Such A Useful Beet

Eat beets! It is a source of vitamins, trace elements and other substances we need.

Eat beets! It is a source of vitamins, trace elements and other substances we need.

What is there to eat, tasty and healthy? What kind of product should I buy so that it contains more of the substances our body needs? When we ask ourselves these questions, as a rule, we pay attention to all kinds of exotic products that are brought from other parts of the world. But it's time to remember that we have plants growing next to us, which can rightfully be called a source of the substances we need, and the consumption of which will bring enormous benefits to our body. Let's talk about such a common product for us, tasty and healthy beets.

A bit of "beetroot" history

Beets were grown as an agricultural crop in the 1st-2nd millennium BC. e. in the Mediterranean. Although root varieties of beets are mentioned in written sources even earlier, in the IV century BC. In the 10th-11th centuries, beetroot became widespread in Kyivan Rus, and in the 13th-14th centuries - in Western Europe. At first, mainly the leaves of this plant were used for food. Now we eat beet roots more often. Our favorite dishes, borscht, borscht, vinaigrette and herring under a fur coat are simply impossible to prepare without this tasty and healthy root vegetable.

What is the value of beets?

Beet, as we often call this plant in everyday life, is a product that contains many useful and necessary substances for our body.

Vitamins

This plant contains many different vitamins, in doses that fully meet the needs of our body. Detected:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin B1
• Vitamin E
• Folic acid (B9)
• Vitamin PP
• Vitamin U

Mineral substances

Such valuable substances as:

• potassium
• magnesium
• iodine
• sodium
• zinc
• copper
• manganese
• cobalt
• phosphorus
• fluorine
• calcium
• iron
• rubidium
• cesium

In addition, the composition of beets includes a lot of fiber, pectins and organic acids. All this makes this plant a valuable product with healing properties.

Healing beet

As a medicine, this plant was used even in the times of ancient Greece. Its beneficial properties are mentioned in the writings of Hippocrates, Cicero, and Plutarch.

Consumption of beets has a positive effect on many organs and body systems. Thus, it improves the work of the cardiovascular system and reduces the cholesterol content in the blood. Beets are also used to lower blood pressure.

Beetroot contains quite a lot of iron and copper. This makes it a product capable of increasing blood hemoglobin levels. Accordingly, the use of this root crop is recommended for anemia.

A large number of vitamins and mineral salts in the composition of beets have a tonic effect and stimulate the work of the immune system.

Beets are a source of antioxidants, which means they prevent excessive oxidation in the body. Substances included in the composition of beets normalize fat metabolism.

A valuable organic substance - betaine - was found in beets. It contributes to the formation of choline. And choline is very important for the normal functioning of the liver, it prevents the fat regeneration of this organ.

Beetroot contains a fairly large amount of iodine. And this means that by eating this product, we provide the thyroid gland with the required amount of this element. Accordingly, beets contribute to the normalization of the body's endocrine processes.

The fiber and pectins included in the composition of this plant, passing through the intestine, stimulate its work and adsorb toxins. Therefore, we can talk about the anti-carcinogenic properties of beets. In addition, this product improves digestion and helps to normalize the composition of intestinal microflora.

Beetroot, prepared in any way, has a laxative effect, so it is recommended to include it more often in the diet of those who are prone to constipation. Diuretic properties of this root crop are also known. This means that it is useful to eat it for those who are prone to swelling.

In what form should beets be eaten?

In order to "recharge" with useful substances contained in beets, you can use both root crops and leaves of the plant. Root crops can be stewed, boiled or eaten raw. The leaves of the plant are added to salads and first courses. Plant juice is also used.

Beets are especially valuable in the autumn-spring period, when many other vegetables and fruits become less available. In addition, the amount of vitamins in many products decreases sharply by spring. The value of beets is also in the fact that it stores all its vitamins practically throughout the year.

Caution, contraindications!

Any medicine can cause harm in certain cases. And even if you use a healthy food instead of medicine, sometimes its use can be undesirable. Beets also have contraindications. To limit its amount in the menu or completely exclude it from the diet, you need:

• People suffering from kidney and bladder diseases
• Those who have gastritis with increased acidity
• In case of exacerbation of stomach or duodenal ulcer

Beetroot is a valuable product in all respects, which is easy to find on store shelves. In addition, it is easy to prepare and delicious to eat. Eat beets and be healthy!