22 Proven Health Benefits of beet are diverse and very important for health. Beet or beetroots, as they are often called, belong to the Chenopodiaceous family. Their history stretches back to ancient times, and the earliest signs of their cultivation were approximately 4,000 years ago in the Mediterranean region. From there, they were probably transported to Babylon, and by the 9th century AD, they had made their way into the Chinese culture and cuisine. They have long been associated with sexuality and have been used as an aphrodisiac for thousands of years.
Touted as one of the healthiest veggies. The beetroot is the taproot portion of the beet plant. It is one of the many varieties of the genus Beta vulgaris, all of which are mostly grown for their edible taproots and leaves. Apart from being used as food, beetroot is also used as a medicinal plant and as a food colorant.
Nutritional Value Of Beet:
Beets have a wide range of health benefits because of their nutritional content, including vitamins, minerals, and organic compounds like carotenoids, lutein/zeaxanthin, glycine, betaine, dietary fiber, vitamin C, magnesium, iron, copper, and phosphorus, while also being a source of beneficial flavonoids called anthocyanins. They are very low in calories, with no cholesterol, but they do have the highest sugar content of all vegetables.
Benefits of Beet to Improve Liver Health: Betaines in beet juice stimulate the functions of the liver and keep it healthy.
Benefits of Beet for Prevent Cataracts: The presence of beta-carotene, which is a form of vitamin A, helps to prevent age-related blindness called cataracts as well as a reduction in macular degeneration that commonly occurs as we get older. Vitamin A is considered a powerful antioxidant substance that is involved in many essential activities of the body.
Benefits of Beet to Act as Aphrodisiac: Beets have been considered an aphrodisiac or sexual booster for millennia. Part of this stems from the fact that beets contain significant levels of the mineral boron, which has been shown to boost the production of sexual hormones.
This can lead to a boost in your libido, increased fertility, sperm mobility improvement, and a reduction in frigidity in the bedroom. Your sexual life can get a legitimate and time-tested push in the right direction by adding beets to your diet.
Benefits of Beet to Prevent Respiratory Problems: Beetroot is a source of vitamin C that helps to prevent asthma symptoms. The natural beta-carotene in beetroot also helps to prevent lung cancer. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system in a number of ways.
Besides acting as an antioxidant itself and defending against the effects of free radicals in the body, it also stimulates the activity of white blood cells, which are the body’s main line of defense against foreign bodies, as well as viral, bacterial, fungal, and protozoan toxins that can result in a multitude of infections and illnesses.
Benefits of Beet to Capillary Fragility: The flavonoids and vitamin C in beets help to support the structure of capillaries.
Benefits of Beet for Reduce Macular Degeneration: The beta-carotene present in beetroot aids in reducing or slowing macular degeneration in the eyes. Macular degeneration is often associated with an increase in free radicals, which drastically affect the premature aging process of many people. Beta-carotene is a powerful form of vitamin A, which has antioxidant capabilities and defends the eyes against the damaging effects of free radicals.
Benefits of Beet to Good For The Heart: As per a study, just one week of regular beetroot juice dosing can improve endurance and blood pressure in older individuals at a risk of heart failure.
Another American study has stated that the ingestion of beet juice prevents myocardial infarction (obstruction of blood supply to a tissue in the heart).
Benefits of Beet to Helps Prevent Cancer: Beetroot extract might have the potential to prevent cancers of the breast and prostate. This can be attributed to the presence of betanin (a form of betalain) in beetroot.
Benefits of Beet to Fights Inflammation: Their generous helpings of folate, fiber, and betalains place beets amongst the best anti-inflammatory foods on the planet.
As per an Iranian study, beetroot, especially in the juice form, was effective in treating inflammation. Another Egyptian study found that beetroot extract could treat inflammation in the kidneys.
Benefits of Beet to Controls Blood Sugar: This has more to do with sugar beets. According to an Iceland study, the fiber from sugar beets can reduce hyperglycemia. And as per another UK study, consumption of beetroot juice was found to suppress postprandial (during or after lunch or dinner) glycemia.
Benefits of Beet for Reduces Bad Cholesterol: In an animal study, rats fed with beet extracts saw a decrease in the total cholesterol levels and an increase in good cholesterol. Though more research is required in this aspect, the study authors believe that the soluble fiber in beets can have these beneficial properties.
Beetroot is also one of those few foods that is low in calories and contains zero cholesterol.
Benefits of Beet to Improves Skin Health: What are beetroot benefits for skin? Beetroot ingestion has been found to prevent skin cancer. Also, beets, as we discussed, contain vitamin A that maintains healthy mucus membranes and improves skin health.
Benefits of Beet to Helps Treat Anemia: We know the deficiency of iron causes anemia. It has been found that beets are rich in iron, and the absorption of iron is better from beetroot than a few other vegetables.
According to a report by the University of Maryland Medical Center, beet greens are also rich in iron and can help combat anemia. The folate in beets is also found to fight against anemia.
Benefits of Beet to Promotes Stronger Bones And Teeth: Beets are rich in calcium, and we know strong bones and teeth are impossible without the mineral.
Benefits of Beet to Increases The Level Of Antioxidants: This can be attributed to the presence of polyphenols and betalains, compounds in beetroot that offer it its antioxidant properties. As per one study, the betalain pigment in beets has potent anti-inflammatory properties. These properties help treat oxidative stress and improve cognition.
And not just the beetroot vegetable, but even the greens are rich in antioxidants.
Benefits of Beet to Has Anti-Aging Properties: Beet greens contain vitamin A and carotenoids that can benefit you from inside out. They also contain a decent of lutein, another potent antioxidant. These fight free radicals and can help fight wrinkles.
According to a Chinese study, sugar beet molasses has excellent antioxidant properties. The phenolic contents of sugar beet molasses demonstrate anti-aging properties.
Some other known benefits of beet juice include:
- May help reduce the pain of arthritis;
- May help cognitive function;
- May help eyesight (especially if you juice the greens).
