From the Middle Ages, beetroot was used as a treatment for a variety of circumstances, particularly diseases relating to digestion and the blood. Though scientific interest in beetroot has only gained force in the past few decades, it’s been used as a means of natural medicine for thousands of years. Beetroot juice is one of the healthiest juices you can have. Beetroot juice has got some health benefits such as lowering blood pressure, boosting energy level, boosting liver function, beautifying the skin, boosting blood flow, and boosting vitamin and mineral levels. Other benefits include promoting digestive health and relieving symptoms linked to environmental stress. It can also be used to improve athletic performance, balance blood sugar levels, and improve sexual performance. Let`s discuss interesting facts of beetroot.
Interesting Beetroot Facts
Did you Know?
- Fruit of beetroot is called nutlet.
- It has a hard structure, and it is arranged in clusters.
- Beetroot has high nutritional value.
- Besides the high content of sugar, beetroot is a rich source of vitamins B6 and B9 and minerals such as iron, magnesium, and potassium.
- Beetroot can be used raw, cooked or pickled. It is often used for salads, soups, and as an ingredient of dishes made of meat.
- Beetroot can be used to manufacture wine.
- Beetroot leaves are edible.
- Beetroot develops leafy stems that can grow 39 to 78 inches in height.
- Beetroot has heart-shaped leaves.
- Beetroot is usually 2 to 8 inches long in wild plants and much longer in cultivated varieties.
- Most people cultivate beetroot because of its edible root.
- Beetroot develops 55 to 65 days after planting the seed.
- Its root is usually red to purple in color.
- Unlike other types of vegetables, root contains high quantities of sugar.
- Beetroot develops small, green or reddish flowers that appear in compact spikes.
- Its flowers are pollinated by wind.
- Fresh leaves taste like spinach.
- Leaves of beetroot were used for binding of wounds in ancient Greece.
- Beetroot juice was used as a dye in the past.
- During the 19th century, women used beetroot for dying of hair.
- Home-made lotion (produced by boiling the beetroot) can be used for the removal of dandruff.
- Juice made of beetroot can be used instead of a litmus paper to determine the acidity or alkalinity of a solution.
- One drop of beetroot juice changes its color in pink in acid solutions and into yellow in alkaline solution.
- Beetroot contains a high amount of boron which facilitates production of sex hormones. It was, in fact, a popular aphrodisiac during the Roman time.
- Beetroot is a biennial plant. This means that it completes its life cycle in two years.
- Beetroot was used to eliminate the smell of garlic in the mouth.
- Beetroot lowers blood pressure and increases endurance in athletes.
Now that we know these facts, what are the health benefits of beetroot juice?
Health Benefits of Beetroot Juice
Beetroot Juice Can Boost Blood Flow
Beetroot juice is one of the richest dietary sources of antioxidants and naturally occurring nitrates.
It Lowers Blood Pressure
Beetroot juice is essential to lowering blood pressure. Whether its the yellow or red kind of beets, the juice delivers an exceptional ability to lower blood pressure. When beet is cooked or fermented, the number of healthy nutrients for blood pressure benefits will decrease. So juicing is a better option: Juicing it gives you 100% of the phytonutrients that improve your blood pressure levels.
It Boosts Vitamin and Mineral Levels
Beets are amazingly high in vitamin C, Vitamin B6, folate, manganese, betaine, and potassium.
Beetroot Juice Boosts Liver Function
Beet juice is a super powerful detox beverage that can help in dumping harmful toxins in the liver and stimulate liver cells. This is because it contains methionine and glycine betaine that help to save fatty acids from accumulating.
It Beautifies the Skin
Beetroot juice has an extraordinary function of protecting the skin from within. The antioxidants in beets support the skin by neutralizing free radicals. The lycopene in the juice helps to keep the skin flexible while protecting it from the sun.
Beetroot Juice Supports Digestive Health
Drinking beet juice helps in stimulating your intestines and breaking down food. It is healthy to drink ½ cup of beet juice before meals, or whenever you have an upset stomach.
Eases Symptoms of Environmental Stress
The betaine in beets is a powerful nutrient that defends cells, proteins and enzymes from environmental stress. It also decreases inflammation, defends internal organs, and decreases vascular risk factors.
It Improves Athletic Performance
It has been discovered that people who drink beet juice just before working out can extend their workout 20% longer. Beet juice does boost athletic performance.
It Improves Blood Sugar Levels
Beet juice can lower the amount of glucose in the blood because it contains soluble fibers.
Improves Sexual Performance
Beets were once used as Viagra. Ancient Romans drank juice and ate entire beets when they needed to boost their libido. Beets are a grand source of a mineral called boron which is responsible for the manufacture of sex hormones.
So we`ve said so much about juicing beetroot juice. How is it made?
How to Make Beet Juice with a Juicer
A juicer is an essential tool to have in the kitchen. It can make whole fresh fruits and vegetables like beets into separate components of pulp and juice. It just makes life easier!
What`s Needed?
- One to three fresh beets
- Paring knife
- Juicer
How`s it Done?
- Wash the beets properly, and remove any dried dirt or mud from their surface.
- Cut the beets into quarters. You can save and use the greens as well or discard them.
- Turn on the juicer and push the pieces of beet into it one at a time until you have the amount of juice you desire.
How about Making Beet Juice without a Juicer?
A juicer is helpful when it comes to making all kinds of juices, however, it can be done without. You really can improvise. There are ways to make a healthy and delicious juice from beets and other vegetables and fruits.
What`s Needed?
- One to three fresh beets
- Blender
- Paring knife
- Vegetable peeler
- 1/4 cup water
How`s it Done?
- Clean and peel the beets.
- Chop the beets as finely as you can. The finer it is, the easier your blender will be able to juice them
- Add the beets to the blender with about 1/4 cup of water
- Blend well
- If the mixture is too thick, add a little more water till it suits you.
- Strain the juice through a piece of cheesecloth to get the pulp and any large pieces of vegetable out.
How are Beet Juice Blends Made?
Here are some blends to consider to make juice using beets.
Fruit Blend
What`s Needed?
- A beet with leaves
- A Honeycrisp or other flavorful apples
- A pear
Antioxidant Blend
What do you Need for this?
- A beet
- A carrot
- An apple
- A cup of green tea
- An orange
- Half an inch of fresh ginger root
Final Words…
Beets are healthy and can be prepared in various forms. In fact, you may add some apple slices, citrus, mint, or a carrot to cut through the plain taste. It is advised not to rush through the consumption of beetroot at the initial stage; you may start by juicing half a small beetroot and see how your body responds. As you watch your body respond positively, then you may drink more.
