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8 health benefits of beets

Most people are either beet lovers or they are not. There is not much of a middle ground when it comes to beets. I confess I have been slow to the beet party, but I am gradually learning to enjoy their earthy taste and have come to appreciate how incredibly healthy beets are. Here are eight health benefits of beets:

Anti-cancer properties

Beets are rich in betacyanins, a compound that has been shown to fight cancer in laboratory mice. Lab studies in human cells also show anti-cancer activity on a wide variety of human tumors.

Lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow

Drinking beet juice has been shown to lower blood pressure by 2% after only one serving.

Supports mental health

Beets contain betaine which is a mood enhancer. Beets are rich in folate and folate deficiencies can trigger depression and insomnia. Additionally, beets contain tryptophan, a substance that produces feeling of well-being.

Boosts stamina

Beets contain nitrates which converts to nitric oxide.  Nitric oxide has been shown to increase tolerance to high-intensity exercise as well as lower oxygen cost of lower-intensity exercise. Cyclists have been shown to increase their endurance by 20% after drinking beet juice and professional divers have increased the amount of time they can hold their breath by 11%.

Fights inflammation

Beets contain folate and betaine, two compounds that lower blood levels of homocysteine, an inflammatory compound. Beet greens stimulate the production of white blood cells and antibodies.

Purifies blood and liver

Beets are rich in betalin which helps your body detoxify and purify your blood and liver.

Weight loss 

Beets are naturally sweet, yet very low in calories.

Aphrodisiac

Ancient Romans used beets as aphrodisiacs, and probably with good reason. Beets increase blood flow to the genitals (much like Viagra) and support the production of human sex hormones.

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How to eat beets

Eat the root and the leaves

Beet leaves are every bit as healthy as the root. Beet leaves contain different nutrients and provide different health benefits than their roots. So get more for your money and eat the leaves and the roots.

Raw beets are even better for you

Enjoy your borscht and roasted beets, but also eat them raw. Finely grated beets are a beautiful and nutritious addition to fresh salads. Beet juice can be drunk by itself or added to other vegetable smoothies.

Two beet recipes to get you started

4 COMMENTS

Comments

  1. Mayur (Pat) says:

    nice. thanks for sharing this information. you both look like sisters

    1. Kim Pawell says:

      Thank you Pat! I take that as a huge compliment! Hopefully my daughter will too! : )

  2. Anika says:

    Beetroot juice is low in calories and has for all intents and purposes no fat.

    1. Kim Pawell says:

      Nice addition anika!

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