Three cheers for this new superfood… Beets!
Also known as beetroot, beets are the bulbous roots of beet plant. Red or gold beets are found world over. The rich earthy taste and bright hue make it an unmissable ingredient on your plate.
The whole beet plant is packed with nutrition, from its roots to its leaves.
Beetroot juice is the new “it” drink. You can add beets to a salad, eat them pickled, as a soup, roasted as a veggie side, in hummus and wraps or even as a fry substitute. With the right preparation, beets are surprisingly delicious!
You might have hated beets as a kid but it’s definitely time to add them to your diet as an adult. Here’s why.
Benefits of beets
Beets are nutritious and low in calories
Beets are bursting with vitamins, minerals and nutritional goodness. Calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, niacin, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, folic acid, copper, zinc, protein, fibre- you name it and beets have it. Beets are also low in calories with only 60 calories per cup.
Beets boost your immunity
Beets are high in fibre which promotes the growth of good bacteria in your gut and boosts your immune system.
Beets have antioxidant & anti inflammatory properties
Betaine, a nutrient found in beets, works as an anti-inflammatory compound. It helps protect the body against free radicals. Like other red and purple coloured fruits and veggies, beets are a brilliant source of antioxidants.
Beets can detox your body
Beets have an active compound called betaine that can purify and detox your blood and liver. Betaine is responsible for the antioxidant properties in beets. Beets naturally detoxify your body from harmful toxins. It purifies your blood, helps prevent liver damage and protects it from oxidative stress. Beetroot is considered to be a natural cleanser.
Beetroot prevents anaemia
The iron, folic acid and bright red hue of beets helps in the formation of red blood cells and a healthy blood count in your body.
Beets lower your blood pressure
Beets can lower your blood pressure levels, both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, significantly. The nitrates found in beets are converted to nitric oxide by your body which improves blood flow and lowers your blood pressure.
Beets are good for your heart
Eating beets regularly can help prevent you from developing heart disease or suffering from a stroke. The folate (vitamin B9) found in beets helps the cells grow and function in your body and protects it from damaging your blood vessels which in turn can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Beets and your brain
The nitrates found in beets boost your blood flow which positively affects your brain as well. It can reduce the effects of dementia, cognitive decline due to age and even boost your memory.
Beets are good for your gut and digestion
One cup of beetroot has approximately 3.4 grams of fibre, making it a fabulous fibre source. The beet fibre bypasses digestion, travels to the colon and serves as food for gut friendly bacteria. Beets have been known to aid in digestive issues like constipation, inflammatory bowel disease (IBS) and diverticulitis. The betalains (an amino acid) present in beetroot, helps you maintain optimal digestive health.
Beets are cancer beaters
While more research is needed, the crimson colour of beets has powerful phytonutrients which helps fight multi-organ cancerous tumours. Certain compounds found in beets are known to have cancer-fighting properties.
Beets help you say die- die diabetes
The phytonutrients found in beets also help lower your blood sugar and regulate your glucose and insulin levels.
Beetroot is an aphrodisiac
Move over from oysters, beets are the new natural Viagra. In ancient times, beets were often used to treat erectile dysfunction, impotence and as an aphrodisiac. Beets directly benefit women’s and men’s libido. This is because beets are high in nitrates. The nitric oxide opens up the blood vessels in the genitals and maintains pressure on the erectile tissue which can trigger a strong erection.
Beets build your endurance and stamina
Beets can give you a jolt of energy that you didn’t know you needed. Before you go for a workout consider eating beets or drinking beet juice for a boost. Beetroot helps your heart and lungs function better while you exercise. The nitric oxide found in beets increases blood flow to your muscles and helps your cells produce energy. Load up on beets if you want to build your endurance and stamina.
Beets have such marvellous health benefits. It’s time you add them to your diet!
