Beet juice – how it can support our health
There are many vegetables that Poles even love, eating them both cold and hot, on their own or as a tasty addition to other dishes. One of the most consumed and popular vegetables is certainly red beets, which we should eat all year round. They are excellent for strengthening our health and in various aspects, it is also worth having beet juice at home with its rich composition and numerous medicinal properties.
Contents
Which species of beets are used to make health-promoting juice?
Many species of beets are grown in our country, it is worth mentioning sugar beets, but most of them are not suitable for juice, which is supposed to take care of the functioning of the body comprehensively . One particular variety of beet is used for this , the red beet, also called beet.
It is a vegetable recommended for consumption by doctors and specialists in healthy nutrition, having numerous vitamins, minerals and other nutrients in its composition. It has a beneficial effect on almost all systems and organs of the human body, strengthening them and improving their condition, both physically and mentally. They serve as a base for squeezing tasty juice, the composition and properties of which are worth learning a little more about.
What nutrients does fresh beet juice contain?
The health-promoting effect of beet, whether in the form of juice or as an addition to other dishes, such as salads or soups, is due to its extremely rich composition. It’s safe to say that it contains everything that doctors indicate for the proper functioning of our body, emphasizing above all the importance of such active compounds as:
- vitamin A;
- B vitamins: thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pyridoxine (B6), folic acid (B9);
- Vitamin C;
- vitamin E;
- vitamin K;
- important elements for health: boron, chlorine, zinc, phosphorus, fluorine, lithium, magnesium, copper, molybdenum, potassium, calcium and iron;
- saponins;
- phenolic compounds;
- betanin, responsible for the color of red beets;
- organic acids, including malic, oxalic, tartaric and citric acids;
- polyphenols;
- carotenoids;
- fiber;
- complete protein.
Which properties of beet juice have an impact on health?
The importance of providing the body with the right components of the above-mentioned nutrients cannot be underestimated. However, why provide them, for example, in the form of dietary supplements in tablets, which would have to be taken several or more per day, if it is enough to drink the daily amount of beet juice recommended by specialists. Its broad health-promoting properties are appreciated:
- anti-inflammatory and antibacterial;
- antioxidant,
- antiseptic;
- alleviating symptoms of respiratory diseases;
- strengthening the weakened natural immunity of the body;
- reducing too high levels of sugar and cholesterol LDL in the blood;
- supporting the course of digestion and metabolism;
- counteracting digestive disorders;
- inhibiting excessive feelings of hunger;
- increasing the condition and efficiency of the body, physical and mental;
- slowing down the processes of natural aging;
- strengthening the heart and other elements of the circulatory system;
- counteracting anemia;
- regulating sleep;
- alleviating states of nervous tension, including stress and depression;
- protecting internal organs from the influence of toxins, especially the liver;
- enhancing memory and concentration;
- restoring the body’s disturbed acid-base balance;
- relieving some symptoms of menopause, headaches and violent hot flashes.
In what cases can be used beet juice?
The composition of red beet juice, as well as its exceptionally high number of health properties, affect the same wide range of applications in natural medicine in general. You can even risk saying that the juice is one of its cornerstones, and it is usednot only prophylactically, but also to help relieve the symptoms of various ailments, such as:
Lowering and regulating blood pressure
Hypertension is one of the most serious diseases of civilization of our time, so it is necessary to react quickly to emerging increases in blood pressure. In its regulation and maintenance at a level that does not threaten health, and in extreme cases, even life, is helped by regular drinking of beet juice. This is influenced by its properties that increase the synthesis of nitric oxide, which is essential for this.
Strengthening the heart and blood vessels
Juice not only reduces blood pressure that is too high, it should also become an important part of the prevention of other cardiovascular diseases. The B vitamins present in it support the processes of red blood cell formation, which protects against anemia, and reduce the levels of the harmful cholesterol fraction LDL. At the same time, the juice improves blood flow by dilating and increasing the elasticity of blood vessel walls and minimizes the risk of heart attack or stroke and atherosclerosis.
Anti-cancer effects
The effect of beet juice on reducing the risk of developing cancer is still being studied, so it cannot be said unequivocally that it can stop this often fatal disease. Its effect precisely in this regard is influenced by the content of a large amount of antioxidants, such as. vitamin C and vitamin E, allowing to get rid of free radicals from the system, a common cause of various types of cancer.
Improve digestion and metabolism
Drinking beet juice is especially recommended for people struggling with increasing body weight, overweight or obesity. The unique composition of beets has a beneficial effect on improving digestive processes, counteracting disorders of the digestive system, relieving bloating, constipation or the effects of an upset stomach, among other things.
It also helps speed up metabolism, i.e. metabolic processes leading to faster and more efficient burning of excess body fat. It is also worth noting that, thanks to the presence of dietary fiber, it allows you to control sudden attacks of hunger and more effectively rid the body of lingering toxins.
Support for the nervous system
Equally important as improving the functioning of the cardiovascular system, which again is facilitated by the presence of virtually the entire range of vitamin B. Providing their recommended doses allows to improve the work of the brain and nervous system in a relatively short period of time, while improving memory, concentration and the ability to learn, to absorb large amounts of new information. It can simultaneously reduce the risk of dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Soothing a sore throat
Beet juice will be perfect as an effective remedy for cold and flu symptoms, primarily for the pain and scratchy feeling in the throat. It will alleviate them instantly, plus it facilitates the removal of secretions lingering in the respiratory tract, influenced by its expectorant properties.
Diabetes prevention
As indicated by specialists in natural medicine, especially phytotherapy, or herbal medicine, drinking beet juice should become part of prevention against type 1 or type 2 diabetes, another disease of civilization. The presence of fiber makes it possible to lower blood sugar levels and counteract uncontrolled sugar spikes that pose a health risk.
Are there contraindications to drinking beet juice and what is its dosage?
Before you reach for beet juice, buying it from a herbal or health food store, or making it in your ownyour own, you should know the contraindications that prevent its consumption, the most important of which are:
- rheumatism;
- gout;
- kidney stones;
- arterial hypotension.
Even when you do not find any obstacles in yourself, you should at the same time observe the recommended daily dosage of beet juice, and you should rather not drink more than 1 glass a day, preferablyin the morning on an empty stomach.
Sources:
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-beets
- https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/beetroot-diabetes
- https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/beetroot-juice-benefits