8 Health Benefits of Beetroot
Beetroots– the next time you see them, don’t make a face and walk away; these purple-colored vegetables are a good bet for good health. This small-sized vegetable has all the nutrients needed to build a healthy body and also protect you from serious diseases. Here are some benefits that you could gain by consuming beetroot:
1. Rich in vitamins and minerals
Beetroots contain, in varying degrees, carbohydrates, sugar, dietary fiber, protein, fat and many vitamins, besides potassium, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron and zinc. They also contain betaine, whic, together with S-adenosylmethionine, other vitamins and folic acid is said to reduce the action of homocysteine, thus preventing peripheral vascular disease, stroke and heart disease.
2. Provides medicinal benefits
Beetroots were eaten even by early Greeks and Romans. Right from the middle ages, beetroots have been consumed to cure illnesses related to the digestive system. To remove the effects of the bad breath caused by consuming garlic, beetroot was taken along with garlic. Research has shown that it boosts the liver’s defense mechanism, and contains silica, which is vital to the development of healthy bones, tendons, skin, ligaments and fingernails. Hippocrates recommended the use of beetroot leaves as a binding to heal wounds.
3. Reduces hypertension, cardio problems
Research has demonstrated that beetroot juice can lower blood pressure within an hour. This is because of the high nitrate present in beetroot, which is said to induce vasodilation and increase blood flow. In turn, over time, this process prevents cardiovascular problems from arising.
4. Protects the liver
Betacyanin gives the red color to beetroot and helps to eliminate toxins as well as prevent the build-up of fat in the liver.
