The beet is a medicinal plant also called betabel. Its fame is due not only to the excellent flavor it contributes to recipes such as salads and juices, but also to its properties for liver health and blood pressure. This vegetable contains optimal concentrations of minerals, vitamins and fiber. The nutritional value makes this vegetable necessary to improve our health in daily life.
Several researches claim to show that those who eat beets frequently keep their metabolism balanced, reduce blood pressure problems and other conditions. In this article you will know all its benefits and properties, what it is, and some interesting recipe ideas.
Properties and benefits of sugar beets, what is it for?
To lower the tension
In this sense, a study carried out and published in Science Daily stands out, suggesting that the properties of beets to lower blood pressure are due to the nitrates present in its composition. Metabolism transforms this molecule into nitric oxide after a chain of chemical reactions. One of the functions of nitric oxide is to dilate the blood vessels, something that would lower the blood pressure.
Therefore, drinking beet juice can be an option to combat hypertension. However, there is quite a diversity of opinions among the scientific community that this food significantly influences the pressure drop.
To cleanse the liver
Another of the great properties of beets is its ability to detoxify the liver, especially if you have taken a lot of toxins in recent days. The vegetable regulates the production of bile and optimizes the functions of the liver.
Other benefits
- Contains iron. Beets have high iron content, ideal for those who need doses of this mineral in situations of anemia or deficiency. It is also needed in some stages of pregnancy or even when you are menstruating. Remember that iron is part of the structure of hemoglobin, and binds oxygen to transport it in red blood cells.
- Antirust. The consumption of red beet juice provides antioxidant and rejuvenating properties to the body. If you are concerned about your beauty, incorporate this vegetable into your diet weekly. One of the reasons that make it a powerful anti-aging is folic acid.
- For hair. Methionine is an amino acid present in hair proteins, but also in skin and nails. When you take the vegetable regularly, your skin and hair will be revitalized.
- It is rich in dopamine, which improves mood and prevents depression.
- For the bones. Silicon is necessary to keep bones strong. It is important to take beets raw, uncooked, since some of its benefits disappear after heating the food.
- Fight constipation. Its fiber content is used to lighten the digestive process and relieve the symptoms of constipation. Also, rubidium promotes gastric juice secretion.
- Reduces fluid retention and does not make you fat. If you suffer from obesity or want to lose weight, this and other low-calorie vegetables, in salad, are a suitable option to lose weight.
Before starting any treatment, you should ask your doctor’s permission, and it is he who should supervise the doses. Don’t self-medicate, especially if you have liver or heart disease.
Beetroot recipe suggestions
Beet juice
It is one of the most popular recipes. Beet juice cleanses the liver and helps eliminate toxins, in addition to regulating blood pressure. To make the juice you need the following ingredients and utensils:
- A couple of apples.
- Three beets.
- A garlic clove.
- Ginger and celery.
The preparation method is as follows:
- First, wash the different ingredients to remove dirt and grime.
- Cut it all very well.
- Add them at the same time in the blender.
The ideal is to drink the juice before eating.
Carrot salad and other vegetables
Combine red and white beets in salads with carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, apples, and other vegetables and fruits. It is impossible to get tired of this recipe because there are a thousand ways to make them. Add pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, ginger, cooked ham, cheese, tuna… whatever you can think of!
Information about the plant
Its scientific name is Beta vulgaris, and it is known by other names such as beet, betarava or white chard. It belongs to the Amaranthaceae family and there are actually multiple varieties of the same species. The most popular is the so-called garden beet, as well as the sugar beet, for its ability to produce sucrose, and forage.
The best known is used in gastronomy, it is the one with red roots and considerable thickness. They can be eaten raw or cooked. The reddish color has an explanation: betaxanthin and betacyanin, two pigments present in vegetables.
The plant can be perennial or annual. It is herbaceous and has robustness and ramifications. It can measure more than 1 meter. It grows especially in temperate climates, and its resistance facilitates its cultivation. Sowing is usually carried out in spring, while in autumn the crops are harvested.