Beet juice contains vitamins and nutrients, helps in the treatment of many diseases. It can boost immunity, slow down the aging process and prevent cancer. This drink is great for people with heartburn, hypertension, and anemia. Consider the main medicinal properties and contraindications of beet juice for the human body.
Nutritional value
Red beetroot and a drink made from it are valuable and tasty food products that are common throughout Europe. The composition of the vegetable includes:
- proteins;
- simple sugars (glucose, fructose), polysaccharides (sucrose);
- anthocyanins;
- beta-alanine, betaine;
- flavonoids: rutoside, quercetin, kaempferol;
- folic acid;
- phenolic compounds: chlorogenic, coffee, coumaric, ferulic acid;
- organic acids: oxalic, malic, citric;
- vitamins: C, A, group B, nicotinic acid;
- mineral s alts of calcium, cob alt,magnesium, iron, potassium, sodium, rubidium, cesium, as well as silicon and phosphorus.
Vegetable is the richest source of glutamine and nitrates. This is a low-calorie product, 100 g contains only 38 kcal.
If you want to take full advantage of the elements in the composition of the beets, you must use it in the appropriate form. The minerals present in the vegetable are soluble in water, and during heat treatment, beets lose many nutrients. The best solution is to cook the vegetable in the skin and remove the skin from it just before serving. In this case, all valuable compounds remain inside it.
Another valuable product for the body is freshly squeezed beetroot juice. If it is not exposed to high temperature, all the nutrients are fully preserved in a he althy drink.
Useful properties
The benefits of beetroot juice are due to its rich composition. Its main beneficial properties for the body:
- decrease in systolic blood pressure;
- improve blood circulation;
- maintaining liver function;
- help fight anemia;
- promote weight loss;
- slows down putrefactive processes in the intestines;
- regulates metabolism (promotes the removal of uric acid from the body),
- reduces bad cholesterol;
- reduces unpleasant symptoms during menopause;
- indispensable after a course of antibiotics;
- in men increases sexual function(according to some, the juice acts as an aphrodisiac);
- increase stamina (beetroot juice is an excellent energy drink that gives energy, strengthens physically and increases stamina of the body);
- helps in the recovery period after diseases.
Beetroot drink and the gastrointestinal tract
In folk medicine, this drink is used for diseases of the intestines and stomach. Due to the high content of pectin substances, beet juice facilitates digestion and suppresses putrefactive processes in the intestines, stimulates its work and has a cleansing effect. In addition, the drink stimulates the gallbladder. It is a good remedy for heartburn, lowers blood sugar, and also prevents colon and stomach cancer. The introduction of this he althy drink into the diet helps in the fight against excess weight and obesity. It suppresses cravings for sweets, which is also important. The healing properties of beetroot juice are also manifested in gastritis and stomach ulcers.
Circulatory system
Beetroot drink with honey is a well-known remedy for high blood pressure. The nitrogen compounds present in the he althy drink help dilate blood vessels, preventing heart attacks and strokes.
Due to the high content of magnesium and potassium, the beneficial properties of beet juice are used in the treatment of hypertension and other cardiovascular disorders.
Useful components in the vegetable activate the formation of red blood cells. There's a lotpositive feedback from people who cured anemia by drinking freshly squeezed red beet juice daily.
Excretory system
Beetroot juice accelerates the elimination of toxins from the body, as it stimulates the liver, intestines and kidneys. It also cleanses the blood, removes uric acid from the body. Beet roots contain a large amount of pectin, which helps to remove heavy metals, microorganisms dangerous to the digestive system, and excess cholesterol from the body.
Nervous system
Beets contain betaine, a substance that is used in the treatment of certain forms of depression. Beets also contain tryptophan, an amino acid that seems to relax the brain and give a feeling of happiness. Folic acid has a calming effect, so it helps people who have trouble sleeping to fall asleep. In addition, beetroot improves overall well-being, enhances concentration, reflexes, memory, reduces nervous tension, treats stress, depression, apathy, various kinds of neuroses, sleep disorders.
The beneficial properties of beetroot juice have also been studied in Alzheimer's disease. With age, the number of areas of the brain that are not adequately supplied with blood increases, and this, in turn, affects the development of dementia and reduces cognitive function. Scientists have proven that beets can increase blood flow to the brain due to the vegetable's high nitrate content. Nitrates dilate blood vessels and improve the flow of oxygen and blood through tissues. A diet rich in nitrates increases the flow of oxygen to the white matter of the frontal lobes of the brain. This isfrequent foci of chronic cerebrovascular insufficiency, which is the main cause of the development of Alzheimer's disease.
Musculoskeletal system
This precious drink improves muscle performance and increases endurance. The oxalic acid in beets binds inorganic calcium compounds, which are thought to be the cause of many chronic diseases. And therefore, eating beets, you can prevent inflammation of the joints, the deposition of kidney stones or varicose veins. Eating a vegetable helps prevent osteoporosis.
Beetroot juice should be a dietary component for athletes as it quickly gives energy to the body.
Reproductive system
Beetroot is a rich source of folic acid and is involved in the proper development of the fetus. Women planning a pregnancy should introduce beetroot juice into their diet 3 months before conception. This product is used in the treatment of infertility as it can increase the levels of sex hormones responsible for ovulation. Due to the fact that beetroot improves blood circulation, including in the uterus, it is advisable to use it in the luteal phase. In addition, zinc, manganese and copper stimulate growth and development, positively affect the functioning of the gonads.
