Whether you fry it whole, put it in a soup or drink juice with it, beets are low in fat, full of vitamins and minerals, rich in antioxidants - a titanium of healthy eating.
Nutritional value of beets
A sweet, firm, juicy root vegetable with a bright color. Although beets are available all year round, they are the sweetest and most tender during peak season from the second half of September.
Nutritional value of beets per 100 grams of root vegetables
- 36 kcal / 154 kJ;
- 7 g protein;
- 1 g fat;
- 6 g carbohydrates;
- 5 g fiber;
- 380 mg potassium;
- 150 mcg of folic acid.
5 health benefits of beets
1.has anti-cancer properties
The plant pigment that gives beets an intense purple hue is betacyanin. A powerful agent that scientists have found helps to suppress the development of certain types of cancer cells, including bladder cancer.
2. Reduces blood pressure
Beets are naturally rich in compounds called nitrates, which makes them good for the heart. Nitrates help improve blood flow by relaxing blood vessels, making arterial tissue elastic, which lowers blood pressure.
Studies have shown that nitrate-rich foods, in our case beets, also help in the recovery process after a heart attack.
3. Natural energetic
Beet juice became popular after Paralympic gold medalist David Weir revealed the secret of success - beet juice.
Studies have shown that when athletes add beet juice to their diet, it increases exercise stamina and improves performance. Promotes recovery because when the muscles are at rest, the nitrates in the beets deliver more oxygen to the muscle cells, helping the muscles bounce back faster.
4. Improves the functioning of the digestive system
Beets are the richest source of glutamine, an amino acid essential for intestinal health and maintenance. And fiber, which not only supports gut function, but also helps maintain intestinal microflora and beneficial bacteria.
5. Has anti-inflammatory effect
Red beets are among the top 10 powerful antioxidant vegetables. Studies of the properties of beets have shown that the betalain compounds responsible for the red color of the root vegetable have high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
This means they help protect cells from damage and may be helpful in fighting age-related conditions like heart disease and cancer.
Are beets safe for everyone?
Red beets can stain urine or feces, but they are completely harmless! Beet and root vegetables contain high amounts of a naturally occurring compound called oxalate. People who have been diagnosed with kidney stones should avoid excessive consumption of foods high in oxalate.