Without question, it’s been said to you before: “pay attention to your health”; or something along the lines of: “you’ve got to eat better”. And these words may have gone in one ear and out the other. But anyone who speaks such sentiments to you really does have your best interest at heart. And while the focus may be on eating more dark green and leafy vegetables, more carrots, and pumpkins, one food that seems to get left behind is beet. Sadly so, because this food is jam-packed with many nutrients that your body requires daily for optimal functioning.
What Are These Nutrients?
By eating just one hundred grams of cooked beet you will deliver to your body some protein, fat, fiber, vitamin B6 and B12, iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and manganese. Wow. Isn’t that amazing? To understand a bit more why these are important here are a few insights.
- Vitamin B12 is used in the formation of red blood cells. The vital function on which is delivering oxygen to the body’s cells.
- Potassium helps regulate your heartbeat.
- Manganese is needed to develop strong bones and to protect your cells from sustaining damage.
There is a strong need for every bit of nutrition beet consumption gives.
Ignite Your Athletic Ability
There’s a reason why athletes run to beets for a boost before an event. Beet is a superfood that delivers nitrates which activate the mitochondria, which is the part within your cell that produces energy. You literally get activated from within. Scientific studies have documented the increased performance experienced by people undertaking high-intensity exercises by way of this food.
Fight Inflammation
Many diseases are marked by inflammation. Asthma, inflammation of the bronchial tubes. Myocarditis, inflammation of the heart muscle. Various cancers are also intricately linked to inflammation. So whatever steps you can take to reduce inflammation in your body, you should and with haste. The inflammatory fighting power comes from the pigment of the skin of this root vegetable. Beet has a very distinct deep red hue. This is caused by compounds termed betalains. These deliver antioxidant effects which in turn result in diminished swelling.
Improve Heart Health
How many people do you know who have succumbed to different afflictions of the heart, be it heart attacks, high blood pressure, or strokes? Heart health needs to be at the top of everyone’s radar. Again, scientific studies have proved to be factual the claim that beets can lower very effectively the systolic blood pressure. Not only does it lower it, but it does so only within a matter of hours. To experience sustained effects, this food must be consumed consistently but always within the parameters recommended by your physician. Any food in excess will be dangerous.
How To Prepare It
Now, getting an idea of just how wonder-working beets are, you would be interested in knowing how to prepare them so that you can begin benefiting. Incorporating them by juicing is a key way to get more beets into your diet and to enjoy this vegetable. There are many juicer options out there that can help you feel the benefits of beets. You should browse and select whichever you believe best fits your needs.
One option is the Omega NC900HDC which is touted for its strength and versatility. In addition, it delivers masticating capabilities that produce juice that lasts longer. Another is the Omega J8006 HDS which is more affordable and comes attached to a 15-year warranty. As a beginner, try the Aicok slow masticating juicer. The ease of use is amplified while you enjoy the same benefits of mastication at a price that will make your purse or wallet smile.
One More For The Road
While still under study, it is believed that certain nitrate compounds in beets improve cognitive health by dilating blood vessels, therefore, allowing more blood and oxygen to flow to the brain. This could stave off mental diseases like dementia, which is a devastating diagnosis to many individuals and families. Additional benefits of increased blood flow to the frontal lobe of the cerebrum leading to more directed thinking and sharper memory are possible and under review.
Plain and simple, beet is a superfood and you should make every effort to incorporate this vegetable into your daily diet. The benefits are astounding and with further research, even more benefits are sure to be uncovered. Heart health, reduced inflammation, better athletic capability, and countless more amazing effects have been detailed across many reputable health platforms. You may be iffy on one, but could they all be wrong? No. Start your journey today and document for yourself the changes that occur to your body.