Beetroot stands out due to its bright red color. Not only does it look beautiful, it is also a real health booster for the body.
That’s what’s in the beetroot
100 grams of beetroot contains around 41 kcal. Beetroot has comparatively few calories and is still full of nutrients. The vegetable also contains many antioxidants. The beet contains these important minerals and vitamins:
Calcium phosphorus potassium magnesium iron zinc vitamins B1, B2, B6 vitamin C folic acid
Beetroot: This is how healthy the power beet is
Thanks to its numerous positive properties, beetroot can, among other things, prevent diseases and improve health.
1. Beetroot helps with the common disease “high blood pressure”
The beet gets its color from the pigment betanin. This is one of the flavonoids. These are water-soluble plant dyes. Betanin supports the cardiovascular system and can prevent heart disease. Betanin also has an antioxidant effect. The plant substances can intercept free radicals in the body.
A study showed that just one glass of beetroot juice daily is enough to lower blood pressure.
2. Improves brain function
Beetroot is rich in nitrates, which are converted into nitric oxide in the body. A 2010 study showed that a two-day nitrate-heavy diet can lead to better concentration, organization, and generally more accurate work.
This is because nitric oxide relaxes and dilates blood vessels – including in the brain. This allows oxygen and nutrients to be transported better. As we age, our capacity to produce nitrogen oxides decreases. Beetroot can counteract this.
3. Increased endurance
Drinking a glass of beetroot juice before cardio can help you last a few minutes longer. Because the nitrates in beetroot boost endurance. The nitrate level is at its highest two to three hours after consumption.
4. Improved liver function
You can benefit not only from the nitrate in beetroot, but also from the betanin. The dye not only helps with high blood pressure (see point 1), but also has positive effects on the liver.
Betanin supports liver functions, reduces cholesterol and reduces liver size. The tuber also reduces accumulation of fat in the liver.
6. Helps with common digestive problems
Like many other vegetables, beetroot has digestive fiber. For good digestion, you should consume plenty of fiber every day. Just one glass of beetroot juice prevents constipation and reduces the risk of developing hemorrhoids.
The betanin also has a positive effect on digestion.
How to prepare beetroot
The tuber is a winter vegetable and is harvested fresh from September to March. During the season you can buy beetroot fresh.
Cook the tuber with the peel (this will retain as many minerals as possible) in boiling water for 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the tuber, until it is soft. The beetroot is cooked when you can easily pierce it with a knife. Afterwards, you can simply scrape off the peel with a knife.
Alternatively, you can also steam the tuber. If you are in a hurry, you can also buy beetroot pre-cooked and packaged in the supermarket.
Tipp: Pay attention to your hands and clothing when processing beetroot, as the red juice quickly leaves stubborn stains.