Beet or beetroots as they are called, also known as the table beet, garden beet or red beet is one of the many cultivated varieties of beets elong to the Chenopodiaceous family, the beet or beets became popular in Roman times and it was used to treat fever, constipation, wounds, skin problems - and was used as an aphrodisiac probably because of salacious scenes that were discovered on the walls of brothels in Pompeii.
Beet root history:Red beets were already cultivated thousands of years ago. Based on evidence found in the Neolithic site of Aartswoud in the Netherlands, beetroot was already used & cultivated in as early as 8500BC. There were also excavated remains in the Saqqara pyramid at Thebes in Egypt dating as far back as 2648BC.
The Ancient Romans were one of the first civilizations who cultivated beets and used beetroots as food. They also recognized its healing abilities, regarding it as a cure to all illnesses. Red beets were offered to Apollo in his temple at Delhi, where it was regarded to be worth more than silver. Apicius, a renowned Roman gourmet, even included beetroot in his book ‘The Art of Cooking’.
Uses of the beet :
The usually deep-red roots of beet are eaten boiled either as a cooked vegetable, or added as an ingredient to salads, soups and pickles and also used as a natural coloring agent. Even though beets are available throughout the year they are still seasonal vegetables. A large proportion of the commercial production is processed into boiled and sterilized beets or into pickles. In Eastern Europe beet soup, such as borscht, is a popular dish.
Beetroot is also been used as a treatment for cancer in Europe for many years. Specific anti-carcinogens are bound to the red coloring matter which supposedly helps fight against cancer and beetroot also increases the uptake of oxygen by as much as 400 percent. Additional studies are taking place to add support to these claims.
The green leafy part of the beetroot is also of nutritional value containing beta-carotene and other carotenoids, (Carotenoid refers to plant pigments - of which there is a family of about 600 different types) These all function as antioxidants. The yellow, orange, and many of the red pigments in fruits, vegetables, and plant materials are usually carotenoids.) This part of the beet also contains lots of folate, iron, potassium and some vitamin C.
The roots and greens therefore are great for women in general and for those planning pregnancy. Try eating the leaves and stalk boiled or steam and accompany with other more flavorsome veggies like onions and garlic. Or chop finely and add to quiches or stir-fries.
So, what are the beetroot benefits?
The benefits of Beetroot are numerous but very few peoples know about this Super veggi. Beetroot or simply "Beet" is normally cooked and sliced or grated for salad commonly in almost each an every household in the world, beet is classed as a “super food” in today’s nutritional jargon.
The belief that Beetroot is good for the blood is not correct. Of course beetroot is good for you; it is not high in iron so it will not help prevent anemia, which many believe it will do. Beetroots main benefit is that it contains no fat, very few calories and is a great source of fiber. Beetroot leaves can be eaten raw when young, Incidentally, young beetroot leaves are a better source of iron than spinach!The roots are a good source of many other vitamins and minerals, including folic acid, phosphorous, magnesium and B6.
Health Benefits of Beetroot
Beet is an excellent source of folate, iron, magnesium, sodium, potassium and betaine which is important for cardiovascular health. It is also abundant in vitamin C and antioxidants. Beetroot is a super-storehouse of both vitamin C and iron, which is great news for your body.
Both are essential elements for health, but many of us struggle to absorb enough iron. Luckily, our good old 'Mother Nature' included extra vitamin C in her beetroots and this vitamin helps increase iron absorption! Vitamin C is water soluble, which means it leaches out of veggies when you cook them in water. So the easiest way to get your combo-fix is to eat raw beetroot.
The plant also protects against birth defects and certain types of cancer. The herb is also a good general tonic that can be used by pregnant women, and is also good in purifying the liver, kidney and gall-bladder.
Beet juice and leaves are packed with powerful antioxidants contained in its pigments, including anthocyanins, beta-carotene and multi-nutrient compounds. Beetroot is also a rich source of boron which plays a role in the production of testosterone, this is probably the reason why beetroot is considered as a modern aphrodisiac
Preliminary studies also suggest that the betaine content of beetroot may protect against liver disease, especially the buildup of fatty deposits in the liver brought about by alcohol abuse, protein deficiency and diabetes. Betaine also helps people with hypochlorhydria.
Beet juice can prevent strokes & heart attacks :
Beetroot juice has been shown to reduce high blood pressure. It affects an estimated 25% of the world’s adult population and is a significant factor in coronary heart disease and strokes.
Researchers of Medicine found that drinking 500ml of beetroot juice a day can significantly reduce high blood pressure within one hour. The effect is attributed to the high nitrate content of beetroot and can last for over 24 hours after drinking. Beets are also good in keeping cholesterol levels at bay while protecting the body against heart diseases.
Another study shows that beetroot has positive effects on humans who undergo exercise. Scientist found that cyclists who drank half a liter of beetroot juice several hours before setting off were able to ride 20% longer. Whilst most of us wouldn’t fancy a pint of red stuff every morning, the research gives us a very big hint that including at least some beetroot in our diet on a daily basis will be good for us.
