reduction in the age related disease such as cancer and heart disease. That is why it is said that beets have many beneficial effects for our body.
