Beets or beet roots, as they are often called, belong to the Chenopodoaceae family. Their history goes back to antiquity and the very first signs of their culture were about 4,000 years ago in the Mediterranean region. From there, they were probably transported to Babylon and then in the 9th century AD, they made their appearances in Chinese culture and cuisine. They have long been associated with sexuality and have been used as an aphrodisiac for thousands of years.
Beet has a high nutritional value and is particularly rich in calcium, iron, minerals and vitamins A and C. It is an excellent source of folic acid, fibre, and organic compounds such as carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanthin, glycine and betaine. The latter compound reduces the concentration of homocysteine, a chemical compound that is believed to be the basis of some heart diseases. Beet also contains other vitamins and minerals such as thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, choline, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, potassium, zinc, copper, and selenium. Beetroot is also an excellent source of pigments, beneficial for flavonoids.
Beet is often added as an ingredient in salads, soups and pickles. It is also used as a natural colouring agent. Although beets are available throughout the year, they are still considered seasonal vegetables. In addition to being used as a real food, beets are valuable sources of sucrose, making them viable substitutes for tropical sugar cane. They are still frequently used to make refined sugar.
The health benefits of sugar beet
1 Prevents Some Cancers :
Studies have shown that beets are ideal for preventing skin, lung and colon cancer because they contain the betacyaninis pigment, which prevents cancerous cell growth. Nitrates used in meat as preservatives can stimulate the production of nitrosamine compounds in the body and can also cause cancer. Studies have now shown that beet juice prevents cellular mutations caused by these compounds. Researchers in Hungary have also found that beet juice and its powder form slow tumour development. A healthy weekly amount of beets in your diet can keep your body away from cancer for a very long time.
2 Beneficial for the heart:
Potassium deficiency is one of the causes of heart disease. The fact that beet is rich in potassium makes it an excellent food for the heart, because it causes blood vessels to dilate. This prevents clots from forming. In addition, beet reduces the risk of accumulation of already formed patches. In short, beets break down clots that can cause a heart attack by significantly reducing blood pressure. This plant converts nitrate into nitrite and then nitric oxide, which has the effect of regulating blood pressure by preventing blood vessels from becoming blocked. Nitrite protects against ischemia and inflammation of the myocardium, which attests to the fact that it plays a very important role in cardiovascular homeostasis. A daily dose of one or two cooked beets or 500 ml of beet juice can greatly help to reduce blood pressure and eliminate all associated risks.
3 Prevents Respiratory Problems :
Beetroot is a source of vitamin C that helps prevent the onset of asthma. The natural beta carotene in beets also helps prevent lung cancer. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant that stimulates the immune system in some way. In addition to acting as an antioxidant itself and defending against the effects of free radicals in the body, vitamin C also stimulates the activity of white blood cells, which is the body's main line of defense against foreign bodies, as well as viral, bacterial, fungal and protozoal toxins that can cause a multitude of infections and diseases. The vitamin C chain will fight the flu to reduce the risk of cancer relapse and beets contain a lot of vitamin C!
4 Beet for high blood pressure:
Beet helps to reduce blood pressure due to the presence of nitrate which causes the production of nitric oxide in the blood. As specified above, nitric oxide expands blood vessels and reduces blood pressure. Research on the effects of beet on blood pressure has shown that consuming 500 grams of beetroot or 500ml of beet juice every day causes a reduction in blood pressure for about 6 hours. Beet also contains potassium, a mineral that has the ability to dilate blood vessels. Once dilated, the vessels are relaxed, preventing the onset of hypertension.
5 Stimulates Energy Levels :
Beets contain a significant amount of carbohydrate that provides the strength needed for energy and prolonged sporting activities. These are the natural components of energy metabolism and beets provide them without any negative side effects like many other carbohydrate-heavy foods. When the body contains a sufficient amount of carbohydrates, it can also fuel all the necessary physical functions, including the important metabolic reactions that keep your organ systems functioning effectively.
6 Excellent for pregnant women :
Beets are an excellent source of folic acid and are therefore excellent for pregnant women. Indeed, folic acid promotes the development of the foetus during the first 3 months of pregnancy. Folic acid deficiency could lead to congenital malformation in children. It's spina bifida. Beetroot also gives pregnant women the energy and vigour they need during this delicate time. Another surprising detail characterizes beet, and it is the fact that it is full of iron. Iron is important for both mother and child. It increases red blood cell production and protects the body from fatigue. But it's important for pregnant women to remember that raw beets have 25% more folic acid than the beets you make.
7 Reduces Congenital Abnormalities :
Beets are good for pregnant women as they are a source of Vitamin B folate which helps in the development of the baby's spine. Folate deficiency could lead to various problems called neural tube defects.
8 A cure for anemia:
Iron is important in the human body in both men and women. However, for reasons such as menstruation, pregnancy and breastfeeding, iron is slightly more important for women than for men. Some people believe that foods with a red colour should be stuffed with iron. It has to be said that some truth lies behind these beliefs, since beet is a red food that is rich in iron. Iron is an essential element in the formation of hemoglobin and the massive production of red blood cells. Hemoglobin combined with iron gives another compound. It is oxyhemoglobin, which helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to various parts of the human body. Iron deficiency is the cause of anemia. But by eating beet, you are protected against anaemia, especially since this food has the particularity of containing vitamin C which promotes the absorption of iron. However, it is important to remember that anemia can have other causes.
9 Prevents Cataracts :
The presence of carotene beta, which is a form of vitamin A, helps prevent age-related blindness called cataract as well as reduce macular degeneration that usually occurs as we age. Vitamin A is considered a powerful antioxidant substance that contributes to a multitude of essential activities in the body.
10 A treatment against constipation :
Beets help to fight constipation because they contain many soluble fibres. They strengthen the diet and act as a laxative, which has the effect of cleaning the stomach and intestines. In short, it makes it easier and more frequent to have a bowel movement. Beetroot and its juice are very popular with nutritionists who use them to detect stomach acid levels.
Warning :
Beets contain oxalates, which when consumed in excess, can cause body fluids and crystallize. People with gallbladder or kidney problems should avoid beets as they could complicate kidney problems urinary stones.
