No matter the variety, beets have a lot to offer for our health.
They are high in potassium, nitrates, fiber, and antioxidants.
Read on, and for more, don’t missWhat Happens to Your Body When You Eat Potatoes.
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Reduce blood pressure
Beets have a veryunique effect on blood pressurecompared to other vegetables.
Due to their potassium and nitrate content, they are particularly powerful for lowering blood pressure.
We know that a diet high in plants increases potassium andlowers blood pressure.
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This is due to the nitrates in beetroots.
The impact of beetroot juice on blood pressure remains up to three months after stopping drinking it.
Beetroot juice just allows more beetroot to be consumed in one serving."
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We now know that these fibers act asprebiotics, which increase the amount and diversity of our good bacteria.
“Beets are incredible for gut health.
Other compounds found in beets, like betalains and phenolics, might boost short-chain fatty acids in the gut.
This can reduce inflammation, strengthen the intestinal barrier, and more.
Natural detox support
Beets support our natural detox pathwayour liver!
In fact, that’s one of its primary functions.
The liver can remove these harmful substances so that they don’t get absorbed by the body.
Betalain is the nutrient in beets that is responsible for increased detox pathway support.
Betalains increase glutathione production, which is an enzyme that naturally supports liver detox.
Glutathione is a powerful enzyme that is being researched for everything from anti-aging to fatty liver disease.
Antioxidants have been shown toprotect against cancerous cells.
Colorful fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants.
Betaxanthins are a vibrant nutrient in gold or orange beets.
This nutrient is part of a larger class of antioxidants called betalains.
Betalains are known for lowering inflammation and helping fight oxidized cells that may be potentially harmful.
Beets contain soluble fiber, which helps increase bathroom regularity and prevent or manage constipation.
For digestion, this is huge.
More fiber is associated with regular bathroom habits and preventing gastrointestinal disease andsome cancers.
Fiber also acts as a prebiotic which “feeds” the healthy bacteria in our intestines.
Increased circulation
You might find professional athletes touting their beet juice after their workouts.
The nitrates in beets are responsible for the increased blood flow and its benefits.
Nitric oxide affects vasodilation, or increased blood flow, and bronchodilation, which makes breathing easier.
For athletes and active individuals increased blood flow to working muscles can provide a performance advantage.
