Eat BEETS Seriously EAT BEETS !

So while doing the research for an anti-inflammatory to replace Naproxen, I realised I needed to find some strong antioxidants to help clear all the chemicals from my system.

 The more and more research I did the same supplements kept coming up and one that really interested me and seemed to be the most relevant was Beetroot.

Now if you have an unlimited budget and can spend £250 ($325) per month or more there are dozens of supplements you can buy to help clean up your system, but I was conscious I had to keep within a budget, so my choice was (yep you’ve guessed it)  Beetroot! and here’s why… 

Stiffness?

Tim Ferriss (https://tim.blog) has often referred to the effects of Beetroot extract as ‘natural Viagra’, beetroot has been commonly used in a number of ancient customs to boost Men’s sexual health. Since the vegetable is a rich source of nitrates it helps release nitric oxide into the body, widening the blood vessels, and increasing blood flow to the ‘gentleman parts’ –  same as medicines like Viagra seek to replicate. Another factor is that beetroot contains a lot of boron, a chemical compound that is important for the production of the human sex hormone. So the next time, ditch the pill and have some beetroot instead.

Sleepy Time…

Beetroot contains Choline which is a very important and versatile nutrient that helps with sleep, muscle movement, learning, and memory. Choline also helps to maintain the structure of cellular membranes, aids in the transmission of nerve impulses, assists in the absorption of fat and reduces chronic inflammation.

Boozy…

Your liver does the heavy work of cleaning your blood and “detoxing” your body. You can lighten its load with a daily serving of beets. Research shows that betaine, an amino acid found in beets can help prevent and reduce the accumulation of fat in the liver. Animal studies show that rats given beet juice have higher levels of detoxifying enzymes in their bloodstream. Research on people with diabetes shows that betaine improves liver function, slightly decreases cholesterol, and reduces liver size.

Heartache…

Beetroot is known to contain large amounts of soluble fibres, flavanoids and betacyanin. Betacyanin is the compound that gives beetroot its purplish-red colour and is also a powerful antioxidant. It helps reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and does not allow it to deposit on the walls of the artery. This protects the heart from potential heart attacks and stroke reducing the need for medication.

Bones…

Beetroot is packed with mineral silica, an important component for the body to use calcium efficiently. Since calcium makes up our bones and teeth, having a glass of beetroot juice a day could help keep conditions such as osteoporosis and brittle bone disease at bay.

Pressure…

Beetroot is a great source of nitrates, which when consumed, is converted to nitrites and a gas called nitric oxides. Both these components help to widen the arteries and lower blood pressure. Researchers also found that having just about 500 grams of beetroot every day reduces a person’s blood pressure in about six hours.

Sweety…

People suffering from diabetes can fulfil their sweet craving by adding a little beetroot to their diet. Being a medium glycaemic index vegetable, it aids in maintaining your blood sugar levels low while satiating your sugar craving.

Pumping IRON!

It is a common myth that because beetroot is reddish in colour, it replaces lost blood and is, therefore, good to treat anaemia. While this may sound a bit outrageous to many, there is a partial truth hidden in the myth. Beetroot contains a lot of iron. Iron helps in the formation of haemagglutinin, which is a part of the blood that helps transport oxygen and nutrients to various parts of the body. It is the iron content and not the colour that helps treat anaemia.

Brain BOOST!

A study was done at the University of Exeter, England showed that drinking beetroot juice could increase a person’s stamina by 16 percent, because of its nitrate content. Known to increase the oxygen uptake by the body, the study also found that because of this one factor, it could also help in the proper functioning of the brain and beat the onset of dementia.

Babies…

Another amazing quality of the root is that it has an abundant supply of folic acid. Folic acid is important for pregnant mums and unborn babies because it is an essential component for the proper formation of the unborn child’s spinal cord.  Beetroot also gives mums-to-be that extra energy boost required during pregnancy.

Poop…

Because of its high soluble fibre content, beetroot acts as a great laxative. It helps in regularising your bowel movement by softening stools. It also cleanses the colon and flushes out the harmful toxins from the stomach. Here are a few home remedies to relieve constipation.

PINK POOP CAUTION!

There are some interesting side effects of eating too much beetroot. It can turn urine pink, which can be mistaken for blood in the urine. It may also alter the colour of your poo – which can be used to give you an idea of how quickly food moves through your body.