benefits of beetroot

Because of its high soluble fibre content beetroot is a great laxative. It cleanses the colon and clears out the stomach helping in regularising ones bowel movements. Here area few home remedies to relieve constipation. Beet greens contain oxalic acid, a naturally occurring substance found in some vegetables, which may crystallize as oxalate stones in the urinary tract in some people. It is therefore; in individuals with known oxalate urinary tract stones are advised to avoid eating excess greens. (Medical Disclaimer).

A study performed by the University of Exeter, UK, showed that drinking beetroot juice could increase a persons stamina by 16 percent, because of its nitrate content. Known to increase the oxygen uptake by the body, the study also found that because of this one factor, it could also help in the proper functioning of the brain and beat the onset of dementia. It has also been seen that nitrate when converted to nitrite helps in the better transmission of neural impulses, making the brain work better. Heres how weight loss can help you to boost memory.

The pigments that give beets their rich colors are called betalains. There are two basic types of betalains: betacyanins and betaxanthins. Betacyanins are pigments are red violet in color. Betanin is the best studied of the betacyanins. Betaxanthins are yellowish in color. In light or dark red, crimson, or purple colored beets, betacyanins are the dominant pigments. In yellow beets, betaxanthins predominate, and particularly the betaxanthin called vulgaxanthin. All betalains come from the same original molecule (betalamic acid). The addition of amino acids or amino acid derivatives to betalamic acid is what determines the specific type of pigment that gets produced.

Many of the unique phytonutrients present in beets have been shown to function as anti inflammatory compounds. In particular, this anti inflammatory activity has been demonstrated for betanin, isobetanin, and vulgaxanthin. One mechanism allowing these phytonutrients to lessen inflammation is their ability to inhibit the activity of cyclo oxygenase enzymes (including both COX 1 and COX 2). The COX enzymes are widely used by cells to produce messaging molecules that trigger inflammation. Under most circumstances, when inflammation is needed, this production of pro inflammatory messaging molecules is a good thing. However, under other circumstances, when the body is undergoing chronic, unwanted inflammation, production of these inflammatory messengers can make things worse. Several types of heart disease

The betalin pigments present in beets have repeatedly been shown to support activity in our bodys Phase 2 detoxification process. Phase 2 is the metabolic step that our cells use to hook activated, unwanted toxic substances up with small nutrient groups. This hook up process effectively neutralizes the toxins and makes them sufficiently water soluble for excretion in the urine. One critical hook up process during Phase 2 involves an enzyme family called the glutathione S transferase family (GSTs). GSTs hook toxins up with glutathione for neutralization and excretion from the body. The betalains found in beet have been shown to trigger GST activity, and to aid in the elimination of toxins that require glutathione for excretion. If you are a person who thinks about exposure to toxins and wants to give your body as much detox support as possible, beets are a food that belongs in your diet.

Its important to note two other areas of potential health benefits associated with beets: anti cancer benefits and fiber related benefits. The combination of antioxidant and anti inflammatory molecules in beets makes this food a highly likely candidate for risk reduction of many cancer types. Lab studies on human tumor cells have confirmed this possibility for colon, stomach, nerve, lung, breast, prostate and testicular cancers. Eventually, we expect to see large scale human studies that show the risk reducing effect of dietary beet intake for many of these cancer types.

Rinse gently under cold running water, taking care not to tear the skin, which helps keep the health promoting pigments inside. Since beet juice can stain your skin, wearing kitchen gloves is a good idea when handling beets. If your hands become stained during the cleaning and cooking process, simply rub some lemon juice on them to remove the stain.

Cook beets lightly. Studies show beets concentration of phytonutrients, such as betalains, is diminished by heat. We recommend healthy steaming beets for 15 minutes to maximize their nutrition and flavor. Fill the bottom of the steamer with 2 inches of water and bring to a rapid boil Add beets, cover, and steam for 15 minutes. Beets are cooked when you can easily insert a fork or the tip or knife into the beet. Peel beets by setting them on a cutting board and rubbing the skin off with a paper towel. Wearing kitchen gloves will help prevent your hands from becoming stained. Transfer to a bowl and serve with our Mediterranean Dressing and your favorite optional ingredients. For details see 15 Minute Beets.

Consumption of beets can cause urine to become red or pink in color. This conditioncalled beeturiais not considered harmful. About 5 15% of U.S. adults are estimated to experience beeturia following consumption of beets in everyday amounts. One area in which beeturia may be a potential concern involves problems with iron metabolism. Persons with iron deficiency, iron excess, or known problems with the metabolism of iron are more likely to experience beeturia. If you experience beeturia and also suspect iron deficiency, iron excess, or iron metabolism to be a problem affecting your health, we recommend that you consult with your healthcare provider to determine your best dietary and health steps.

Its possible for beet consumption to bring a red color into your bowel movements as well, although this outcome tends to be more common in children than adults. Once again, the production of a reddish color in the stool due to beets is not considered harmful. Its important, however, to be confident that the reddening of the stool is caused by the pigments found in beets and not by the presence of fresh or dried blood. If you experience reddening of the stool and have not recently (with the past 24 48 hours) consumed beets, we recommend that you consult with your healthcare provider to determine the reason for this change in your stool color.