BENEFITS OF BEET

The red beet is useful in some diseases of the womb, while the white beet is good for the liver.

It is laxative and diuretic. The juice mixed with olive oil is also recommended to be applied externally for burns and all kinds of running sores.

Beetroot, when taken in sufficient amounts, is effective against heart diseases. This is mainly because beetroot causes the HDL or high density lipoprotein in the body to rise, which in turn causes removal of atheroma in the arteries where it is brought to the liver for it to be either removed or reused. Beetroot also causes an increase in the action of antioxidants in the liver while decreasing triglycerides and total cholesterol level.

Beetroot is also valuable in ensuring the normal growth and development of the body tissues due to its high folate content. Folate is part of the B-complex vitamins and it is very helpful especially during the early development of the fetus. Deficiency in folate can cause different birth defects like spina bifida. A cup of boiled beets is equivalent to 136 micrograms of folate, which is roughly a third of the recommended dietary requirement.

Betacyanin, the purple-crimson pigmentation that gives beets their distinguishing color, actually contains flavonoids that are good for the body and helps fight cancer. Based on several studies conducted, regular dietary intake of beets can be used to treat cancer of the colon. It is also of value in the treatment of leukemia.

Drinking beet juice is known to lower high blood pressure within one hour after intake of about 500 ml of juice. This effectively keeps blood pressure under control for as long as 24 hours after drinking beet juice.

The blood also benefits from red beets as it helps clean the blood and aids in its formation. It is because of this property that beets are used in treating various diseases brought about by a toxic environment. Beets are highly alkaline in nature, making it very useful in combating acidosis and in maintaining the pH in the body. It can also cure problems related to the kidneys and gall bladder and can help with gout.

Beetroot also helps with headache, toothache, skin and menstrual problems, as well as dysentery. It is also useful for people who are at risk for or who already have constipation.

Aside from high folate content, beetroot is also high in magnesium that helps prevent osteoporosis especially among women, who are more prone to it. Magnesium is vital for producing and maintaining healthy bones in the body. Lack of magnesium can lead to malfunctioning in the utilization of calcium in the body. Beet greens, however, should be avoided if you already have osteoporosis as this contains oxalic acid which can interfere with the metabolism of calcium.

Beetroots are also of value in preventing cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and senile dementia due to their high antioxidant content. Antioxidants help fight free radicals circulating in the body that cause cell damage and even death in different parts of the body like the brain.