Beetroot or Beets are the second largest source of sugar after sugar cane. Beets have a highest sugar content of all vegetables and eating this power pack of nutrients a few times every week is safe for sugar conscious people. Beetroots come in purple, white or golden color. Both the leaves and root part of beets are edible. Leaves taste bitter while root part is sweet. Due to their richness in nutrients like vitamin A, C, B6 potassium, magnesium, folic acid, soluble fiber, protein, and anti-oxidants, beets are called the new superfood. Beetroot has a long history of medical use. Due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties, beets have become a part of everyday salad. It can be eaten raw or in the cooked form. Here are some health benefits of beet.
Health Benefits of Beets
1. Detoxifies the Body
Beets are high in antioxidants and that’s why they are a very good natural detoxifier. Beets help flush the toxins out of the system. Beetroot also contain high fiber content, and treats the problem constipation permanently, by maintaining healthy digestive track and regularizing the bowel movement.
2. Energy and Immunity Booster
Beetroot juice provides energy and boosts stamina. Nitrate in beets is converted into nitrogen oxide in the body and expands blood vessels to allow more oxygen. Beets are well off with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which neutralize harmful free radicals and protect your body from oxidative stress. This, in turn, boosts your immunity.
3. Prevents Heart Diseases
Heart attack is caused by formation of clots in the blood vessels. Anti-inflammatory properties of beets prevent this build-up of plaque along the walls of blood vessels.
4. Reduces the Risk of Cancer
As beets have anti- inflammatory and antioxidant properties, they help prevent colon, skin and lung cancer. They also contain a pigment called betacyanin which prevents the growth of cancer cells.
5. Promotes Weight Loss
Beets contain natural sugar and are full of fibers. They have low calorie content and keep weight gain under check.
6. Fights Respiratory Problems
Beetroot’s richness in vitamin C makes it a perfect remedy to curb respiratory problems like viral infections and asthma. Vitamin C defenses against foreign particles and bacterial toxins.
7. Good for Sexual Health
Beetroot is also called “Nature’s Viagra”. Being a good source of nitrate, it releases nitrate oxide into body, which helps increase blood flow to genitals. It also contains boron which promotes production of sex hormones.
8. Good for Eyes
Beet greens are rich in antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin which protect eyes from disorders like macular degeneration and cataract. Phytochemicals in them are good for eyes health.
Beetroot has a medium glycemic index. An antioxidant called alpha-lipoic acid increases insulin-sensitivity and lowers glucose levels in diabetics by gradually releasing sugar into the blood.
Beetroot makes for a good home remedy for treating arthritis. Presence of alkalines and potassium in beets dissolve the deposits accumulated around knees. As calcium is the building block of bones, absorption of calcium in the body is equally important. Beets are a good source of mineral silica which helps absorption of calcium in the body, thereby prevent the problem of low bone density.
11. Cures Dementia
In dementia, blood flow to brain decreases causing decline in cognition. Beetroot is high in nitrate content. It improves oxygenation and blood flow in brain, slowing down the progression of dementia.
12. Mood Lifter
Beets contain betalain and tryptophan which are anti-depressants. Drinking beets juice daily creates a sense of well-being and prevents mood swings too.
13. Good for Pregnant Women
Beetroot is loaded with folic acid which is essential for the pregnant ladies and unborn babies because it contributes to the formation of the child’s spinal cord.
14. Treats Anemia
Beetroot is rich in iron content. Iron helps in the formation of hemagglutinin which is part of blood and helps transport oxygen and nutrients in various parts of the body.
15. Relieves Menstrual Pain
Taking beetroot juice daily reduces cramps during menstrual cycle.
Beauty Benefits of Beets
16. Anti-Dandruff
Antipruritic properties of beets help reduce dandruff and itchiness. Apply beetroot juice mixed with vinegar on the scalp to cleanse it.
17. Treats Acne
Being a detoxifier, it can curb acne. Drinking beetroot juice diluted with carrot, orange, apple or cucumber can help you get rid of acne problem.
18. Tones Skin
Blend 1 beet, ½ cup of chopped cabbage and ¼ cup of water. Now pour the mixture in an ice tray. Whenever you want, rub those ice cubes on your face to get toned skin.
19. Anti-Ageing
Beets have loads of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. They remove the dead cells and wrinkles, and also slow down the ageing process.
20. Glowing Skin
Beets carry all the necessary vitamins and minerals to make your skin glowing. Apply mixture of grinded beetroot and cream on your face. Let it dry and rinse off.
- Apply mixture of beetroot juice and turmeric on your face; and rinse off after 15 minutes. This will improve your complexion.
21. Natural Blush
Beetroot is a wonderful natural blush. Rubbing the dices of boiled beetroot on your skin gives them a pinkish tinge.
22. Color Your Hair
Beets act as a natural dye. All you have to do is apply beetroot juice on your hair and leave it for 1-2 hours. Finally, rinse off with water.
The presence of vitamin B, C, protein, potassium, and phosphorus in beets works wonders for hair growth. Including beetroot juice in your diet will keep your hair healthy.
24. Cures Dry Hair
Beets moisturize the scalp and remove dryness. Enzymatic properties of beets treats dry conditions.
25. Softens Lips
Applying beetroot juice on your lips for 10 minutes or overnight reduces lip pigmentation. Freeze this juice in an ice-tray and rub it on your lips whenever you want.
26. Moisturizes Skin
Moisturizing properties of beets are unbeatable. Apply beetroot juice on your skin to keep it supple and hydrated.
