The benefits and harm of beets

Beet - a vegetable that is in almost every home. From it you can cook a huge variety of delicious dishes.This article will tell you more about the benefits of eating this vegetable for the body and the possible harm it can cause.

Many people have probably heard that eating beets is necessary in order to stay healthy. However, not everyone is aware of the beneficial substances contained in this red vegetable. Beets can be considered a real storehouse of vitamins. The spectrum of mineral components present in its composition is also striking. Root is rich in various sugars. So, fresh beets contain mono- and disaccharides. They provide a special sweetish taste of the vegetable, loved by many since childhood.

The rather high content of natural sugar contributes to the fact that this vegetable is used to prepare not only vegetable snacks and salads, but even for making desserts. You can make delicious marmalade and homemade candies from beets. Such delicacies will be an excellent alternative to harmful sweets and greasy baking.

Sweet root vegetables contain a lot of water. During cooking, some of the natural fluid is “lost”. Such changes contribute to the fact that the taste of boiled beets is significantly different from the raw. However, in order to bring more benefits to your body, eating beets should not only be boiled, but also fresh. So the cells of the body will be provided with a large number of minerals they need.

Bright root vegetables contain a huge amount of dietary fiber. These components are necessary to maintain the normal functioning of the large intestine. Getting into it in the process of digestion, dietary fiber, like a soft sponge, helps cleanse the intestinal walls of food debris. Also, plant fibers contribute to the growth of beneficial microorganisms that live in the large intestine and are necessary to maintain the physiological microflora.

Contain roots and starch. In the process of digestion, this polysaccharide is transformed into simple sugar - glucose, which is used for the needs of all the cells in our body. The presence of starch in beets contributes to the fact that the juice of this vegetable can be cooked healthy jelly. This drink is used in traditional medicine to treat constipation, as well as to normalize the contractile function of the intestine.

The unique taste of the vegetable is largely due to the organic acids it contains. The presence of these substances is clearly defined in fresh vegetables. After heat treatment, the concentration of these useful components in the root is reduced, which contributes to the change in its taste properties.

The taste of beet depends on its variety. Currently, breeders have brought out many different varieties of root crops that have a pronounced sweet taste. Growing conditions also affect the sweetness of root crops. The lack of proper watering in hot summer may cause the beets to “lose” their natural sweetness and become less tasty.

Root vegetables also contain beta carotene. This active ingredient provides good vision and is also essential for skin and hair. People who regularly consume a sufficient amount of this component look better and feel great. Also beta carotene contributes maintaining a good job of immunity.

When drafting a diet, people who watch their weight often take into account the content of certain food nutrients in certain foods. Thus, the caloric content of 100 grams of beets is 40 kilocalories. This amount of calories is found in raw vegetables. After cooking, given the fact that the roots contain di- and polysaccharides, the caloric content increases and is already 48-50 kcal.The main energy value is carbohydrates. 100 grams of vegetables contain almost 9 g. It is impossible to fill the body cells with proteins and fats due to the consumption of beets, since they are practically not contained in this vegetable. Thus, 100 grams of vegetables contain only 1.6 g of protein and 0.1 g of fat.

Root vegetables are rich in the following mineral components:

• sodium;
• potassium;
• calcium;
• magnesium;
• chlorine;
• sulfur;
• phosphorus;
• iodine;
• manganese;
• copper;
• boron;
• nickel;
• chrome.

The chemical composition of beets can be found many elements of the periodic table. It is no coincidence that representatives of traditional medicine call this vegetable a real “vegetable pharmacy”. Contained in root crops and amino acids, extremely useful to an organism. Among them are histadine and arginine. These components of our body cells need daily. Amino acids act as a kind of "building blocks" that are used to build all cellular organelles.

The beneficial properties of root crops for the human body are enormous. Beet, perhaps, is one of the few vegetables that is allowed to eat as a very small children, and the elderly.

The "usefulness" of root crops lies largely in the abundance of active substances contained in them. Minerals that are present in large quantities in beets have a positive effect on the work of almost all human internal organs.

Ancient healers used beets to treat a wide variety of ailments. So, these vegetables helped to cope with the adverse symptoms of skin diseases. Beets were successfully used for the treatment of infections.

The specific mineral composition contributes to the fact that the beet helps to normalize the metabolism. Minerals contribute to changes in the acid-base balance in the body, which reduces the likelihood of developing many dangerous pathologies. Eating beets, especially raw, helps to improve metabolism. It is no coincidence that raw root vegetables allowed to use by people who carefully monitor their weight. People who regularly use beets feel much better. The minerals found in root vegetables help to increase endurance and even contribute to improving stress resistance. Potassium contained in vegetables helps to normalize the work of the heart muscle (myocardium), helping to increase exercise tolerance.

