The Benefits And Harms Of Raw And Boiled Beets, How Are Beets Useful? Why Is Beet Juice Useful And How To Drink It? Contraindications

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-17 02:10

The benefits and harms of beets and beet juice

Content:

• Useful properties of beets
• What else is good for beets?
• Beetroot harm
• Why is beet juice useful?
• How to drink beet juice correctly?
• Beet juice treatment
• Beetroot juice from Cancer
• Beet use
• Growing beets
• 7 surprisingly delicious beetroot salads!
• Contraindications

Useful properties of beets

You can always talk about the beneficial properties of beets. The plant strengthens the walls of the capillaries, has anti-sclerotic, sedative and vasodilating properties. Substances contained in beet root crops remove excess fluid from the body. Beetroot normalizes heart function. Due to the pectin content in the plant, it is used as an excellent remedy against the effects of heavy and radioactive metals. Beetroot is used in case of loss of strength, anemia, as a means of preventing atherosclerosis.

Beetroot is a plant used by many people who want to shed those extra pounds. With the help of beets, you can forget about hemorrhoids. The plant has tonic and diuretic properties. Fresh beet juice is used as a cold remedy.

Composition and calorie content

• Fats: 0.1 g
• Proteins: 1.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 11,3 g
• Water: 86.1 g
• Ash: 1 g
• Cellulose: 2.5 g

Vitamins (per 100 g):	amount	% RDA
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)	10 mg	eleven%

Minerals (in 100 g):	amount	% RDA
Rubidium	453 mcg	453%
Boron	280 mcg	400%
Vanadium	70.1 μg	175%
Silicon	79 mg	263%
Lithium	60 mcg	60%
Chromium	20 mcg	40%
Thallium	0.7 μg	35%
Manganese	660 μg	33%
Cobalt	2.3 μg	23%
Copper	140 mcg	fourteen%
Molybdenum	10 mcg	fourteen%
Potassium	288 mg	12%
Iron	1.4-1.8 mg	10.6%
Calcium	37-163 mg	10.1%

Other important connections:

• Phytosterols - 25 mg (45% of the RDI)
• Purines - 8 mg (6.7% of the RDI)
• Oxalic acid - 500-600 mg (137.5% of the RDI)

Complete chemical composition ➤

Benefits of raw beets

Beetroot removes radionuclides and heavy metal salts from the body. It also resists the development of cancer cells, since it contains betacyanin, a pigment that determines the rich color of this root vegetable.

Beets contain betaine (a kind of vitamin) that can restore liver function and improve liver function. Betaine balances metabolic processes in the body, is a prophylactic agent in the fight against atherosclerosis, heart disease, osteoporosis and Alzheimer's disease. Beetroot strengthens the walls of blood vessels, improves the condition of capillaries, has a beneficial effect on the digestive system, helps to replenish the lack of iodine and iron in the human body, and also helps to lower blood pressure.

Young beet tops contain a large amount of protein, minerals and vitamins (some were listed above). Among vegetables and root crops, beets have no equal in terms of the content of ionic calcium (and there are several times more ionic calcium in the tops of beets!).

It is not for nothing that beets are popular in the treatment of various diseases at home. For instance:

• A glass of beetroot juice mixed with a glass of honey helps hypertensive patients well. To feel relief, you need to consume a tablespoon of this mixture daily before meals.
• The following recipe will be a good remedy for sore throat. Mix the grated beets with a spoonful of vinegar, then wait for the juice to flow. This juice should be used to gargle until recovery.
• For anemia, mix one glass of apple juice and 1/4 cup of beet juice. You need to consume this mixture daily.
• This recipe will help women get rid of mastopathy. Mix three portions of finely grated beets with one portion of honey. The resulting mass is spread on a cabbage leaf and applied to a sore spot.
• Fresh beet juice is recommended to be consumed during menopause, as well as for menstrual irregularities.

The calorie content of beets is about 40 kcal per 100 grams. The amount of carbohydrates is 12%, protein is 1.5 grams.

