Behind its unique taste, there are various benefits of beetroot for health. This purplish-red plant contains various nutrients that are known to be good for maintaining blood pressure and reducing the risk of cancer.
Beets are not actually fruit, but root crops that grow in the soil like cassava and sweet potatoes. However, because of their shape and color, beets are often mistaken for fruits.
Beets have long been used for natural medicine because they contain a variety of nutrients including carbohydrates, protein, fiber, as well as vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, folate, potassium, magnesium, sodium, and iron.
In addition, beets are also low in fat and calories, contain no saturated fat or cholesterol, and are rich in antioxidants.
Various Benefits of Bits
Thanks to the variety of nutrients in it, beets can provide a variety of health benefits, namely:
1. Lowers blood pressure
Beets are rich in nitrate which can be converted into nitric oxide in the body. This substance plays a role in lowering and maintaining the stability of blood pressure.
In fact, there is a study that reveals that beet juice can reduce blood pressure even just a little. These benefits are thought to come from the red pigment betalain and antioxidants in beets.
2. Prevents senile dementia
The nitrite content in beets is also thought to increase blood and oxygen flow to various parts of the body, including the brain. Not only that, beets are also good for preventing the development of senile symptoms. This is the reason why beets are good for the elderly.
3. Control blood sugar levels
Beets are also good for consumption by diabetics, because they contain chemical compounds that can control glucose and insulin levels in the body.
In addition, beets contain acidic antioxidants alpha-lipoic which is thought to prevent cell damage and repair damaged nerves in diabetics.
4. Improve physical performance
Consuming beetroot juice is known to increase stamina, so you can be more enthusiastic when exercising. This benefit is also supported by a study which revealed that the nitrate content in beets is thought to be able to increase physical performance and stamina.
5. Overcoming inflammation in the body
Inflammation is the body's natural response to fight foreign objects. However, long-lasting or chronic inflammation can cause damage to blood vessels and body tissues.
Well, to prevent this, you can eat beets on a regular basis. Various nutrients in beets are known to overcome inflammation and prevent damage that can occur.
6. Prevent cancer
Beets are also believed to prevent cancer. This claim is based on the results of laboratory tests showing that beetroot extract is able to suppress the growth of cancer cells. This effect comes from the betacyanin and antioxidant content in beets.
7. Supports the work of nerves and muscles
Beets are rich in potassium which can help the nerves and muscles of the body to function properly. In addition, beets are also known to prevent muscle cramps and fatigue.
8. Maintain digestive health
The fiber content in beets is beneficial for digestion. Research also reveals that fiber is useful for preventing damage to the digestive tract wall due to inflammation, constipation, and colon cancer.
In addition, betaine compounds in beets can also reduce bloating, prevent food intolerances, control the growth of good bacteria, and increase nutrient absorption.
In addition to the various benefits above, beets are also good for consumption by pregnant women. This tuber plant is rich in folate which can prevent neural tube defects in the fetus and reduce the risk of babies being born prematurely. However, the consumption of beets in pregnant women should remain limited.
The benefits of beets for health are very diverse. However, these various benefits still require further evidence and research to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
In addition, although beets have a myriad of benefits, that doesn't mean you can consume them in excess. Eating too many beets can actually reduce calcium levels in the body and interfere with kidney function.
Therefore, before you start adding beets to your daily diet, you should consult your doctor first, especially if you suffer from certain diseases. Thus, you can also get the maximum benefits of beets.