Known for their distinctive red-purple color and cooking versatility, beets are firm favorite in communities around the world. They can be used to make anything from stir fry to ice cream flavoring. Loved for their slightly sweet and earthy taste and aroma, beets also have high nutritional value as well. Learn how eating more beets can affect your wellbeing and figure.
Nutritional Value of Beets
Beets have an interesting nutritional profile that consists of both common and rare nutrients. These ground vegetables have high amounts of folic acid. They are also filled with vitamins A, B and C. They are natural carriers of manganese and potassium, and have smaller quantities of calcium, copper, iron and phosphorus. They have higher carbohydrate content than other vegetables but are considerably low in fat.
Beets and Disease Prevention
The nutritional value of beets is best shown by its prevention and treatment of diseases. Beets have great amounts of folic acid, copper and manganese, which help control free radicals in the body. Free radicals are molecules that damage your cells and if left uncontrolled, can cause illnesses. Copper and manganese act like antioxidants by eliminating harmful substances that cause cancer, inflammation, premature aging and birth defects.
Beets and Mental Health
Several studies show that eating beets can improve brain health and improve your mood. Beets have iron, which is a nutrient that carries oxygen to your brain and other organs. Some of the substances in beets are extracted and made into medications for depression and other mental ailments.
Beets and Bone Health
As the most prominent nutrient, manganese is at the core of the nutritional value of beets. This mineral plays a role in maintaining good bone density and can prevent fractures. Bones generally wear down as we get older. This is why menopausal women and those suffering from osteoporosis should aim to increase their manganese intake both naturally and with supplements.
Beets and Diabetes
Because beets have slightly higher amounts of carbohydrates, diabetics are concerned how these vegetables can influence blood sugar levels. There is research that the manganese in beets can help normalize the production of insulin. This prevents drops in blood sugar. Speak to your doctor about including beets in your diabetic diet first.
Beets and Weight Loss
Another impressive benefit of manganese in beets is in aiding metabolism. Together with vitamin B, manganese help metabolize protein, vitamins and cholesterol. Beets are also extremely low-caloric foods, with a cup of chopped beets averaging around 60 calories.
Beets and the Heart
The heart can be a complicated organ and one that needs potassium to keep pumping. Fortunately, beets contain a lot of potassium, which helps to regulate the rhythm of your heart beat. Potassium is also believed to prevent heart irregularities and disease. This nutrient supports kidney function as well.
The nutritional value of beets is nothing less than impressive. A serving can provide an array of vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates that perform everything from lowering high blood pressure to preventing diabetes. Add beets to your meals as frequently as you can to improve your nutrition.
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