Contraindications to the use of raw beets. Since beets are rich in fiber, they should not be consumed by people who have stomach problems (especially in the acute stage). Consult with a gastroenterologist before taking.

In diabetes, beets should be limited to small amounts. This is because beets can raise blood sugar levels.

The benefits of boiled beets

This boiled root vegetable is also rich in vitamins. The stereotype that cooking kills all nutrients is unfair to beets. In boiled form, it contains iron, iodine, phosphorus, sodium, etc. Beetroot occupies a leading place among vegetables in terms of the content of many valuable minerals.

For example, beets contain natural antioxidants that are essential for maintaining the vital functions of the body. They help to successfully cope with stress, fight against negative environmental influences, and resist germs and bacteria entering the body.

For a long time people knew the valuable properties of beets. During the menstrual cycle, this root vegetable helped to improve the well-being of women and is still helping. Beetroot also benefits the male reproductive system.

The boiled beet contains fiber and vitamins the U. They are essential for the functioning of the intestines, positively affecting the digestion process. Fiber cleanses the entire body.

Boiled beets retain a lot of nutrients only when they are boiled in their skins. If you digest the beets, the water will be saturated with vitamins. Since beets have a laxative effect, constipation can be overcome by consuming them.

Unboiled beets can irritate the walls of the stomach, so when boiled, they can bring even more benefits to the body. People with stomach problems need to consume a strictly limited amount of this product.

Boiled beets contain very few calories - only 40-45 kcal per 100 grams of product. For those who closely follow the figure and therefore are on a diet, boiled beets can be consumed daily. Cooked beets are high in carbohydrates, low in protein, fatty acids, and folic acid, which improves protein metabolism in the body and promotes the formation of blood cells. It is rich in the following minerals: potassium, chlorine, magnesium and sodium. Each of them has a positive effect on both individual organs and the functioning of the body's systems as a whole.

A variety of dishes are made from boiled beets, such as salads. The addition of prunes and nuts to beets is considered pleasant to the taste. You can season such salads with sour cream, vegetable oil or citric acid. These salads can be prepared daily, or for special occasions.

By consuming about 100 grams of beets every day, you are helping to keep your body in top condition!

[Video] What happens if you eat beets every day?

What else is good for beets?

• Beets have a great effect on sexual activity. It has a beneficial effect on the female body, especially during menstruation. It has a positive effect on the male reproductive system, increasing the activity of men.
• Beetroot for pregnant women. Because beets contain folic acid, a vital vitamin, this root vegetable is especially beneficial for pregnant women. Folic acid is able to prevent birth defects in the fetus. Beets are recommended to be consumed even by those women who are just thinking about pregnancy.
• Beetroot for cores. Betaine, which is found in beets, will lower homocysteine levels, and fiber will reduce the amount of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood.
• Beets fight cancer. Due to the content of the pigment betacyanin, this vegetable is able to resist the development of cancer cells.
• Beets are good for breathing. Because it is rich in vitamin C, it can help prevent asthma. Beta-carotene, found in beets, is able to fight the appearance of lung cancer.
• Beets are good for the liver. The presence of betaine in beets provides better liver function.
• Beetroot fights cataracts and supports fragile capillaries. Vitamin A, C and flavonoids found in beets strengthen capillary tissues and prevent the appearance of eye diseases.
• Beets are a source of energy. Rich in carbohydrates, it gives vitality to the body.
• Beetroot against macular degeneration. Beets can resist this disease thanks to their natural beta-carotene.
• Beets with hormonal imbalance. Thanks to the boron compound, beets stimulate the production of hormones in the body.
• Beetroot for stroke. Since beets contain such an important element for the body as potassium, regular consumption of the root vegetable will reduce the risk of stroke.
• The rest is good. Since antiquity, beets have been used to relieve fever and treat constipation. In the Middle Ages, it was used for diseases of the digestive system. Fresh beetroot leaves help to regenerate surface tissues on the body.

