Beets: Benefits, Uses, and Contraindications

BEET

La beet It is a red tuber that is often used in cooking. It has a sweet, almost sugary flavor, and is excellent for preparing soups e creme, ideal in the cold season. Also useful for preparing excellent smoothies for cleanse the liver.

ALSO READ: Beetroot burgers: a great alternative to the classic hamburger recipe.

PROPERTIES OF BEET

It is rich in mineral salts, fibers and water and for this reason it has a high satiating power and stimulates diuresis. Furthermore, it prevents urinary tract infections and helps cleanse the body of toxinsIt was already cooked in the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans who also used it for its medicinal properties. From beetroot we also obtain a natural dye Used in the food industry for the production of certain foods and in cosmetics. Beetroot is also widely used in confectionery to color creams. One hundred grams of beetroot contains just 19 calories, with 23 percent protein.

BEET NUTRITIONAL VALUES

Every 100 grams of beetroot contains:

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

BENEFITS OF BEET

• 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.

WHY EAT BEET

There are also other good reasons to eat beetroot. In particular:

• It fights water retention thanks to its high water content.
• Rich in B vitamins, it is a real antidote to loss of appetite.
• It helps reduce blood sugar levels thanks to alpha lipoic acid.
• The presence of calcium and sodium helps maintain the elasticity of bones and tissues.
• It stimulates the secretion of gastric juices which aid digestion.

CONTRAINDICATIONS OF BEET

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.

HOW MUCH BEET CAN YOU 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.

BEET: THE RECIPES

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 salad. It also allows you to recover the leaves, and should be accompanied with some croutons.
• Beetroot and avocado. Vegan cooking dish, with the addition of lemon juice.
• Beetroot Burger. A healthy alternative to the classic meat burger.
• Beetroot juice. With carrots and apples: the best way to absorb its properties.

BEET NATURAL COLOURING

Red beetroot is used to produce a natural colorant, designated E162 in the European food additives code, which is widely used not only in food production, but also in health products, cosmetics, medicines, and so on.

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