Beets are rich in vitamins, valuable trace elements and fiber, they are recommended to be consumed with low hemoglobin and digestive problems. The root vegetable is also included in some popular diets. However, before starting a weight loss program, you should familiarize yourself with the contraindications and understand how to properly include beets in the menu.
About the benefits of beets
Like many other vegetables, beets are a must on a balanced diet. This root vegetable contains relatively few calories (about 42 units per 100 g of product), while its nutritional value is high. The vegetable is rich in complex carbohydrates, fiber, which has a positive effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and accelerates the elimination of toxins from the body. In addition, beets contain many useful substances. It:
- B vitamins, accelerating metabolic processes, improving skin condition, increasing hemoglobin.
- Ascorbic acid is a natural antioxidant that strengthens the immune system.
- A complex of natural acids (oxalic, lactic, malic), which stimulates proper digestion of food and accelerates the elimination of toxins.
- Betaine, which accelerates the breakdown of proteins and their absorption by the body.
- Magnesium, which increases stress resistance.
- Zinc, which improves the digestion process and stimulates weight loss.
- Manganese, which stimulates natural metabolism.
- Chlorine, cleansing internal organs from fatty deposits.
In addition, root crops contain iron, pectin, copper, and other valuable micro- and macroelements. When used correctly, beets improve the digestion of animal proteins, prevent the formation of fatty deposits, and effectively fight against dangerous visceral fat. The vegetable protects the liver and kidneys, contributing to the natural cleansing of organisms from decay products, and strengthens the cardiovascular system. Regular consumption of beets reduces the risk of depression and pressure fluctuations that often accompany low-calorie diets. It has been proven that raw beets have a pronounced antitumor effect and can be recommended for the prevention of cancer.
Among the benefits of a root crop is an increase in stress resistance and endurance of the body. The product is useful for intense workouts, it provides a feeling of fullness for a long time and prevents overeating. People with active lifestyles note that the inclusion of salads and beet puree in their daily menu helps to reduce the total calorie content of the diet and allows them to stay on the diet for longer, avoiding overeating and breakdowns.
Contraindications: when beets are not good for you
Despite the many positive aspects, beets are not for everyone. Raw beets and dishes from it are not recommended for type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, inflammatory processes of various nature, chronic kidney disease, gastritis and ulcers. The root crop should not be eaten with individual food intolerance, hypertension and high acidity. In the stage of remission, it is possible to dosed use under the supervision of a physician.
In order for beets to bring only benefits, you need to carefully monitor the body's reaction and combine foods correctly. It is advisable to use the root vegetable in combination with other vegetables, preferably every other day or less often. At first, the portions should be small, gradually the amount of the product can be increased. Intensive diet programs allow for daily consumption of beets, but such a diet can be followed for no longer than 3-4 days. Then you need to take a break, after 2 weeks the detox program can be repeated.
Nutritionists believe that raw beets are the healthiest. When cooking or baking, some useful elements are destroyed, for example, betaine. At the same time, the raw product is more difficult to digest and can provoke stomach and intestinal problems. It is recommended to alternate raw, boiled and baked beets, while a single serving should not exceed 100 g.
Beetroot recipes: step by step preparation and reviews of those who are losing weight
Girls who plan to quickly lose a few pounds successfully practice the kefir-beetroot diet. To prepare a fat burning one, you need to mix 500 g of boiled beets and 750 g of low-fat kefir. The cocktail is convenient to prepare in a blender. The drink is divided into 3 doses, drinking it before meals. Lean boiled chicken breast will help to fill the protein deficiency; steamed vegetables, green tea, homemade yogurt or low-fat cottage cheese are allowed. The diet lasts 3 days. Beetroot in a duet with kefir frees the body from toxins and excess water, reduces waist size and allows you to get rid of internal fatty complications.
An original and healthy beetroot soup gives a good fat burning effect. Beets, carrots and onions are peeled, finely chopped, poured with filtered water and boiled for 20 minutes. After the soup boils, you need to reduce the heat. Then shredded white cabbage is placed in a saucepan, boiled for another 10 minutes. Before removing the soup from the stove, add 4 chopped garlic cloves and the juice of half a lemon to it. No salt is needed, but you can add some herbs. Freshly brewed soup will replace lunch or dinner, it normalizes digestion and quickly removes unnecessary volumes. You can put some low-fat yogurt on the plate, it will not increase the total calorie content.
Other slimming dishes also received good reviews: freshly squeezed beet juice (can be mixed with carrot juice in equal proportions), a salad of raw beets, white cabbage and carrots, which is eaten instead of lunch or dinner, a root vegetable baked with low-fat cottage cheese. These dishes will help you get rid of 1-2 kg in a week, significantly reduce the volume, improve the condition of the skin and hair.