Cautions:Some people who eat beetroot may experience a red or pink color in the urine or stool. This may not look normal, but is really harmless and transient. Over-consumption of beetroot greens, on the other hand, is not advisable to those with kidney stones because of its oxalate content. Beetroot also has high amounts of natural sugar and are not advisable for those with diabetes.
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| beet |
The Ancient Romans were one of the first civilizations who cultivated beets and used beetroots as food. They also recognized its healing abilities, regarding it as a cure to all illnesses. Red beets were offered to Apollo in his temple at Delhi, where it was regarded to be worth more than silver. Apicius, a renowned Roman gourmet, even included beetroot in his book ‘The Art of Cooking’.
Uses of the beet :
The usually deep-red roots of beet are eaten boiled either as a cooked vegetable, or added as an ingredient to salads, soups and pickles and also used as a natural coloring agent. Even though beets are available throughout the year they are still seasonal vegetables. A large proportion of the commercial production is processed into boiled and sterilized beets or into pickles. In Eastern Europe beet soup, such as borscht, is a popular dish.
Beetroot is also been used as a treatment for cancer in Europe for many years. Specific anti-carcinogens are bound to the red coloring matter which supposedly helps fight against cancer and beetroot also increases the uptake of oxygen by as much as 400 percent. Additional studies are taking place to add support to these claims.
The green leafy part of the beetroot is also of nutritional value containing beta-carotene and other carotenoids, (Carotenoid refers to plant pigments - of which there is a family of about 600 different types) These all function as antioxidants. The yellow, orange, and many of the red pigments in fruits, vegetables, and plant materials are usually carotenoids.) This part of the beet also contains lots of folate, iron, potassium and some vitamin C.
The roots and greens therefore are great for women in general and for those planning pregnancy. Try eating the leaves and stalk boiled or steam and accompany with other more flavorsome veggies like onions and garlic. Or chop finely and add to quiches or stir-fries.
 |
| beet root |
The benefits of Beetroot are numerous but very few peoples know about this Super veggi. Beetroot or simply "Beet" is normally cooked and sliced or grated for salad commonly in almost each an every household in the world, beet is classed as a “super food” in today’s nutritional jargon.
The belief that Beetroot is good for the blood is not correct. Of course beetroot is good for you; it is not high in iron so it will not help prevent anemia, which many believe it will do. Beetroots main benefit is that it contains no fat, very few calories and is a great source of fiber. Beetroot leaves can be eaten raw when young, Incidentally, young beetroot leaves are a better source of iron than spinach!The roots are a good source of many other vitamins and minerals, including folic acid, phosphorous, magnesium and B6.
Health Benefits of Beetroot
Beet is an excellent source of folate, iron, magnesium, sodium, potassium and betaine which is important for cardiovascular health. It is also abundant in vitamin C and antioxidants. Beetroot is a super-storehouse of both vitamin C and iron, which is great news for your body.
Both are essential elements for health, but many of us struggle to absorb enough iron. Luckily, our good old 'Mother Nature' included extra vitamin C in her beetroots and this vitamin helps increase iron absorption! Vitamin C is water soluble, which means it leaches out of veggies when you cook them in water. So the easiest way to get your combo-fix is to eat raw beetroot.
The plant also protects against birth defects and certain types of cancer. The herb is also a good general tonic that can be used by pregnant women, and is also good in purifying the liver, kidney and gall-bladder.
Beet juice and leaves are packed with powerful antioxidants contained in its pigments, including anthocyanins, beta-carotene and multi-nutrient compounds. Beetroot is also a rich source of boron which plays a role in the production of testosterone, this is probably the reason why beetroot is considered as a modern aphrodisiac
Preliminary studies also suggest that the betaine content of beetroot may protect against liver disease, especially the buildup of fatty deposits in the liver brought about by alcohol abuse, protein deficiency and diabetes. Betaine also helps people with hypochlorhydria.
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| beetroot juice |
Beet juice can prevent strokes & heart attacks :
Beetroot juice has been shown to reduce high blood pressure. It affects an estimated 25% of the world’s adult population and is a significant factor in coronary heart disease and strokes.
Researchers of Medicine found that drinking 500ml of beetroot juice a day can significantly reduce high blood pressure within one hour. The effect is attributed to the high nitrate content of beetroot and can last for over 24 hours after drinking. Beets are also good in keeping cholesterol levels at bay while protecting the body against heart diseases.
Another study shows that beetroot has positive effects on humans who undergo exercise. Scientist found that cyclists who drank half a liter of beetroot juice several hours before setting off were able to ride 20% longer. Whilst most of us wouldn’t fancy a pint of red stuff every morning, the research gives us a very big hint that including at least some beetroot in our diet on a daily basis will be good for us.
Cautions:Some people who eat beetroot may experience a red or pink color in the urine or stool. This may not look normal, but is really harmless and transient. Over-consumption of beetroot greens, on the other hand, is not advisable to those with kidney stones because of its oxalate content. Beetroot also has high amounts of natural sugar and are not advisable for those with diabetes.
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