Health Benefits of Beetroot, Uses And Its Side Effects

Beets have naturally occurring nitrates which are converted into nitric oxide in the human body. Nitric oxide helps to relax and dilate blood vessels , improves blood flow and reduces blood pressure. Beetroot is good for blood pressure, it is extremely beneficial as it helps to lower blood pressure within a couple of hours.

The nitrates present in beet get converted into nitric oxide in the human body. This nitric oxide helps to reduce the amount of oxygen expended for low-intensity exercises and also enhances tolerance to high-intensity exercises. Studies have shown that people who consume beet juice prior to exercise are able to exercise for a 16% longer period of time.

High levels of triglycerides in your body poses serious problems to the heart. Beetroot reduces triglycerides and cholesterol by increasing the amount of HDL cholesterol or good cholesterol. Beetroot also helps to decrease the level of homocysteine as it contains the nutrient betaine. Development of conditions like atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes can be prevented by consumption of beet.

Beets are a rich source of Vitamin B folates and it helps in the formation of a baby’s spinal column. Thus beet can be a beneficial addition to the diet of a pregnant woman. Folate deficiency can lead to a number of complications like defects in the neural tubes which means defects in the brain, spine or spinal cord.

Beetroot contains the pigment betacyaninis which can prevent the growth of cancer cells. Beetroot are good for preventing colon, lung and skin cancer. Nitrates are used as preservatives in meat and their consumption may result in the formation of nitrosamine compounds in the body which can lead to cancer. Beetroot juice helps to reduce or stem the cell mutations caused by these compounds.

Blood flow to certain areas of the brain decrease with age and this can lead to loss of cognition and eventual dementia. Researches have shown that drinking beetroot juice helps to improve supply of oxygen to the brain and slows the progression of dementia. The high nitrate concentration in beet juice aids this process.

Vitamin C, which is found in beetroot is a powerful anti-oxidant that is good for the immune system. Not only is Vitamin C a powerful anti-oxidant protecting the body against free radicals, it also stimulates the activities of the white blood cells which is the body’s primary line of defense against alien bodies.

Beetroot also has natural beta carotene which helps to prevent lung cancer.

Beetroot contains betalin pigments which support your body’s Phase 2 detoxification process. This process occurs when broken down toxins are bound to other molecules so that they can be excreted from the body. Beetsroot are valued all over the world for their ability to detoxify your body and thus purify your blood and liver.

Beta-carotene which is present in beetroot helps to prevent cataract which is a type of blindness that mostly afflicts old people. Beta-carotene, which is a form of Vitamin A, also prevents macular degeneration in elderly people. Thus, consumption of beet will help you to have healthy eyes.

Beetroot contains calcium, betaine, B vitamins, iron and anti-oxidants which are very good for your liver. Beet also helps to thin the bile, thus allowing it to move smoothly through the liver and does not let any pressure to be exerted on it.

The fiber present in beetroot ensures that the toxins are properly removed from your liver. Beetroot also contains zinc and copper which are instrumental n protecting the cells of the liver.

Beetroots have been used as an aphrodisiac for centuries. Beetroot contain significant levels of boron, a mineral, which helps to stimulate the production of sexual hormones. Beetroot can cause a boost in your libido, increase fertility and sperm mobility and also help to reduce frigidity when you are getting intimate with your partner.