Beetroot juice has been proven beneficial for men too. Even in ancient times, the Romans used this vegetable as an aphrodisiac. All this is provided by the boron in beets, which affects the production of hormones responsible for sexual desire and libido.
Red beet juice for skin
Regular consumption of this he althy drink protects the skin from premature aging and wrinkles. In addition, the lycopene present in the vegetable improves skin elasticity and protects it from sunburn. Beetroot juice helps to eliminate itching of the head, its dryness, dandruff and even psoriasis. In addition, the carotenoids in it improve the condition of the hair, increase its thickness and give it shine.
Juice is good for acne and boils. Using the juice from the vegetable to rub your skin will help keep it hydrated and supple.
How to make red beet juice?
To prepare a he althy drink, you need to choose juicy dark red varieties of beets without white rings. Before drinking, a fresh drink should be placed in an open container in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, as it contains volatile compounds that can cause discomfort, nausea and weakness. It is best to prepare a daily portion of juice in the morning and store it in the refrigerator. Fresh red beet juice can be stored in a closed bottle for 5-7 days, during which time it will not lose its valuable properties.
How to drink beetroot juice?
Don't drink pure beetroot juice. This can lead to burning, discomfort in the throat, or irritation of the stomach. It is recommended to add to it, for example, juice from carrots, cucumbers, apples and other vegetables and fruits to soften the sharp taste of the drink.
In some cases, drinking large amounts of pure beetroot juice at one time can cause malaise and even vomiting. Why? The drink has a strongdetoxification effect, so a large dose of juice causes the release of a significant amount of toxins accumulated in the body. Nutritionists advise starting with small portions of juice and gradually increasing its amount so that the body gets used to the new product.
At the beginning of the course of treatment with beetroot juice, you can add carrot or apple juice to the drink in a ratio of 1:5 and even 1:10. Then gradually increase the amount of juice from the vegetable. At the beginning of treatment, you should drink no more than 1-2 tablespoons of red beet drink per day to check the reaction of the digestive system. If the body tolerates it well, you can gradually increase the amount of juice from the vegetable to 120 ml-250 ml per day.
The drink diluted with water should be drunk half an hour before meals. It is recommended to add a few drops of vegetable oil or a spoonful of cream to it so that the body can absorb carotenoids and fat-soluble vitamins. Treatment with such a vegetable drink should last no longer than 3 months with breaks every 2 weeks.
Contraindications and side effects
Main contraindications for beet juice:
- People suffering from rheumatism or urolithiasis, due to the high content of oxalate in the vegetable, should avoid eating it in large quantities.
- People suffering from gastritis, peptic ulcer of the stomach and intestines, should not drink this drink during exacerbations of the disease. During periods of remission, beetroot juice should be drunk with great care.
- Because of the high contentsugar beet juice is not indicated for diabetics. They can eat small portions of boiled beets no more than 2 times a week.
- Patients suffering from malignant neoplasms should consult an oncologist before drinking fresh vegetable juice.
- 1-2 glasses of pure beetroot juice can cause a dramatic drop in blood pressure. The harm of beet juice in this case can be manifested by a weakening of the body or dizziness. People with low blood pressure can drink the drink only in the evening before going to bed. Otherwise, the decrease in pressure may lead to excessive sleepiness.
Recipes
To make beetroot juice you will need:
- 2 beets;
- 3-4 apples.
Preparation:
Squeeze juice from fruits and vegetables. If the taste is too intense, it can be diluted with water.
Application:
This drink has the ability to purify the blood, help to remove uric acid from the body. In addition, it stimulates blood circulation and metabolism.
Beetroot drink needs ingredients:
- 0.5 kg beets;
- honey;
- lemon juice.
Preparation:
Squeeze the juice from the vegetable and mix it in a 1:1 ratio with honey. Add lemon juice for taste.
Application:
The drink prepared in this way is indicated for convalescent, debilitated people suffering from anemia. In addition, it helps with hypertension.
Natural cosmetics
Face Tonic
Ingredients:
- tablespoon of carrot juice;
- a tablespoon of beetroot juice.
Preparation:
Mix a tablespoon of carrot juice with a spoon of beetroot juice and apply to the face with a cotton swab. After 10 minutes, rinse your face with warm water.
Application:
The tool will help moisturize the skin, improve its elasticity and reduce age spots on the skin. Be careful, the tonic stains the skin.
Hair mask
Ingredients:
- beetroot juice;
- a teaspoon of ginger.
Preparation:
Mix vegetable juice with ginger and rub into scalp.
Application:
Mask prevents hair loss and baldness.
Natural hair dye
Ingredients:
- beetroot juice;
- natural henna.
Preparation:
Natural henna should be mixed with red beet juice and applied to the hair. The mixture will give a beautiful chestnut color to the hair without damaging them. Rinsing the curls with juice alone will give them a reddish tint.
To sum up, beetroot juice is a rich source of minerals and vitamins, as well as antioxidants. The benefits and harms of beet juice for the body depend on its proper use and adherence to certain doses that cannot be exceeded.