Beetroot not only helps to improve the course of metabolic processes in the body, but also contributes to the removal from the body of unwanted decay products formed in the process of life. The use of beets also helps to get rid of toxins, which are formed during the active work of the cells.

Of course, it is impossible to cure with the help of beets from cancer. However, it is possible to reduce the likelihood of the formation of dangerous tumors with regular use of this vegetable. Beetroot helps to improve men's health. Thus, the minerals present in the vegetable help to increase the libido, and also have a beneficial effect on the potency. In men who regularly eat these roots, the risk of developing chronic diseases of the genital organs is reduced several times.

Root vegetables contain components that can reduce inflammation.Experts of traditional medicine have long known about this ability. It is no coincidence that beets are recommended for use in the treatment of many inflammatory diseases of internal organs.

The components contained in beets have a positive effect on women's health. So, with the systematic use of vegetables decreases the severity of the manifestations of premenstrual syndrome. Dishes prepared from root vegetables, for women who have difficulty tolerating PMS, are best eaten in the second half of the cycle. So the severity of adverse symptoms will be slightly lower.

The active ingredients contained in root vegetables also help to reduce the intensity of pain in the stomach that occurs in the first days of menstruation. Beetroot also contains vegetable iron. During menstruation a woman loses a lot of blood. In order to reduce the risk of iron deficiency, during menstruation, women rich in iron and ascorbic acid should be added to their diets for women of reproductive age. The use of beet salads helps reduce the risk of developing such dangerous pathologies.

In addition to the laxative effect on the body, sweet roots have a diuretic (diuretic) effect. When eating salads prepared from raw beets or beet juice, this effect is felt much stronger. The diuretic effect helps to reduce the appearance of edema on the body. People suffering from increased propensity for pastoznost, be sure to include in your menu dishes prepared with the addition of raw root vegetables.

Beetroot is a vegetable that is also great for a person who is intensively involved in sports. Even professional athletes, who carefully monitor their daily meals, include dishes from this vegetable in their menu. Muscles and the heart of a person actively engaged in physical exercise need minerals. The inclusion of beet dishes in the menu helps fill this increased physiological need.

Nutrition during childbirth should be made up correctly. In any balanced diet, vegetables are necessarily present. However, expectant mothers should eat only those of them that can not harm either them or their babies. Beets are relatively safe products that you can eat during pregnancy.

Eat this vegetable in the absence of contraindications can be both in early and late pregnancy. Inclusion in the diet of salads and other dishes from these roots helps to reduce the risk of constipation. It also helps reduce beetroot and the risk of developing iron deficiency anemia, a pathology that, unfortunately, is quite often currently registered in pregnant women.

Of course, to use beets raw during pregnancy is not worth it. This is especially not necessary for women who, even before conceiving a baby, have never used a vegetable like this. The abundance of active ingredients contained in raw root crops can provoke adverse symptoms in the expectant mother. So, after eating raw beets, the risk of developing flatulence and diarrhea increases significantly.

Proper nutrition during breastfeeding is also very important. At this time, a woman excludes all products from her menu, which can provoke allergic symptoms and other adverse clinical manifestations in her baby. Beets, of course, can provoke a skin rash in a child, but this is quite rare.

It is still possible to add boiled beets in a small amount into the diet of a nursing mother. However, before this you should always consult with your doctor. When eating root vegetables, you should always monitor the condition of the skin and the general well-being of the child. With the appearance of redness on the cheeks, the development of peeling or behavior change, you should definitely show the crumbs to the pediatrician. The cause of such symptoms in this situation may be an allergy.

Pediatricians are not advised to rush too much with the introduction of these roots in the diet. In the first month of HB beet in the menu is not necessary. This can only provoke the appearance of a red skin rash on the baby, as well as abdominal cramps.

Eating people suffering from hypertension should be not only healthy, but also tasty. Thus, the inclusion of beet dishes in the menu helps to significantly diversify the diet. At the same time, root crops contain many mineral compounds that improve the state of the vascular system.

The danger of hypertension is that with this disease the risk of complications is high. So, with a long-term development of the pathology, the likelihood of heart rhythm disorders is high. Beets contain many minerals that help reduce the likelihood of these pathologies.

Root crops contain nicotinic acid, which helps to strengthen the walls of blood vessels. With long-term development of hypertension, the risk of development of pathological arterial ruptures is quite high. To prevent such complications can be with the help of minerals, which are contained in large quantities in beets.

