Beetroot helps the heart and liver

La beet It's a precious vegetable, whose red color is due to the substances that characterize its health-promoting properties: betalains. These are bioactive compounds that dilate blood vessels, help reduce blood pressure, and improve blood flow. They also support liver function and help the liver metabolize fats. This is why beets are so beneficial for the heart and liver, and they're also very easy to use, especially in juices and smoothies, paired with apple and ginger, carrot and orange, strawberries and kiwi, celery and cucumber.

Nutritional properties

Every 100 grams of beetroot contains just 19 calories and also:

• 0,3 grams of potassium
• 1,1 grams of protein
• 5 grams of carbohydrates
• 84 milligrams of sodium
• 21 milligrams of phosphorus
• 20 milligrams di Calcium
• 0,4 milligrams of iron
• 93,9 grams of water

Benefits

The benefits of beetroot truly concern our entire organism.

• Beetroot is a real panacea for those who suffer from anemia, especially among women. Iron, as we know, can be of animal or plant origin, and both types are beneficial for health. The iron in beets is absorbed by the body, and this occurs optimally when combined with fresh vitamin C.
• Beetroot juice is also a very valuable aid in prevention of cardiovascular diseases, because it contains nitrate, a substance also present in green leafy vegetables, which improves blood flow and reduces blood pressure.
• Beets are also a natural anti-aging because they are rich in antioxidants which, as we know, fight free radicals, responsible for cellular aging.
• During pregnancy, beetroot is highly recommended because it is rich in folic acid which promotes the correct development of the fetus in the mother's womb.
• Beetroot has a remarkable detox effect on the liver, thanks to its antioxidants and minerals. It therefore drains and purifies the body, especially when consumed in fresh juices.
• Beetroot has a low glycemic index, especially when eaten raw, making it ideal for those on a low-calorie diet to lose weight. It prevents insulin spikes and the accumulation of upper body fat. It also promotes fluid drainage and the elimination of toxins.
• Beetroot is, according to some recent studies still in progress, a antitumor, especially valid in the case of colon, breast, prostate and pancreatic cancer.
• Beetroot juice increases blood flow to the brain in older adults. Therefore, it may be helpful in combating diabetes.Alzheimer and other cognitive pathologies.
• Beetroot contains betaine, a substance that counteracts trough. It also contains tryptophan, an amino acid that induces the brain to produce serotonin, a substance that gives an immediate feeling of well-being.

How it is consumed

Beetroot is easily used in a variety of dishes, from salads to main courses. Let's look at some recipes you can find on our website:

• Beetroot saladIt also allows you to recover the leaves, and should be accompanied with some croutons.
• Beetroot and avocadoVegan dish, with the addition of lemon juice.
• Beetroot BurgerA healthy alternative to the classic meat burger.
• Beetroot juiceWith carrots and apples: the best way to absorb its properties.

How many can we eat?

During its season, which runs from August to February, beets can be eaten every day. There are no contraindications, except for those discussed in the previous section. A more than sufficient serving to enjoy its benefits is 200 grams. The only precaution is to wash them well to remove any soil residue.

The difference with turnips

The only similarity between turnips and beets is the part of both we eat: the fleshy roots. Otherwise, they belong to two very different botanical families: turnips belong to the Brassicaceae family, the same family as cabbage and broccoli; beets, on the other hand, belong to the Amaranthaceae family, the same family as Swiss chard and spinach.

Controindicazioni

Beetroot, after consumption, may color urine, although this effect does not affect the entire population but only 15% of it. Those who have problems with kidney stones You should limit your consumption of this tuber, because it contains oxalates, compounds that prevent calcium from being absorbed, thus promoting its accumulation in the kidneys.

Beetroot as a natural colorant

Red beetroot is a natural colouring agent, designated E162 in the European food additives code, which is widely used not only in food production (it is found in sweets, ice cream, juices, dressings and even in some processed meats), but also in health products, cosmetics and medicines.

Read also:

• Winter smoothies with beetroot and spinach
• Beetroot Salad: The Vegan Recipe
• Baked beetroot burgers without eggs