What benefits does beet have when you include it in your meals?
By
Eloísa Carmona - 2021-05-04T11:08:09Z
We identify beet by its characteristic earthy flavor and because it is not very popular among many people's tastes; however, it is a great ingredient to include in your meals, as it is packed with nutrients such as fiber, potassium, or vitamin C, and many other benefits of beet.Also known as beetroot, beet and beet juice are associated with numerous health benefits, including improved blood flow, lower blood pressure, and enhanced exercise performance; several of these are due to its high content of inorganic nitrates.They can be eaten raw or cooked, and next we will tell you about all the properties and benefits of beet in your daily diet.Benefits of beet when you include it in your mealsWith a composition of 87% water, 8% carbohydrates, and 2 to 3% fiber, a cup of beet (about 130 grams) contains less than 60 calories and about 1.6 grams of protein, along with 6.8 grams of sugar.Beets are very good when you want to naturally increase your intake of vitamins and minerals, as they are a great source of both, for example:Folate (vitamin B9). An important vitamin for the normal growth of tissues and cellular function, and particularly necessary for pregnant women.Manganese. An essential trace element that the body uses to produce energy and protect cells, strengthen bones, blood clotting, and maintain a healthy immune system.Potassium. A diet rich in potassium can lower blood pressure levels and have positive effects on heart health.Iron. This is an essential mineral with many important functions in your body and necessary for transporting oxygen in red blood cells.Vitamin C. This well-known vitamin is an important antioxidant for immune function and skin health.In addition to increasing your intake of vitamins and minerals, other health benefits of beet include promoting low blood pressure and a greater capacity when exercising.Studies have shown that beet or its juice can reduce blood pressure by 3 to 10 mm Hg within a few hours. Such effects are likely due to increased levels of nitric oxide, which causes blood vessels to relax and dilate.Regarding physical performance, it has been shown that dietary nitrates reduce oxygen use during physical exercise by affecting the efficiency of the mitochondria, the cellular organelles responsible for producing energy, which is why beet and its juice are used for this purpose due to their high content of inorganic nitrates.Here are some ideas to include it in your meals:How to make beet juiceBeet and Carrot SaladBeet Dip