The Amazing Health Benefits of Beets

Sharon Moore December 06, 2016

Beets are among the foods that people either love or hate. They can have a distinctive taste but when washed and prepared properly, beets are really delicious. Not only that. Eating beets can have so many benefits to your body too. A single serving of beets is packed with a hefty amount of essential nutrients that can boost your health big time!

Below are some of the best health benefits of beets:

Loads of Antioxidants

Even more striking is the fact that beets provides your body with an unusual mix of antioxidants. Beet contains betalain antioxidant pigments, manganese, vitamin C, and beta-carotene. Regular consumption of beet has been found to support the body’s Phase 2 detoxification process. In this process, toxins are neutralised and excreted from the body through urine.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Beets contain anti-inflammatory compounds, such as betanin, isobetanin, and vulgaxanthin, which can lessen the activity of cyclo-oxygenase enzymes. When inflammation is necessary, the production of these enzymes is a good thing. But when the body is undergoing chronic, unwanted inflammation, such inflammatory messengers can harm your body and lead to serious illnesses, including heart disease. The anti-inflammatory benefits of beets has been shown in large-scale studies to provide cardiovascular benefits.

Benefits to Sex Life

Even in the ancient Rome, beet has been used to improve one’s sex life. And it’s more than a belief. Recent studies have shown that beet contains the sex hormone called ‘boron’ which boosts sex drive and improve a person’s overall sexual health.

Mental Health Benefits

Beets contain a compound betaine which is also used in certain treatments for depression. It also contains tryptophan that has the ability to relax the mind and create a sense of well-being - similar to the effects of eating chocolate.

Source of Energy

Adding beets in your diet is one great way to ensure that your body feels energised every day. They are low in calories and high in sugar - which makes beets perfect energy boosters.

Other benefits of beets include cancer prevention and fibre-related benefits. Lab studies suggest that beet consumption can have a positive effect on reducing the risk of colon, stomach, nerve, lung, breast, prostate, and testicular cancers. Beet is also getting popularity in the fibre research. Studies suggest that the fibre from beet provides special health benefits, particularly with respect to digestive tract and cardiovascular health.

Selecting and Storing Beets

Opt for small or medium-sized beets which have firm roots, smooth skin, and deep colour. Smaller, younger beets are generally softer and may need not be peeled at all. Avoid beets that have a lot of spots and bruises, as well as wet areas as they may indicate spoilage. Store unwashed beets in a separate plastic bag and squeeze out as much of the air as possible. Place inside the refrigerator to keep beets fresh up to four days.

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