Health Benefits Of Beets
Posted by Wen Dan Jiang on
4 Reasons Beets are Good for You
Beets, or Beetroot as it is sometimes known, is not only a delicious culinary ingredient used in a variety of savoury and indeed, sweet dishes as well, but it also happens to be incredibly healthy.
Beets are a type of root vegetable that are unmistakable due to their brilliant bright purple colour. Not only are they a vibrant purple colour, they’re also extremely healthy and are especially popular with athletes and physically active individuals.
Beets are low in calories, they’re rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, they reduce and regulate blood pressure, they can boost athletic performance thanks to their nitrate contents, they’re renowned for their anti-inflammatory properties, and plenty more besides.
But how are beets able to provide these health benefits and why are they so good for you?
Let’s take a look, shall we? Here are 4 reasons beets are good for you.
Improved athletic performance
If you happen to know any pro athletes, there’s a strong chance that they’ll happen to drink fresh beet juice.
Beet juice is now consumed by athletes, bodybuilders, and physically active individuals all over the globe, due to the fact that it has been found to boost athletic performance.
Beets contain nitrates, which help to promote an increase in the production of Nitric Oxide in the body. Nitric Oxide is a vasodilator that causes the blood vessels to dilate and relax, thereby helping to boost circulation.
Improved circulation means that more oxygenated blood can pass through the body and be transported to cells in the muscles, which then use the oxygen and nutrients for energy.
More energy in the cells means that the muscles work harder and more efficiently, resulting in an improvement in athletic performance.
Reduced inflammation
In the body, inflammation can lead to a wide range of health issues and ailments from headaches and stiff joints to cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Beets are considered to be very healthy and beneficial, due largely to the fact that they have been found to fight and reduce inflammation in the body.
Beets contain potent anti-inflammatory ingredients, including antioxidants such as betalain, which helps to prevent oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals that can contribute towards inflammation in the body.
Promotes digestive health
Another reason why beets are considered to be so beneficial is because of the fact that they have been found to promote digestive health.
Beets are packed full of dietary fiber, both soluble and insoluble, which is able to assist with digestion, to improves nutrient absorption, to promote healthy bowel movements, and much more on top of that.
One cup of beets contains 3.8 grams of insoluble fiber that is able to pass through the colon and intestines undigested, where it helps to add bulk and moisture to the stools to assist with healthy bowel movements.
Impressive nutritional profile
The reason why health experts always talk about the importance of fresh fruits and vegetables is because of the fact that they’re full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that the body thrives upon.
Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants play countless roles in numerous physiological processes from everything from healthy blood pressure and blood sugar management, to promoting the healthy functioning of the immune system.
Beets are packed full of nutrients that promote health and wellness in a variety of different ways.
Some of the nutrients found in beets include:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin K
- Iron
- Potassium
- Copper
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Vitamin B6
- Folate
- And more…