Popularly called as ‘Chukandar’ beet is the root of the beet plant. What’s the best part of the beet we all love? Believe it’s the sweet taste, deep red colour and the crunchiness. What else do you need in a vegetable? Nutrients right…. The lovely beets have that too…. Vitamin C, phosphorus, iron, magnesium and above all negligible fat and loads of fiber. All these health credentials make beetroot one of the ‘superfood’.
10 Health Benefits of Beetroot
You can BEAT numerous diseases with BEET and stay fit. Listed below are a few of them…..
1. Beat Inflammation with Antioxidant Rich Beet: Beetroot has an important colour pigment called betalain, which not only gives beet its deep red colour but also has powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and fungicidal properties. This in simple terms means that beetroot is a good way to build your body’s defense against various diseases.
2. Beat LDL Cholesterol with Nitrate Rich Beet: The Nitrates present in beet aid in detoxification and helps lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels. This avoid any blockage in the arteries.
3. Beat Constipation with Fiber Rich Beet: The high fiber content of the beetroot acts as a bulk residue and improves body’s ability to digest food. It helps improve bowel movement and prevents constipation. A cup of chopped beet when added by way of salads or subzis is sure to fulfil your 1/5th requirement of day’s fiber need. You can even try just boiling beet, chopping it and consuming it with a mild sprinkle of salt as a high fiber snack in between your meals.
4. Beat Fatigue and Stay Energetic with Nitrate Rich Beet: Drinking Beetroot Juice is said to increase the blood nitrate levels and decrease muscle usage of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) which is the main source of energy to the body. Thus the athlete will have more energy left to train harder for long hours.
5. Beat Bone Breakdown with Magnesium Rich Beet: Beets are rich in Magnesium (30.77% of RDA from a cup of chopped beet) which helps in the metabolism of calcium and potassium and formation of bones and teeth, thus avoiding fractures.
6. Beat High BP with Nitrate Rich Beet: The high Nitrate content of Beetroots which get converted to Nitric Oxide result in the expansion the blood vessels and thereby lowering the blood pressure and ensuring proper oxygen flow to all parts of the body. If you often notice signs of high blood pressure, start your day with a glass of beet juice.
7. Beat Diabetes with Low Glycemic Load Beet: While Beets have a medium GI of 61, the Glycemic Load is only 5. Hence Beets will not raise blood sugar by a lot because the total carbs in it are low. Additionally, the high fiber content of beet will also assist in keeping a check on high blood sugar levels.
8. Beat Anemia with Iron Rich Beet: If iron is lacking in the diet, iron reserves of the body are used. Once this supply is depleted the formation of hemoglobin is affected. This means the red blood cells cannot carry oxygen needed by the cells. When this happens, iron deficiency occurs and anemia results. Beets are a fairly good source of Iron provided you consume a minimum of 1 cup of chopped or grated beet. They help you match your 10% of RDA. Make beet a part of your list of iron rich foods to overcome anemia.
9. Beat Cold, Flu and Cough with Vitamin C Rich Beet: The most important function of Vitamin C is its immune fighting effect. It forms an important defense against flu, cold and cough. The best way to get the most of vitamin C is to peel it and have it raw immediately. Chopping and storing it for long and cooking tends to reduce the vitamin C content.
10. Beat Flab with Low Calorie Beet: With just 77 calories, 3 g of protein, 0.1 g of fat and 6.3 g of fiber from 1 cup of chopped beet, they are a definitely a meaningful addition to a weight loss diet.Virtually no fat, moderate amount of protein and high fiber together are important in achieving a healthy weight loss. Certainly it will add bulk and keep you satiated for long hours.
1 cup of chopped beetroot is about 180 grams
RDA stands for Recommended Daily Allowance.
Energy – 77 calories
Protein – 3 g
Carbohydrate – 15.8 g
Fat – 0.1 g
Fiber – 6.3 g
See full nutritional information of beetroot in beetroot glossary