Beetroot harm

In this case, it would be more correct to say that the use of beets is associated with certain restrictions due to human diseases.

• Do not beets with urolithiasis, gout and rheumatoid arthritis. Beetroot is not recommended for use in a disease such as oxaluria due to the presence of oxalic acid (Oxaluria - increased urinary excretion and precipitation of calcium oxalate crystals). Beets are characterized by a fairly high content of oxalic acid: in 100 g - 500-600 mg (i.e. 137.5% of the maximum possible daily consumption level).
• Beets are not recommended for acidic gastritis. Beets, even boiled, increase the amount of hydrochloric acid in gastric juice. Do not think that if beets taste sweet, they do not affect the acidity of the stomach. It is forbidden to use it in large portions for those people who suffer from gastritis with high acidity.
• For diabetes, beets are not recommended. In beets, as mentioned above, there is a lot of sugar, which determines its sweetish taste, but for people with diabetes, this vegetable is contraindicated in use.
• Beetroot should not be consumed by people with chronic diarrhea, as it will only increase the laxative effect.

Why is beet juice useful?

It is difficult to assess the positive effect of beet juice on the human body, since it has a wide spectrum of action:

• cleanses the body by removing toxins;
• relieves sore throat, treats a runny nose;
• helps to improve the functioning of the kidneys and liver;
• removes stones from the kidneys (except oxaluric) and gallbladder
• removes uric acid;
• is a good prophylactic agent against blood clots and anemia;
• lowers blood pressure;
• has a positive effect on such female diseases as mastopathy, menopause, helps with an irregular menstrual cycle;
• positively affects the work of the heart, helps with thrombophilia;
• improves hearing;
• fights sleep disturbance.

How to drink beet juice correctly?

Beet juice is recommended to be combined with the simultaneous intake of carrot, pumpkin juice or celery juice. It is recommended to consume pure beet juice only after it has stood for at least two hours. Then you need to drink it several sips at a time.

Beet juice has contraindications immediately after pressing. For example, there may be an upset stomach, headaches, nausea. Since beets help lower blood pressure, cleanse the body and have a laxative effect, misuse can lead to a sharp appearance of negative symptoms.

Proper use of beetroot juice - use in combination with other juices!

The most delicious and healthy combination is a mixture of beet and carrot juices. To begin with, you should use a mixture of these two juices in a 1:10 ratio (one serving of beetroot, ten serving of carrots). Further, the portion of beet juice can be increased. Before use, the juice should be allowed to stand for several hours to become more useful. Carrot juice is best used fresh. Such a mixture will be as beneficial to the body as possible.

Dosage. If the combined juices are taken for medicinal purposes, then you should drink one glass of the mixture twice a day. You can gradually increase the concentration of beet juice by switching to pure beet juice. Juice directly from the beets is taken for two weeks, followed by a two week break. Later, the course must be repeated. You do not need to consume pure beet juice if it causes unpleasant symptoms in the body.

If you start with a mixture of juices, then gradually increase the amount of beet juice, and eventually switch to pure beet juice, the positive results will be felt: the body will get stronger, its endurance will increase, and a positive effect on the cardiovascular system will be made.

Beet juice treatment

Beet juice, both in pure form and in combination with other juices, is undoubtedly very beneficial for the body.

The following mixtures are recommended:

Beetroot, carrot and apple juices in a 1: 1 ratio are the healthiest mixtures. Its use will become a prophylactic agent that will help to avoid diseases such as lung cancer, hypertension, heart attack, stomach ulcers, pancreatic abnormalities. To prepare the juice, you need to peel the apple, carrot, beetroot, chop them, and then beat them in puree using a blender. The minimum course of treatment is three months.

Beetroot, carrot, orange juice in a ratio of 0.5: 1: 2. This combination reveals the taste and beneficial properties of each of the ingredients. Vitamin C, a source of which is orange, promotes the absorption of iron, which is found in beets, and carrots, as an essential source of beta-carotene, a natural antioxidant. To prepare the juice, all the ingredients need to be cut, mixed, beat with a blender, adding a little water.

