Beetroot is a vegetable with many phytochemicals, vitamins and minerals.
It has been consumed since time immemorial, and it is highly recommended to include it in the diet on a regular basis. The beet season is especially between March and May, so during these months its consumption is almost obligatory (although it can be found throughout the year in supermarkets).
- It might interest you: “ Organic food: what they are, and 6 benefits of consuming them ”
14 properties and benefits of beets
Beetroot is a highly recommended type of food for humans . We must not forget that for millions of years our species was a forager, so it ate many bulbs and roots. This made the human digestive system very adapted to this type of vegetables.
In addition, beets have many properties and benefits for the body. Its contribution is highlighted by antioxidant substances, but as you can see below there is much more that the beet plant can offer and that is an advantage for health.
- Maybe you want to read: “ The 15 medicinal plants with the most properties and benefits ”
1. Provides many antioxidants
The purple color of beets is due to some of its antioxidant components . This is one of the most remarkable properties and benefits of this vegetable, and it is that substances such as anthocyanins help the body fight against free radicals that affect the body.
2. Contains many vitamins
The vitamins contained in beets are several . It contains vitamins A, C, E and K and various B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6 and B9), being one of the foods that revitalizes the body. A piece of beetroot in a morning smoothie helps to face the day with guarantees.
- We recommend: ” The 12 foods richest in vitamin A “
3. It is a source of minerals
Beetroot also contains a very substantial amount of minerals . It contains iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium and zinc, which makes it a real wonder to remineralize the body. You have to think that these micronutrients participate in many vital functions.
4. Improves the immune system
The three points above have a lot to do with improving the immune system . The richness in antioxidant substances, vitamins and minerals makes beets a very interesting vegetable to increase defenses. This helps the body function and fight pathogenic microorganisms and other problems it has to deal with.
5. Helps prevent diseases
The previously described properties of beets help prevent diseases . The benefits come to favor the prevention of diseases as serious as cancer, and even people who already suffer from it are recommended to consume it. Its phytochemical components favor the conditions of the body to heal.
6. It is moderately energetic
Beetroot is one of the vegetables with the highest amount of sugar . Along with other vegetables such as carrots, its moderate content of natural sugars makes it a good option to enrich the energy intake of various preparations such as smoothies or salads.
- You may want to read: “ Carrot: 12 properties and benefits of this vegetable ”
7. Contains fiber
Beetroot is a vegetable with a remarkable contribution of fiber . It is a very compact vegetable and that is thanks to the fibers it contains. It is therefore a food indicated to improve the volume of stool in people who need to improve their intestinal transit and suffer from problems such as constipation.
8. Regulates blood pressure
Hypertension is a health problem that affects many people . That is why it is important to consume foods such as beets, which stand out in improving blood pressure. In particular, this property to benefit people suffering from hypertension is due to its nitrate content.
9. Fights cholesterol and atherosclerosis
Beetroot is also useful for fighting cholesterol . It has been scientifically proven that it has properties to lower blood cholesterol. This is at the same time a benefit also to prevent the formation of plaque in the disease of atherosclerosis.
10. Improves asthma and bronchitis
Asthmatics can also benefit from eating beets . Consuming this vegetable is useful thanks to its good contribution of substances such as magnesium and vitamin C, substances that allow the relaxation of the bronchial tubes.
- Other users have read: ” Apple: 15 properties and benefits of this healthy fruit “
11. Take care of eye health
Beetroot is rich in substances that promote eye health . In particular, lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids with properties to support eye health. They are especially useful in people suffering from injuries such as macular degeneration.
12. Combat anemia
Iron is the most important mineral to combat anemia . Beetroot has good concentrations of this mineral, so taking this vegetable allows you to avoid suffering from this blood condition. Having sufficient levels of iron helps regenerate blood cells and thus improve the supply of oxygen and nutrients in the body.
13. Promotes a good pregnancy
Beetroot is rich in folic acid or vitamin B9, which helps in pregnancy . This substance is essential for the correct development of the baby’s spinal cord, and there are embryonic development problems when there are deficiencies. An adequate intake of folic acid prevents serious problems such as spina bifida.
14. It is very versatile in the kitchen
This vegetable is very interesting because it can be used in many preparations . It can be consumed raw, boiled or even sold canned, and it is an element that gives color to all kinds of recipes. It can be put in salads or added to smoothies, which acquire a very beautiful color and make them more appetizing.
- It might interest you: ” The 9 main probiotic foods on the market (and their benefits) “
Bibliographic references
- Doijode, S.D. (2001). Seed storage of horticultural crops. Nueva York: Food Products Press.
- Fernandez, O. (2013). My anti-cancer recipes: Food and anti-cancer life. Barcelona: Uranus Editions .
- Siervo, M., Lara, J., Ogbonmwan, I. y Mathers, J.C. (2013). Inorganic Nitrate and Beetroot Juice Supplementation Reduces Blood Pressure in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Nutrition, 143 (6), 818–826.
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.