Nearly all countries grow beets, a root crop that people have known since ancient times. Beets or beetroots have been the subject of many studies because beets were used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases, including constipation, joint and gut pain, decreased libido, and, surprisingly, dandruff.
The vegetable has a broad nutritional profile. It contains several vitamins, minerals, and various organic compounds, including nitrates, anthocyanins, potassium, phosphorus, folic acid, iron carotenoids, and betaine. Anthocyanins and betaine are antioxidants closely linked to liver health, blood purification, and heart health.
Many people consider beets one of the healthiest root crops. Its vitamin and mineral content can help lower blood pressure, enhance skin health, prevent anemia, boost immunity, and reduce inflammation. In addition, it is low in calories and fat but rich in fiber.
Beetroot and beetroot juice are associated with increased stamina and improved athletic performance. At the same time, it can keep the brain and digestive system healthy. In addition, it has anti-inflammatory properties, which are good for people with osteoarthritis. Find out more interesting facts about beets below.
Prevents Stroke and Heart Disease
Beetroot or beets are rich in vitamin B9 (folate), which aids in cell function and growth. In addition, it can control blood vessel damage, helping the body reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.
A glass of beet juice can already reduce blood vessel inflammation in people with coronary heart disease. This is because the body naturally produces nitric oxide, which minimizes or prevents inflammation. But a person with circulatory and heart conditions has lower nitric oxide levels because it becomes inactive.
In a seven-day study, the participants were divided into two groups. They gave one group typhoid vaccine to induce temporary inflammation, while the other had a cream that produced skin blisters. One group drank beet juice with nitric oxide, while the other had beet juice without the enzyme. The results showed that those who drank beet juice with nitrate increased their enzyme levels compared to those who consumed the juice without nitric oxide.
They also had low levels of inflammatory monocyte. Aside from that, the researchers discovered that nitrate in the juice restored the endothelium’s (blood vessel lining) function. Likewise, the skin blisters healed quickly on the participants who had nitrate-high beet juice.
