Beet juice
Beet is one of the herbaceous plants of the Amaranth family, the brightest representatives of which are common, sugar and fodder beets. In most of Ukraine and in the southern regions of Russia, it is also called berak or beetle.
Beet is widely cultivated as a vegetable crop in almost all countries of the world and has a number of medicinal properties. Beet juice is a valuable food product, since it contains all the beneficial properties of a root vegetable.
Beet juice composition
The nutritional value of beet juice varies according to the variety of beets. On average, 100 g of juice contains:
- 1 g protein;
- 9.9 g carbohydrates;
- 1 g dietary fiber;
- 83.4 g of water;
- 0.3 g of ash;
- 14.1 g of mono - and disaccharides;
- 0.2 g of organic acids.
Beetroot juice contains:
- Vitamins - PP, B2, C, E, P;
- Macronutrients - potassium (148 mg in 100 g of fresh juice), phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sodium;
- Trace elements - chlorine, iodine, manganese, sulfur, iron.
The calorie content of beetroot juice is 42 kcal.
Useful properties of beetroot juice
Iron and folic acid, contained in large quantities in beet juice, have a beneficial effect on the blood, improve the production of red blood cells, increase the level of hemoglobin and, as a result, improve the supply of oxygen to cells.
The iodine in beet juice is good for the thyroid gland and improves memory.
In addition, salts of potassium, magnesium and sodium have a complex effect on the cardiovascular system and help cleanse the blood. Magnesium helps to cleanse blood vessels from cholesterol plaques, improve lipid metabolism and normalize digestion. The optimal ratio of sodium to calcium helps to remove calcium deposits from the walls of blood vessels. Therefore, beetroot juice is extremely useful for thrombophlebitis, varicose veins, hypertension and other diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Beet juice acts on the immune system and increases the body's resistance to various diseases.
The benefits of beet juice
Studies by Canadian scientists have shown that daily consumption of beetroot juice reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, as well as diseases such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels.
The benefits of beet juice as a suburban energy drink are also noted - the use of juice significantly increases endurance and activity.
Beet juice is a vegetable juice rich in antioxidants and natural nitrates. Nitrates are compounds that improve blood flow throughout the body, including the brain, heart, and muscles. They promote vasodilation and increase oxygen flow.
The benefits of beetroot juice for hypertension
For a long time, the benefits of beet juice for lowering blood pressure have not been scientifically proven, but in recent decades, many studies have been carried out that have allowed it to be included in the list of foods that have a beneficial effect on blood circulation.
This is especially important since the number of people suffering from hypertension is increasing in the world, and the use of synthetic drugs often adversely affects the liver and has other side effects. The effect of a portion of beet juice persists throughout the day.
Beet juice is rich in dietary nitrates and other important nutrients and is a natural and inexpensive way to lower blood pressure, which is especially important because hypertension is recognized as a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
Since the benefits of beetroot juice for lowering blood pressure have been scientifically proven and confirmed by numerous studies conducted in different countries, it can be included in your daily diet for hypertension.
Application of beet juice
With hypertension, you should start drinking beet juice with small portions, gradually bringing its amount to one glass a day.
Beet juice can be used as an antiseptic for colds - they rinse the throat and bury the nose with a runny nose.
When treating anemia, it is recommended to add honey to the juice.
In order to relieve fatigue and stress, effectively mix beet juice with cranberry juice.
To normalize the menstrual cycle, women are advised to drink juice from beets, pomegranates and carrots.
The use of beet juice in oncology
The beneficial properties of beetroot juice in oncology have long been known. Traditional medicine classifies it as an effective product for resorption of tumors. It is recommended to drink it for a long time (up to a year) in small portions up to five times a day.
Also known is the fact that chemotherapy is better tolerated while taking beet juice.
However, official medicine has not confirmed the benefits of beet juice in oncology for reducing tumors, although it is recognized as a good prophylactic agent for preventing cancer.
The use of beetroot juice during pregnancy
Folic acid is one of the key vitamins for the proper development of the fetus. It promotes the correct division of new cells in the spine and brain of the child.
To prevent birth defects, doctors recommend increasing the amount of folic acid in the diet of a pregnant woman. Therefore, the use of beet juice during pregnancy is very beneficial.
However, undiluted beet juice has a strong effect on blood pressure. Because of this, doctors generally recommend mixing beet juice with other juices during pregnancy.
The best combination is the juice from pomegranate, beetroot and grapes, which allows you to get enough for this period of the necessary minerals and vitamins. Optionally, you can add some spices (black pepper, ginger, cardamom or turmeric) and salt or sugar (to taste) to such a cocktail.
Also, in order to maintain the amount of iron at the proper level, you can prepare juice from beets, pears, carrots and apples. This juice can be drunk during pregnancy almost every day, which eliminates the need to take synthetic drugs to increase the level of iron in the body.
The harm of beetroot juice
Despite the large number of beneficial properties, the harm of beetroot juice can occur in cases of excessive consumption. So, it is recommended to drink it with caution in case of urolithiasis. Beet juice, by cleansing the liver, can cause complications in cases of stones in the bile ducts.
In addition, the harm of beet juice occurs when consumed in large quantities with severe hypotension. In this case, even one glass of undiluted beetroot juice can cause weakness and dizziness.
It should also be remembered that beetroot juice has a laxative and diuretic effect, which can lead to intestinal disorders.
In cases of individual intolerance, beetroot juice can lead to the development of allergic reactions, manifested as chills, fever, rash, burning or itching.
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