Benefits of Beets, Red with a Myriad of Nutrition

Beets are root crops which are widely used for natural medicine. The benefits of beets that can be consumed by boiling, steaming, roasting, juicing, or eating raw are also very many. But, beets are not a type of fruit, but rather dark red tubers that grow in the soil. The benefits of beets can be obtained from the nutrients contained in them such as carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, folate, potassium, magnesium, sodium, and iron. Beets are low in fat and calories, and do not contain saturated fat or cholesterol. Beets also contain antioxidants which can help reduce the effects of inflammation.

Benefits of Beets

Rows of nutrients contained in beets certainly make the tuber which is often mistaken for this fruit, has many benefits for the body. What are the benefits of "fruit" beets?

• Lowering blood pressure and maintaining heart health

Beets are rich in nitrates. In the body, this substance will turn into nitric oxide which plays a role in reducing blood pressure. In fact, there is evidence that shows that beet juice can reduce blood pressure, even if only slightly. Several studies so far have found that betacyanin red pigments and antioxidants in beets are thought to play a role in reducing inflammation associated with heart disease.

• Prevent senile

The content of nitrite in beets is also thought to be able to increase blood flow and oxygen to places that lack oxygen. Drinking beetroot juice is thought to increase blood flow to the brain in the elderly and fight the development of senile symptoms.

• Good for diabetics

The benefits of beets can also be felt by diabetics. Beets contain antioxidants alpha-lipoic acid which is thought to prevent cell damage and help heal damaged nerves in diabetics. Research shows that the benefits of beets in improving blood sugar levels look more significant in those who are obese, compared to those with ideal body weight.

• Improve physical performance

Want to run faster or ride a bike faster? Just drink beet juice before exercising. According to research, drinking beetroot juice is thought to increase our physical performance and stamina.

• Has anti-inflammatory properties

The inflammation process is actually the body's natural response to fight foreign objects. But if inflammation lasts a long time or is chronic, then there are adverse health effects that can occur, such as damage to blood vessels and damage to body tissues. One of the benefits of beets is that it can suppress inflammation and prevent damage in the body.

• Good for pregnant women and fetuses

As mentioned above, beets are rich in folate. This one substance is very important to be consumed by pregnant women. Folate helps prevent neural tube defects in the fetus and decreases the risk of the baby being born prematurely. However, consumption of beets in pregnant women should not be too much.

• Prevent cancer

The researchers believe that the benefits of beets can protect the body from developing cancer cells. The results of testing in the laboratory showed that beet extract can suppress the growth of cancer cells. This effect is probably obtained from the content of betacyanin and antioxidants in beets.

• Supports nerve and muscle work

Preventing muscle cramps, fatigue, and irregular heart rhythm is also one of the benefits of beets. Beets are rich in the mineral potassium which helps nerves and muscles function properly.

• Maintaining the health of the digestive tract

Beets that contain fiber and antioxidants seem to have a good effect on the digestive tract. This nutritional content makes beets can help smooth the digestion process. Some research states that the benefits of beets are also to prevent damage to the gastrointestinal wall due to inflammation, constipation, and colon cancer.

Benefits of "fruit" beets are very useful for body health. However, these benefits still require further evidence and research. Although beets have a myriad of properties, it does not mean you can consume large amounts of beets. Eating too much beets can actually reduce calcium levels in the body, damage the kidneys, and even worsen kidney disease.