Beets, also called beetroot, is a ruby-red naturally occurring root vegetable. They come in different colors, but the most common is red. Some people feel beets taste like dirt! Leaves of beetroot are also edible but are bitter in taste.
Nutritional Values of Beets
Taste can be easily ignored, considering the health benefits of beets and their nutritional values.
Studies have shown that a 100g of raw uncooked beet contains:
36 kcals/154KJ
7g of protein
1g fat
6g of carbohydrates
5g of fiber
380mg potassium
150mcg of folate
It also contains essential vitamins and minerals like:
Vitamin A and C
Magnesium
Phosphorus
betanin
Beets are also known to have small amounts of calcium, thiamine, riboflavin, copper, selenium, iron, and vitamin B-6.
Health Benefits of Beets
Beets are gaining popularity because it comprises photochemical and bioactive compounds. They play a vital role in improving several pathological and clinical outcomes. The few most popular health benefits of beets include.
1. Anti-Oxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties
Betalains, a kind of natural plant pigment, are not only responsible for the ruby red color of beets but are the component that makes it a healthy boost to your system. The key component responsible for the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of beets is betalain. It protects your cells from damage and helps fight age-related medical conditions, including heart disease and cancer. 2. Lowers High Blood Pressure Beets are a good source of nitrates. Nitrates play a vital role in improving blood flow. Our system converts these nitrates into nitric oxides, which are responsible for relaxing human blood vessels, reducing the stiffness of arteries, and stimulating dilation. In this way, it helps control high blood pressure and potentially lowers it. Studies show that beets are rich in nitrates which help reduce blood pressure and protect you from heart disease and sudden stroke.
3. Digestion and Gut Health Glutamine is an essential amino acid that helps the human body to improve good bacteria in your gut. Having these good bacteria in your system can boost your immune system. Beets are rich in fibers as well. Fiber is best known for enhancing bowel movement and lowering the risk of constipation saving us from several other problems, including piles.
4. Helps in Weight-Loss
Rich in fiber, beets can also help you to reduce weight. It contains fewer calories and high fiber, which makes us feel full for a long time without adding many calories. Therefore making it ideal for weight management. 5. Helps Protecting From Certain Types of Cancer Some studies support the fact that beet can protect from certain cancers like bladder cancer. It contains betacyanin which, apart from giving it a purple color, is a powerful agent that protects human cells from damage and reduces risks of cancer in the human body.
Bottom Line
Beets are a healthy, naturally occurring, enriched source of several minerals and vitamins. Raw or cooked, cut into pieces, or make juice in all forms, beetroot boosts your health. But if you have any history of kidney stones, be careful with the use of beets.
Skin lovers may find it drooling as rich in vitamin C; beet juice is great for healthy glowing skin and natural treatment of UV rays damage.
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