The Amazing Power Of Beets
5 reasons to add beets to your diet
Did you know beets date back to ancient times, with evidence placing humans eating these miracle morsels dating back to 4000 years ago? In most parts of the world, you can get these colorful vegetables added to your meals because many countries are top producers, including Asia, Latin America and Europe. United States and Canada are major producers of this delicious vegetable, which can be consumed in a variety of ways.
Let’s talk benefits:
Heart Health:
Beets are healthy for the heart because it contains a rich source of nitrates, compounds that convert into nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide helps relax and dilate blood vessels, encouraging improved blood flow and reducing blood pressure. When you have a reduced or lowering blood pressure, this leads to to a healthier cardiovascular system, reducing the risk of heart disease and related complications.
2.Anti-Inflammatory Properties:
Beets contain another ingredient called betalains, pigments with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These nature compounds help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is linked to numerous health issues, including heart disease, arthritis, and certain cancers. Including beets in your diet may help you reduce inflammation and support overall health.
One study with 24 people with high blood pressure , who took beet juice for 2 weeks, significantly reduced several markers for inflammation.
3.Rich in Nutrients:
Beets are a nutrient-dense vegetable, containing important vitamins and minerals such as folate, potassium, vitamin C, and fiber. Folate assists with DNA synthesis and repair, while potassium plays a role in maintaining healthy blood pressure. Beets are an important source of vitamin C , antioxidant that supports the immune system, and fiber promotes digestive health. In fact, beets contain almost all the vitamins your body needs to function.
4.Boosted Athletic Performance:
If you are a runner, play in competitive sports, or just like to exercise a few times a week, beets are your healthy friend.
Research points out that the nitrates in beets have been shown to enhance exercise performance by improving oxygen utilization and increasing endurance. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts may want to consider adding this versatile vegetable into their pre-workout nutrition to potentially boost stamina and physical performance. One study has been shown to improve cycling performance and oxygen use by up to 20%.
5. Brain Health:
Who doesn’t want to have a better brain power? If you work at home, in the office, or on the road as an Uber driver, having a more focused mind makes you do a better job.
The power behind the beets is the nitrates in beets. It helps benefit the cardiovascular system but also have positive effects on brain function. Improved blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain may deliver better cognitive function and reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline.
Research shows that beets have been shown to improve blood flow to the brain, which helps improve decision-making and working memory.
It pays to cook at home. In fact, chances are good that you can’t order beets at your take out restaurant, or even a fancy Michelin star restaurant, which may serve other rich, tasty ingredients instead.
Here’s a snapshot of what’s in your average 3.5 ounce of boiled beetroot, courtesy of the healthline website.
- Calories: 44
- Protein: 1.7 grams
- Fat: 0.2 grams
- Carbs: 10 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Folate: 20% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Manganese: 14% of the DV
- Copper: 8% of the DV
- Potassium: 7% of the DV
- Magnesium: 6% of the DV
- Vitamin C: 4% of the DV
- Vitamin B6: 4% of the DV
- Iron: 4% of the DV
If you don’t like cooking beets, you may opt to get beet root power for their convenience. In fact, one medical site says that beet root power contains micronutrients and phytonutrients that may benefit heart, gut and brain health.
The next time you are hosting a dinner party, surprise your guests by bringing some roasted beets, served with your favorite sauce.
Here’s to the miracle power of beets.
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