The beneficial properties of beets have been known since ancient times. It is widely used in folk medicine, and is also the basis of many national dishes. Borscht and herring under a fur coat are loved by almost every family.
It is impossible to overestimate the benefits of beets and their importance in the human diet. The properties of beets, noticed in antiquity, have been confirmed by modern scientists. Biochemical studies have shown that beets contain almost all the elements of the periodic table. It is rich in potassium, magnesium, iron, cobalt, manganese, iodine, copper, sulfur, phosphorus, zinc, cesium, etc. A number of mineral (folic and pantothenic) and organic (malic, citric, oxalic) acids, vitamins (C, B, BB, P, PP). It also contains amino acids (lysine, betaine, histidine, betanin, etc.) and fiber. Even after heat treatment, the number of elements in it does not decrease. Therefore, the beneficial properties of beets are preserved even after boiling.
Useful properties of beets
- Due to its rich chemical composition, beets can serve as a cure for many ailments:
- It enhances the hematopoietic ability of the body and is used to prevent anemia.
- Also, beets can be beneficial in the treatment of chronic constipation, as they have laxative properties. It cleanses the intestinal motility, destroys putrefactive bacteria - in a word, cleanses the intestines. The organic acids and fiber contained in it are involved in metabolic processes.
- The beneficial properties of beets are used in the treatment of obesity and liver disease. Betaine, included in its composition, helps to regulate fat metabolism, prevents liver infiltration and high blood pressure.
- The pigment betacyanin, thanks to which the beets acquire their rich color, promotes the elimination of salts of heavy metals and radionuclides from the body. It also inhibits the formation of cancer cells.
- Vitamin C contained in beets helps prevent the development of asthma, and beta-carotene prevents lung cancer.
- Magnesium helps to cure hypertension and atherosclerosis, potassium reduces the likelihood of stroke.
- Beetroot increases the sexual activity of men and has a beneficial effect on the body of a woman during menstruation.
- Flavonoids, vitamins A and C strengthen the capillary walls, prevent the development of cataracts and other eye diseases.
- The beneficial properties of beets are also important for expectant mothers and women who are just thinking about motherhood. Folic acid, contained in it, is involved in the formation of the baby's nervous system in the womb. Therefore, beets should be an integral part of a pregnant woman's diet.
- Beets should be on the menu of every person suffering from iodine deficiency and associated thyroid diseases, as well as elderly people. It is used to prevent and treat atherosclerosis.
- Beetroot has diuretic, analgesic properties, is a good antidepressant and energetic. And rich borscht can remove a hangover.
- Beetroot is a low-calorie food (40 kcal per 100 grams). In this regard, numerous diets are drawn up on its basis.
Whom can beets harm?
Despite all the beneficial properties of beets, there are also restrictions on its use:
- The large amount of sugar contained in beets limits its consumption by people with diabetes.
- Due to the fact that beets contain oxalic acid, it is contraindicated in people with urolithiasis (oxaluria).
- Since beets make it difficult to absorb calcium, there are restrictions on its use by people with osteoporosis or have a predisposition to it.
- Also, beets will not benefit people suffering from chronic diarrhea, as they have laxative properties.
The benefits of beets in the human diet are undeniable. However, don't go to extremes. After all, everything is good in moderation.
