Eat the Beet

Beetroots, commonly known as beets, are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that may help lower blood pressure, fight cancer and inflammation, boost stamina, and support brain and bone health. Even better, they’re delicious and easy to add to your diet. Check out the amazing benefits of this ruby red veggie.

High in Antioxidants 

Beets are naturally high in phytonutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, and trace minerals. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, preventing damage to your cells. This protects against illnesses such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, aging, and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Beets are also high in betalains, a family of natural pigments that give beets their color and are thought to be responsible for protecting against certain cancers and diseases.

Fight Inflammation

Inflammation is a normal response by the immune system that helps protect the body against infection. However, research has proven that chronic inflammation may contribute to conditions like heart disease, cancer, and even obesity. Since our diets are high in sugar and processed foods, foods like beets can keep inflammation in check. Studies show that beetroot supplementation can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in rats. Human studies also confirmed that both cooked beets and beetroot juice were able to lower levels of inflammatory markers in people with high blood pressure.

Improve Athletic Performance

Beets are high in nitrates, and studies show that this naturally occurring chemical in foods is converted to nitric oxide when consumed, improving athletic performance. Research shows that nitric oxide increases blood flow, improves lung function, and strengthens muscle contractions. This contributes to improved cardiorespiratory endurance and performance. Studies have shown that athletes were able to maintain exercise intensity 60–80 percent longer after supplementing with beet juice.

Increase Weight Loss 

Beets are loaded with fiber, which keeps you feeling fuller throughout the day. Each cup of beets contains 3.8 grams of fiber, which is 15 percent of your recommended daily intake. One study showed that subjects who increased fiber intake by 14 grams per day led to a 10 percent decrease in daily calorie intake, which led to increased weight loss. 

This was originally published in the January/February 2019 issue of Amazing Wellness magazine.