Beetroot and cranberry juices or beetroot juice with honey. This mixture is especially good for cleaning organs such as kidneys and liver. Also, the benefits of this drink will be felt by people suffering from high blood pressure, vascular spasms. This mixture weakens. The juice has a calming effect.

To prepare the juice, you need to mix two portions of beet juice and one cranberry juice, while the ratio of beet juice and honey must be the same.

A mix of beetroot and other juices is useful:

• For weight loss - you need to mix the following juices: beetroot, carrot, grapefruit, cucumber, plum, and celery juice.
• To relieve hangover syndrome. In this case, mix the beet, apple, orange and carrot juices.
• To improve performance. To do this, prepare the following mix of juices: beetroot, carrot, apple, and then add a mixture of dill and spinach juices.
• To increase the level of iron in the blood, you need to take a mixture of beetroot and carrot juices.
• To improve the functioning of the digestive tract, a mixture of the following juices is prepared: beet, ginger, carrot and apple.
• Beet, carrot, pineapple, lime juices are mixed to improve liver function and cleanse it. Juice from beets, carrots and radishes will help improve liver performance.
• To suppress heartburn, juice is made from celery, as well as beet, cucumber, banana, carrot and cabbage juices.
• To cleanse the gallbladder juices of beetroot, celery, radish, cucumber, cherry, carrot are mixed.

Beetroot juice from Cancer

The pigment betacyanin, which gives beets their deep red color, is a powerful antioxidant and helps fight tumors. A study by American scientists in 2011 showed that betacyanin slowed down the growth of prostate and breast cancer cells by 12.5%.

Drinking juices on a daily basis, you should remember about possible contraindications that could negatively affect your health.

Mixtures of vegetable juices can be most beneficial. The dose is not standardized - it all depends on the ability of the body to absorb the juice. It is advisable to consume at least a liter.

A mixture of carrot and beet juice contains the maximum amount of beta-carotene, potassium and phosphorus. Such a mixture will help to sharpen vision, improve blood formation, and strengthen the body as a whole.

If a patient develops cancer, he must listen to the needs of his body: choose the right mixture on his own and determine the amount of juice that he can drink. Some may not perceive the standard ratio of 1: 1, then the amount of beet juice can be reduced to the level perceived by the body. You need to use the juice in courses, after which you need a break. Juice from apples, carrots, beets and potatoes will give strength to a cancer patient (sugar from potatoes is completely absorbed by the body). If tumors form in the digestive organs and urinary tract, then bitter and sour juices are contraindicated in such patients.

You can also add juice squeezed from lemon and horseradish to apple and carrot juices. To do this, mix the juice of two lemons and the juice of 100 grams of horseradish. Take this mixture for 1 tsp. twice a day: on an empty stomach and 40 minutes before dinner. It is not recommended to use juices for people with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys.

Read more: Cancer types and treatments

Beet use

Due to the content of many medicinal substances in beets, it is used for anemia, constipation, liver diseases and high blood pressure. Beets have long been used for scurvy. Beet juice improves blood composition, promotes the formation of red balls in the blood. Beetroot juice has a beneficial effect in the treatment of thrombophlebitis, hypertension and varicose veins. Beets contain betaine, which breaks down and promotes the absorption of food proteins. Elderly people are advised to use beets regularly. Root crops are applied to tumors and ulcers.

Beets for a cold. It is necessary to take fresh beet juice and mix with honey, honey should be exactly half the juice. Ready-made drops are instilled into each nostril - no more than 5 drops 4 times a day.

Beets for cholelithiasis. Take the beetroot and grate it. Next, fill with water so that it completely covers the beets. We put on fire until the broth becomes a thick syrup. Straining the finished syrup, take it 100 ml three times a day 30 minutes before meals.

