10 NOVEMBER 2018

10 BENEFITS OF BEETROOTS AND BEETROOT JUICE

Low Fat & Colories – Stamina – Muscle – Potassium & Minerals – Vitamin C & B – Cholesterol – Blood Pressure – Dementia – Liver Health

Many people mention that Beetroots give them more daily energy, and research is backing this up showing that components in beetroot juice can improve blood flow. This is only one of the amazing results from analysis of beetroot juice here are 11 more.

1. Low Fat & Calorie Content – Beetroot juice has almost no fat and is low in calories, making it an excellent boost and nutritious addition to a smoothie or fresh juice especially in weight loss programs!

2. Improve Exercise Stamina – Beetroot juice has been proven to help the body cope more efficiently with exercise by balancing oxygen use and increasing stamina. Beetroot juice increases plasma nitrate levels boosting physical performance. In a 2012 study cyclists who drank beetroot juice improved their speed by 12 seconds reducing their maximum oxygen output.

3. Muscle Power – Beetroots have been shown to give a 13% increase in muscle power after drinking beetroot juice in people who have heart failure shown in a 2015 study

4. Potassium & Minerals – Minerals can help maintain good health and health of bones and teeth. Beetroot contain potassium, manganese, phosphorous, calcium, iron, magnesium, copper, sodium, zinc and selenium. Potassium is a mineral electrolyte which can aid in the healthy function of muscles and nerves. If potassium levels drop too low fatigue and muscle cramps and weakness can occur. Beetroot juice is a natural rich source of potassium, so beetroots can help potassium levels.

5. Vitamin C – Whilst beetroots do not contain the highest amount of vitamin C as far as fruits or vegetables are concerned the do provide a source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps boost your immune system so Beetroot juice or beetroots are a super addition to salads, smoothie bowls or smoothies or fresh juices.

6. Vitamin B – Folate is one of the B vitamins which have been shown to prevent neural tube defects, and decrease the risks of a premature baby.  Beetroot juice is a great source of folate.

7. Cholesterolbeetroots have been shown to lowered total cholesterol and increase good cholesterol as well as reducing oxidative stress on the liver.

8. Blood Pressure – helps lower it. Nitrates in Beets that convert to nitric acid in the blood widen and relax the blood vessels. Beetroot juice if drank regularly can also lower the blood pressure in people who have low blood pressure and so if drinking regularly can cause it to drop too low.

9. Dementia – Nitrates may help increase blood flow to the brain helping slow cognitive decline. A study in 2011 showed that drinking Beetroot juice increased the blood flow to frontal lobes during an MRI. Frontal lobes are linked to cognitive thinking and behaviour, making beetroot juice a promising help in the slowing of the progression of Dementia.

10. Liver health – The Betalains contained in beetroots may help prevent the fatty build up of deposits in the liver, and help protect liver from the toxins it is exposed to in daily life.

To Taste:

If you are not a huge fan of Beetroot but a huge fan of its array of benefits try adding it with apple pineapple lime kale or other strong tasting ingredients for an earthy smoothie!

Note: 

Beeturia – urine or stools can turn pink from the consumption  of Beetroot but it is a harmless condition.

Beetroot contains oxalates so may not be a good addition to your diet if prone to calcium oxalate kidney stones.