People with hypertension, especially those with kidney damage, often have edema. They appear more often on the face. Pastoznost manifests itself, as a rule, in the morning, after waking up. If hypertension is accompanied by heart failure, swelling may also occur on the legs.

The beets contain substances that contribute to the removal of excess fluid from the body. This effect helps to reduce edema, which also has a positive effect on blood pressure indicators.

It is possible to consume beets with hypertension both fresh and boiled. Also, root vegetables can be baked. When cooking vegetable dishes should monitor the amount of salt. So, sodium chloride contributes to fluid retention, which not only leads to edema, but also to an increase in pressure.

Beets are recommended for many diseases of the liver tissue. So, in the composition of the roots there is a special substance - betaine. By its chemical structure, it belongs to the group of glycine derivatives.Scientists have established the benefits of this component relatively recently. So, it is believed that betaine acts as a catalyst in the synthesis of specific components necessary for the construction of liver cells. This substance activates the formation of phospholipids. Such an effect and the fact that betaine acts as a hepatoprotector. Also this important component contributes to the normalization of metabolism.

Every day, liver cells neutralize hundreds of toxic substances that enter our body. They also participate in the formation of many hormones and enzymes, without which the functioning of the body is simply impossible. Improper diet, alcohol, nicotine, stress - all these factors do not add to the health of the liver. On the contrary, all this contributes to the deterioration of its work. Properly chosen diet is the key to the normal functioning of this organ responsible for digestion.

A person who has been diagnosed with fatty hepatosis of the liver, should use beet salads at least twice a week. The betaine contained in such dishes will help improve the functioning of this organ, as well as reduce the likelihood of many complications. Scientists are currently conducting large-scale studies on the potential impact of betaine on the possibility of reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Scientific experiments are also being conducted that study the possible protective effect of this component on malignant neoplasms of the mammary gland.

Beet juice is used in traditional medicine and to improve biliary excretion. It is believed that the course application of juice helps reduce the risk of cholelithiasis. That is why beets are recommended to include in the diet of people who have a high risk of developing this disease.

With the help of beets, you can even carry out "cleansing" the liver. Such procedures help prevent the development of dangerous pathologies of this organ, as well as help to improve bile formation. Cleansing the liver with beetroot juice also has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the gallbladder. After a course of such procedures reduces the likelihood of bile stagnation.

Beets in certain cases can bring the body and harm. Usually, unpleasant symptoms appear when eating a vegetable by people who have contraindications to it. So, you should not eat vegetables with intestinal pathologies, accompanied by frequent stools. Beet contains a lot of plant fiber, which can increase the severity of this symptom, bringing discomfort. The presence of ulcers in the intestines, especially in the stage of scarring, is also a contraindication to the use of root crops.

Raw beets are also contraindicated for people suffering from gastritis. Raw root vegetables contain a lot of organic acids, which can cause the appearance of pain in the epigastrium. It is extremely dangerous to use raw beet salad during a period of subsiding exacerbation of gastritis.

People suffering from urolithiasis should always discuss this with their doctor before including beets in their diet. Beetroot refers to vegetables that can affect the composition of urinary sediment and urine pH. Such changes can cause kidney stones.

Renal failure - a strict contraindication for the use of beets. The kidneys due to pathological disorders in such a pathology function incompletely. Such changes in the urinary system often lead to the fact that a sick person appears swelling, changes in body weight, as well as other adverse symptoms. The use of beets can exacerbate the development of pathology, which is extremely negative impact on health in general.

Sweet root vegetables contain quite a lot of natural sugars.These "fast" carbohydrates are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, which contributes to the "jump" of glucose in the blood. This should definitely be remembered for people suffering from diabetes. Before including starchy foods in your menu, including beets, such people be sure to consult with an endocrinologist.

Individual intolerance beet - another restriction for the use of this vegetable. This pathology persists in a person throughout life. In order to avoid the appearance of uncomfortable symptoms in the presence of this disease, all “provocateurs” products should be abandoned, which can lead to a deterioration of health. If you find individual intolerance to beets, you should immediately exclude this vegetable from your menu.

Do not eat beets raw and people who have a tendency to develop internal bleeding. These root vegetables contain active ingredients that can act on the vascular walls. This effect can cause the development of internal bleeding, if a person has a pathology in the structure of blood vessels. Restrictions on the use of raw vegetables are also imposed in the case of just undergone surgery on the abdominal organs.

