Beetroot: Health Benefits, Side Effects And How To Prepare Beetroot Juice

Health Benefits, Side Effects And How To Prepare Beetroot Juice

Beetroot is another amazing root vegetable that you need to add to your favorite food list as it has a lot of nutritional value and health benefits.

It is scientifically referred to as Beta vulgaris, a root vegetable also called red beet, garden beet, or table beet.

Beet was first traced to Ancient Egypt where it was primarily produced for its green leaf which is also of great nutritional benefits. Beetroot medicinal makeup has made it very useful in treating different conditions, most especially health conditions relating to digestion and the blood.

The red color of beetroot juice makes it of high economic value in producing red wine.

Nutritional component of beetroot

A cup of raw fresh beets contains;

58.5 calories
2.19g of protein
13.81g of fiber
9.19g of sugar

And some amounts of;

Calcium
Iron
Vitamin C
Vitamin A
Riboflavin
Copper
Folate
Vitamin B-6
Magnesium
Phosphorus
Thiamine
Selenium

You can enjoy beets by boiling, roasting, or pickling, some persons eat it raw. You can also enjoy it by using it to make juice.

Beetroot: Health Benefits, Side Effects And How To Prepare Beetroot Juice

Health Benefits of Beetroot

Remedy for diabetes

Beetroot lowers blood glucose levels and help improve insulin action and sensitivity. It contains an antioxidant called alpha-lipoic acid which helps to carry out this function.

Studies have shown that diabetic patients who took these alpha-lipoic acid supplements had a good level of improvement.

Improve exercise performance

Studies have shown that taken beetroot and beetroot juice before or during exercise helps improve the performance of an individual as it helps to improve the amounts of oxygen absorbed by the muscles during exercise.

It was also found that beetroot juice supplements improved athletic performance.

Fight cancer cells

The red and yellow coloration of beetroot is as a result of a compound betalains. These betalains had been found to help fight against cancerous cells by disrupting the mutation of the cells.

Improve digestion

Beetroot contains a good amount of fiber which is necessary for easy digestion and gut health. Adding beetroot to your diets will help improve digestion.

May reduce cholesterol level

Taking beetroot can also help you reduce cholesterol levels which when high can result in many health problems.

Beetroot contains phytonutrients like flavonoids which has the potential to lower cholesterol levels.

It has also been found to help reduce oxidative stress on the liver

Source of Folate

Folate is a B vitamin nutrient supplement that every pregnant woman must take in other to prevent the risk of having a premature baby. This nutrient also helps to prevent neural tube defects.

Beetroot is a good source of folate and taken it will provide you with this nutrient.

Treats Anemia

Beetroot can help treat anemia which results from the deficiency of iron in the body. Beets are very reach in iron compare to some other vegetables, hence taken beets can help you treat anemia.

Prevents Cataracts

Eating beetroot most especially beet green can help prevent eye problems such as cataracts. It contains beta-carotene that play a key function in preventing eye problems such as cataracts and macular degeneration.

How to prepare beetroot juice at home

One of the best ways to enjoy beetroot with all the nutrients intact is by using it to make juice. Taking a glass of beetroot juice has been found to improve blood circulation and heart health. Below are easy steps on how you can make this juice at home for your family.

Materials Needed