Beets with honey under high pressure. Take 100 grams of beet juice and add 100 grams of honey to it. Mix and take 5 times a day, 1 tablespoon between meals. This medicine should be treated for no more than 1 month. Read more in the article: How to get rid of pressure once and for all?

Beets for cancer. You need to boil beets and eat them in an amount of 200 grams per day in two steps. Along with this, you need to drink beet juice (700 ml).

Slimming beets. There are many options for beetroot diets. You can eat boiled beets, or you can bake them. Boiled beets need to be grated, and baked beets - cut into pieces, season with vegetable oil, mix. During the beet diet, you should drink more green tea, still mineral water, fresh vegetable juices. You need to drink about 2 liters of liquid per day. Two days of such a diet - and you can lose 1 kg. Read more in the article: beets for weight loss

Beetroot juice with carrot juice is another great diet. After spending 10 days on such a diet, you can lose about 4 kilograms. The advantage of this diet is that if you have hemorrhoids, you can also get rid of it.

Beets for angina. Take a root vegetable and squeeze a glass of juice out of it. Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to this. With this medicine we rinse the throat, taking a sip.

Growing beets

Beetroot is an unpretentious plant. Easy to grow, easy to care for. Beets are grown by seed method. The plant prefers light, sandy loam, fertile soil. Beets do not grow well on clayey, highly moist and sandy soils. Beets need to be planted in different places every year, because if they are planted in the same place, then they will not bear fruit well. The plant is thermophilic and photophilous, so it should not be grown in a shaded area. Cucumbers, potatoes, tomatoes and onions are the best precursors for beets.

The soil for growing beets must be cleared of predecessors, dug up and fertilized (for example, manure). The existing clods of earth do not need to be broken, because thanks to their presence, all pests will be destroyed by the moisture of winter precipitation contained inside the clods.

Before sowing, the seeds must be germinated, and for this they must be placed in wet gauze for 3-4 days, keeping them at room temperature. When single shoots appear, the seeds are dried and sown in the ground.

The seeds can be prepared by another method, which is called "vernalization". They take seeds and place them in a glass jar, pour 50% less water than seeds. After a day and a half, you need to pour in the same amount of water and mix everything. After covering the seeds with a wet towel, they are left for 4 days, after which they must be placed in a cold place for a week.

The beets are sown in April - end of May, leaving a distance between rows of about 20 cm. The seeds should not be embedded deep into the soil, it is enough to bury them by only 3 cm.

Beetroot care. When weeds appear, they need to be removed, water the plant regularly, but do not allow the soil to become waterlogged. The best way to water beets is by sprinkling. When the first 2 leaves appear on the seedlings, thinning must be done. With the appearance of 5 leaves, thinning must be done again. And the last time the plants are thinned out in mid-August.

Beets respond well to mineral fertilizers, which are applied to the soil during the period of intensive plant growth. To make the root vegetables sweetish, you need to add table salt. Organic fertilizers should not be added during the growing period.

7 surprisingly delicious beetroot salads

Contraindications to eating beets

• It can be noted right away that beetroot weakens the intestines, especially when it comes to beet juice - it is generally a natural laxative.
• Beets should not be used in excessive quantities, as they can cause spasm of the blood vessels.
• It is not recommended to eat it for people suffering from high acidity of the stomach, as beets will increase it even more.
• With urolithiasis and especially with oxaluria, beets should be used carefully (and beet juice is generally contraindicated!). Since it can cause the movement of stones (however, like any other herbal remedy that dissolves stones). Or you need to start with micro doses (half a teaspoon)
• Do not forget that this root vegetable contains a lot of sugar, so be careful with diabetes.

[Video] Who shouldn't eat beets categorically?

The author of the article: Sokolova Nina Vladimirovna | Phytotherapist

Education: Diploma in "General Medicine" and "Therapy" received at the Pirogov University (2005 and 2006). Advanced training at the Department of Phytotherapy at the Peoples' Friendship University of Moscow (2008).