Since my nutritionist told me about the powerful health benefits of beets, I decided to give them a second chance.
It’s a vegetable that I never had Really tried it, and ended up loving it.
To find out all about this root vegetable, I went to see Dr Jessica Weiss, nutritionist in Colmar.
here are the 9 unexpected health benefits of beets. Look :
1. Beets lower blood pressure
A cross-analysis of over 43 studies proved this:
Beets significantly reduce blood pressure. (Source)
It is therefore very good for fighting cardiovascular diseases and for heart health in general.
This is because it contains inorganic nitrates, which the body converts into nitric oxide.
And it is this molecule, nitric oxide, that dilates blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. (Source)
Beets also have a high concentration of vitamin B9also called folic acid or folate.
And there too:
A study of over 41,000 people has proven that eating more folate significantly lowers blood pressure. (Source)
And good to know:
A single 100g serving of beetroot covers 37% of your daily needss in folate. Impressive !
2. It is rich in fiber
Beetroot is one of the most fiber-rich foods.
And if you didn’t know it yet, these famous fibers play a major protective role for our health.
According to studies (source), fiber-rich foods, such as beets, help to:
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regulate transit,
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control blood sugar levels (glycaemia),
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reduce cholesterol and triglycerides,
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reduce the absorption of toxins and bad fats,
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slow down the assimilation of carbohydrates.
Not to mention that beets, like all fiber-rich foods, help us feel full.
And therefore, to better control our appetite and avoid snacking between meals.
3. It boosts brain activity
This is thanks to its high concentration of nitrates.
I reassure you right away:
Not the nitrates that are used as food additives in charcuterie.
These are the inorganic nitratesthose that turn into nitric oxide in our body.
This molecule dilates the blood vessels, which has the effect of increasing blood circulation to the brain. (Source)
It is this increased blood flow that boosts brain activity and helps keep it healthy.
One study even showed that drinking beet juice helps protect the elderly against dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. (Source)
4. It has liver « detox » properties
Beets have what doctors call a « hepato-protective » effect.
That is to say, it allows the liver to self-repair.
It therefore helps to purify the body.
In addition to that, beets increase the secretion of bile, which aids in the digestion of food.
Where do its « detox » properties on the liver come from?
They are due to the phytonutrients which give it its beautiful red pigment.
In fact, beets are a true concentrate of betalains, known to stimulate the anti-toxin filtering action of the liver and kidneys. (Source)
5. It has an anti-inflammatory action
Do you suffer from inflammation issues?
Beets may be the solution you need.
Thanks to its concentration of antioxidants, this root vegetable is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
FYI, the antioxidants in question are Betalainswhich I told you about above.
Researchers have studied the benefits of beets on several inflammation-related health issues.
Among others: gingivitis (an inflammation of the gums), headaches and also recurrent pain that disturbs sleep.
The conclusion of their study?
Beetroot is a very effective anti-inflammatory, capable of improving each of these conditions. (Source)
6. It improves athletic performance
Drink beetroot juice just before physical exertion increases muscle strength.
And beware: it is scientifically proven!
In juice form, beets are also high in nitrates, which our bodies convert into nitric oxide.
And this nitric oxide has incredible benefits for athletic performance.
Among other things, researchers have proven that:
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stimulates blood circulation,
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improves cardiorespiratory endurance and
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increases muscle and lung function. (Source)
Researchers have also discovered that athletes who drink beetroot juice have a better stress resistance.
Indeed, those who drink it before intense physical exertion have reported something very surprising:
Everyone seems to have done less effort than usual, while their performance has improved! (Source)
If this interests you :
Dr. Jessica Weiss recommends drinking 1 large glass of beetroot juice:
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2 days before physical exertion and
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the same day, about 2 hours before exercise.
7. It preserves the health of the eyes
This time, the benefits of beets are not found in the root, but in the leaves of this vegetable.
Yes, because many people do not know it, but the beet leaves are also eaten.
They are eaten cooked or raw, in salads, like baby spinach.
Beet greens contain lutein and of zeaxanthincarotenoids known for their powerful antioxidant action.
On top of that, these two compounds naturally filter out blue light.
A study has proven it:
Compounds in Beet Greens protect the eyes age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. (Source)
8. It is good for the skin
Thanks to its antioxidant action, beets are also used as a natural anti-aging agent.
It is not for nothing that it is present in cosmetics designed to fight against skin aging.
Thus, beetroot is perfect for keeping a radiant complexion and fighting against wrinkles and fine lines, but also sagging skin.
You can try this recipe from homemade moisturizing mask, recommended by Dr. Jessica Weiss:
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Peel 1/2 raw beetroot and cut into slices.
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Put it in the blender.
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If necessary, add a little water to obtain a smooth and homogeneous texture.
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Add 1 natural yoghurt and 1 tablespoon of honey.
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Apply this mixture on your face
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Let the mask work its magic for 15 minutes.
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Rinse your face with lukewarm water.
9. It reduces the risk of cancers
Beetroot contains several compounds recognized by researchers for their anti-cancer properties, including betaine. (Source)
Several laboratory studies have proven this:
Beet extract promotes destruction of cancer cells and prevent them from multiplying.
Including prostate cancer (source) and breast (source).
Other studies show that people with high levels of betaine in their blood are less at risk of developing cancer. (Source)
However, keep in mind that these studies used isolated compounds, not the vegetable itself.
Thus, more studies are needed to confirm the anti-cancer properties of beets.
Your turn…
And you, do you know any other virtues of beets? Share them with us in the comments. We can’t wait to read you!
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Also to discover:
10 Market Gardening Tips To Grow Beautiful Beets.
Beet Stains: 7 Effective Tips To Get Rid Of It Without Rubbing.