Beetroot or beet is one of the most popular veggies that we can consume throughout the whole year. Besides a magnificent flavor, beets are also known for their numerous health advantages and rich nutritional profile.
When we eat beets, we supply our bodies with pivotal substances, including vitamins A, B, and C, minerals like zinc, selenium, copper, iron, phosphorus, manganese, and magnesium, fiber, and potent antioxidants like flavonoids, betalain, carotenoids, and anthocyanins.
If you are wondering what you will get from a single cup of beets, continue reading the article to find out!
Beet’s Impressive Nutritional Profile
A cup of beets contains the following nutrients (approximate values):
- 3.8 grams of fiber
- 13 grams of carbs
- 58 calories
- 2.2 grams of protein
- 148 mcg of folate
- 0.4 mg of manganese
- 442 mg of potassium
- 6.7 mg of vitamin C
- 31.3 mg of magnesium
- 1.1 mg of iron
- 54.4 mg of phosphorus
- 0.1 mg of copper
- 0.1 mg of vitamin B6
The best way to reap beetroot’s amazing health benefits is to consume it raw. This is mostly because some of its nutrients get lost during cooking. Below, check out why beetroot is considered to be one of the healthiest foods in the world…
The 7 Best Health Benefits of Beets
- Boost the liver health
Betalains are phytonutrients in beets that possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cleansing properties. And, thanks to the glycine and methionine, it can avert the buildup of fatty acids in the liver and enhance the overall health of the liver.
- It balances the blood pressure
Freshly-made beet juice can decrease the systolic and diastolic blood pressures. This is because the nitrates from it spread and relax the blood vessels and thus, ease the blood flow and regulate the blood pressure.
- It averts cancer
The betanin found in beetroot can avert the creation of cancers and lower the proliferation of cancerous cells. It can lower the chance for lung, breast, skin, and prostate cancer. And, when consumed together with carrot extract, it can relieve leukemia.
- Improves the respiratory health
The vitamin C from beets will strengthen your immunity, boost the functioning of the white blood cells which will protect you from external bodies and thus, better your respiratory health.
- Elevates the mood and betters the mental health
Since it is rich in tryptophan, an amino acid which can relax the body, beets are an excellent way to boost your mood. Moreover, the betaine in it will boost the metabolism in the body and it can also lower your risk of dementia, cognitive decline, and will enhance the blood flow to the brain.
- It alleviates constipation
Thanks to the fiber in it, it will stimulate the intestinal nerves and boost the digestive processes and thus, encourage regular bowel movements.
- It reduces menstrual pain and menopause symptoms
As it contains powerful phytochemicals, it will regulate the hormones and the estrogen production. Thanks to the abundance in iron, it will help with tiredness, iron deficiency, and irritability.
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