This roundup of the health benefits of beets will get you reconsider your diet and perhaps your vegetable garden plans this season. Find out all about the health benefits of beets here and who knows, you just might find yourself wanting to read about how to grow this veggie next!
Health Benefits Of Beets That'll Have You Growing Them
Beets may be well-known, but they aren't as well-loved as their more popular relative, carrots. However, times are changing, and beets are finally getting the recognition they deserve for very good and healthy reasons. Amazingly, both greens and roots of beet are edible and taste best when homegrown. Taste aside, homegrown beets are definitely better as with any other organic and fresh garden crops. This cold fall and winter season, enjoy the health benefits of beets anytime by growing them in your fall and winter garden.
1. Boost Brain And Mental Health
Beet juice has the same effect as coffee in boosting mental alertness, without the side effects. In fact, it's way better than coffee with its high levels of dietary nitrate, which help boost brain function the healthy way. While it's difficult to give up coffee, beet juice can be a healthy substitute. It may help give you the push you need on extra-exhausted days without resorting to coffee.
2. Boosts Energy
Relative to boosting brain function, the same dietary nitrate found in beet is also responsible for boosting energy. Some call it a placebo effect, is responsible but ongoing researches lean more toward this claim. In fact, a study conducted among cyclists revealed they were able to ride beyond their average time limit after drinking beet juice.
3. Promotes Weight Loss
If nitrate boosts brain and body function, then leucine promotes weight loss, and beet is bursting with this healthy amino acid. You'll find this in most sports and energy supplements promoting endurance. Since you can exercise longer, you can, therefore, lose weight faster. What's even better is beet contains betalains, a phytonutrient that helps remove toxins from the body. Thus aiding in weight loss, the healthy way.
4. Boosts Reproductive Health
There are many foods claiming to an aphrodisiac or the ‘love pill', but our humble beet here could be a different story and rather, a credible one. Since beet helps increase blood flow around the body, it's also attributed to positively affecting the human reproductive organs. It also contains boron in high levels, an element that helps in the production of sex hormones.
5. Anti-Inflammatory
Betaine was named after it was discovered in sugar beets. This organic nutrient is especially important as it helps fight stress, that's ever-increasingly present now in our environment. Although the inflammatory response in our body is essential to help us cope, when it becomes severe, it leads to further complications. That's where betaine becomes important in fighting inflammation and boosting our immune system.
6. Prevent Certain Cancers
The deep red color in beets is caused by the phytonutrient betalain which has antioxidant properties. It's known to help prevent cancer-causing elements in the environment. Although these claims are still being studied, you'll find a lot of food supplements claiming to help prevent cancer, listing beets as an ingredient. So what could be better than some you've grown organically?
7. Lowers Cholesterol And Blood Pressure
The high level of dietary nitrate in beets is responsible for regulating blood flow in our system, thus regulating blood pressure. The high level of betaine in beets, with its anti-oxidant properties, helps lower cholesterol levels in the body too. Also, the high fiber content in beets aids in proper digestion and improves cardiovascular health.
8.Rich Source Of Vitamins And Minerals
Most vegetables contain vitamins and minerals which you know are good for your body. Beets are especially amazing because they contain a significant level of these essential vitamins and minerals. They contain folate which is essential for pregnant mothers and their babies. They also contain vitamins A, B, and C. Aside from iron, manganese, copper, magnesium, and potassium, beets also contain the mineral silica which is essential for the health of our bones and teeth.
9. Helps Regulate Diabetes
Beet has a natural sugar content higher than most vegetables. This may seem something diabetics should avoid, but a study proves otherwise. Beet can even help regulate sugar levels of diabetics despite its high carbohydrate content. These studies have shown people with diabetes who consume beet juice and raw beetroot on a regular basis report a decrease in the rate of glucose absorbed into the bloodstream.
Watch this video from Hallmark Channel and learn how to grow organic beets:
Don't you find beet just incredible with its many health benefits? Whether you've always liked beets or not, these health benefits of beets will definitely make you a fan. Incorporate your homegrown beet in your daily meals with these healthy beet recipes. Of course, it also pays to check in with your healthcare provider first before radically changing your diet. Enjoy the health benefits of beets and grow them organically!
Ready to grow beets this fall and winter season? Download this FREE printable and keep track of your plants easily.
Have you tried and enjoyed the health benefits of beets? We’re excited to hear all about your experiences in the comments section below!
Up Next: 15 Health-Boosting Indoor Herbs You Must Have At Home
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter for more smart gardening ideas!
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in January 2017 and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
1 thought on “9 Surprising Health Benefits Of Beets: What You Know Can Save You”
HEALTH INSURANCE