Top 4 Health Benefits of Beetroot
By Szu Lim 
Beetroot
has a most vibrant color from the pigment source betacynin. That is probably
how the phrase 'red as a beetroot' came about. It is low in saturated fat and
cholesterol and a good source of vitamin C, iron, magnesium, dietary fiber,
folate, potassium and manganese. You may observe the harmless effect of reddish
stools and pinkish urine in consuming beetroot.
The
top 4 benefits you can get from beetroot are that it:
1.
Reduces Blood Pressure
Beetroot
has 20 times more nitrates (not to be confused with cancer causing nitrites in
processed meats such as hot dogs) that other vegetables. Nitrates assist in the
production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide functions to widen and relax our blood
vessels. As many as one-third of people who have high blood pressure are not
aware of their condition. Those who are, are on various medications to lower
their blood pressure. Some take a few medications at a time, such as one to
thin the blood, and another to relax the blood vessels. Instead of taking
pharmaceutical drugs (which usually cause side effects like gastritis and other
gastrointestinal problems), why not take this powerful 'medicine' that nature
has provided us. It is best to juice beetroot to get the maximum benefit of the
phytonutrients. You should start off with a quarter of a cup beetroot juice and
gradually increase the amount over time.
2.
Protects against Cancer
Beetroot
has amazing antioxidant properties that aids in protection from cancer. The active
ingredient which gives beetroot its color, betacynin, has been found to reduce
the growth of tumors by 12.5 percent. The study was conducted on patients who
have prostate or breast cancer. The cytotoxic
effect of beetroot extract slows the growth of cancerous cells.
This allows more time for treatment of the disease without it getting to a
fatal stage.
3.
Cleanses the Liver, Kidney and Gallbladder
The
betaine in beetroot eliminates toxins from the liver. It also helps defend the
liver and bile ducts. Not only is it well-known as a liver cleansing food, it
also cleanses the kidney and gallbaldder. Research has
shown that natural antioxidants in beetroot, such as polyphenols and betalains,
accelerate the healing of liver cells. For those who regularly indulge in
drinking alcohol, taking this juice daily would help cleanse and heal your
liver after a night out.
4.
Prevents Spinal Cord Birth Defects (Source of Folic Acid)
It
is a very good source of folic acid, essential for the proper growth of new
cells. Women who are planning to conceive and expectant mothers are recommended
by gynecologists to take folic acid supplements for protection against spinal
cord birth defects such as spina bifida. Why not take beetroot as a natural way
of fulfilling this requirement? You can take it in various forms daily - juice
it, slice it to munch on, and tossed in salads. You can even cook it, although
the amount of folic will be less than in a raw beet.
Article
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Szu_Lim/1597520
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