When eating raw root vegetables or juice made from them, a burning sensation often develops in the oropharynx area. The appearance of this symptom is due to exposure to organic acids, which are contained in raw beets. In order to cope with this symptom, after eating raw vegetables, the mouth should be rinsed well with water.

When using beet juice is better to use a straw. Drink it in a concentrated form should not be. It is better to first dilute it with water. If desired, beet juice can be combined with others. So, from the juice of beets, apples and carrots you can make a healthy drink. When cooking beet dishes, you should always evaluate the possible health risks from all the ingredients that make up them. So, beets are often combined with garlic. When using this salad should be remembered that it can provoke an exacerbation of gastritis or peptic ulcer. Therefore, there is no such dish for people with these pathologies. Also, garlic, which is part of this dish, can provoke an increase in heartbeat, which is extremely dangerous for people suffering from tachycardia and arrhythmia.

The selection of root vegetables for cooking should be done very carefully. A person eats, as a rule, underground parts of a beet as food. Beet tops used for cooking much less. Root crops, while growing, can accumulate various mineral salts and substances that are in the soil. If the soil is treated with pesticides, then these substances may also be in vegetables.

From the point of view of processing chemicals, the safest root crops are those that are grown in their own backyard. When using such vegetables, you can be sure that no dangerous pesticides were added to the soil during their cultivation.

Buying beets is better in season. Vegetables just dug out of the ground contain more beneficial substances. However, beet roots, if properly stored in a cool dark place, are able to preserve the active ingredients for a sufficiently long period of time. Such vegetables are also suitable for the preparation of delicious and healthy vegetable dishes.

Beets can be eaten and people who watch their weight. Of course, this vegetable contains polysaccharides. However, if the norm of consumption is observed, the roots will not contribute to gaining extra pounds.

A safe way to use beets on a diet is to eat raw root vegetables. In this form, eat vegetables in large quantities simply will not work. Also in raw vegetables, the maximum of active substances is preserved, which contribute to the laxative and diuretic effects on the body.

You can combine raw beets with various vegetables. So, grated root vegetables can be mixed with finely chopped cabbage and apple. This salad can be eaten instead of dinner. If desired, you can add a vegetable dish with a baked cutlet made from lean ground beef or chicken.

When cooking beet salads be sure to remember about the gas stations. It is in them, as a rule, and contains a greater number of calories. Thus, the addition of olive or vegetable oil to salad significantly increases the calorie content of the dish. People who are obese and follow a strict diet often fill up vegetable salads with low-fat yogurt. This dressing is not high in calories and does not harm the figure.

Beet broth helps to eliminate excess fluid from the body, which also contributes to weight loss. Prepare it completely easy. To do this, just take one large beet. Root crop should be well washed, cleaned from the skin and pour 750 ml of cold water.

Boil the broth should be on low heat. Ready a healthy drink when the root becomes soft. To check this, simply pierce the beets with a knife. If the knife easily enters the vegetable flesh, then it is ready. Next, from the finished decoction should be extracted beets, which can be used to prepare a delicious salad.

Broth is necessary to pour into the storage tank. An ordinary glass jug is best for this purpose. Store beet broth better in the refrigerator. In such a cool place, it retains its beneficial properties for a couple of days.

Fragrant root vegetables are great for preparing various salads that promote weight loss. Such dishes can be eaten not only for obese people, but also for those who want to maintain their harmony. To prepare a delicious salad will require:

• raw beets - 2 pcs .;
• pear - 1 pc .;
• olive oil - 2 tbsp. l .;
• lemon juice - 1 tsp;
• honey - ½ tsp;
• some salt.

Raw beets need to grind with a large grater. Juice, which is formed at the same time, do not need to merge. It can be added to the gas station. Pear should be well washed, peeled and cut into long stripes. To prepare the dressing, mix lemon juice with oil, and then add honey to the mixture. Grated beets must be mixed with a pear, salt and season with cooked dressing. This salad for weight loss is better to use for lunch or instead of a light dinner.

During the weight loss from the use of boiled beets is better to refuse. Raw beets can be eaten. The following salad will help reduce swelling and normalize stools. To cook this dish, take:

• raw beets - 250 g;
• pomegranate seeds - 50 g;
• olive oil for dressing;
• some salt;
• cilantro.

To prepare this dish will take only a few minutes. Peeled beets need to grate on a coarse grater. Chopped cilantro. To chopped beets need to add greens, salt and season with a little oil. This dish helps to cope with constipation, as well as improves the appearance of the skin. If desired, add some honey to the salad. This will add new flavors to the dish.

For the benefits and dangers of beet juice, see the next issue of the program "To live healthy!".