The beet is a root that has a earthy taste, is slightly sweetened and can be eaten cooked or raw in the salad and even in fruit juice, for example. It does very well, is rich in antioxidants and is associated with the prevention of cellular changes and degenerations, so it is related to the prevention of cancer.
In addition it brings several health benefits, such as:
- Decreases high blood pressure : it contains nitrates that help relax blood vessels;
- It improves the performance of the training : by relaxing the blood vessels allows more nutrients to reach the muscles;
- Strengthens the immune system : it is rich in zinc that activates a hormone that increases the production of defense cells of the body;
- Prevents and combats anemia : by containing iron and B vitamins prevents and treats this type of anemia;
- It maintains the health of the muscles : it contains potassium and calcium, important for the maintenance of healthy muscular fibers;
- Protects the nervous system : it is rich in vitamin B1 and B2;
- Prevents premature aging : Contains high levels of vitamin C, which is a potent antioxidant that prevents aging cells;
- It controls cholesterol and protects the heart : it has high fiber content that reduces the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine;
- Prevents cancer : in addition to vitamin C, is rich in another antioxidant, betalaine, which decreases the risk of cancer;
- Maintains eye health and prevents cataracts : it contains vitamin A that is important in maintaining eye health;
- Prevents problems in the liver and lungs : due to the presence of vitamin C and betalain.
To get all these benefits, you should consume about 250 ml of beet juice daily, and it is important to remember that people with kidney stones calcium oxalate should avoid excessive consumption of beets.
Nutrition information and how to use it
The following table shows the nutritional composition in 100 g of raw and cooked beets.
Nutritional information | Raw beet | Beet cooked |
Energy | 32 kcal | 49 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 11.1 g | 7.2 g |
Protein | 1.9 g | 1.3 g |
Fat | 0.1 g | 0.1 g |
Fibers | 3.4 g | 1.9 g |
Iron | 2.5 mg | 1.0 mg |
Potassium | 375 mg | 245 mg |
Vitamin B1 | 0.04 mg | 0.09 mg |
Calcium | 32 mg | 27 mg |
Beets can be consumed in raw salads, cooked or in juices, being ideal to consume it in the raw form, because its main antioxidant nutrient, betalaína, is lost when placed at high temperatures.
Recipe for Beet Juice and Pineapple
Ingredients
- Half cucumber
- A slice of pineapple
- 80 grams of raw beet
- Half lemon juice
How to prepare: Beat all ingredients in the blender and drink ice cream.
See other recipes for pink juices with beets to combat wrinkles and cellulite.