Did you know that you may beat the winter blues, common cold, obesity, premature aging, effects of of pollution and stress or even cancer by incorporating beets into your diet?
The juice of beet, beet root as well the leaves of the beet (which is same family as swiss chard) can all be incorporated into a healthy diet.
Beetroots have long been used to aid detox in the liver, gallbladder and kidneys. In Chinese medicine it is known to strengthen the heart and benefit the liver. Its liver cleansing properties have been well recognised in many traditional cultures. The pigment that gives beets their rich ruby red colour is betacyanin and it has been found to be a powerful cancer fighting agent. The beta-carotene in beets is an antioxidant protective of eye sight among other benefits. The beet root is an excellent source of folic acid, manganese and potassium. Beet fibre has been shown to facilitate bowel function and lower blood cholesterol levels. Beet leaves are rich in magnesium, phosphorous, iron and Vitamin B6.
While overall beet is digested easier pickled or lightly boiled, raw beet can be shredded and put into salads or soups. You can also leave out having to digest the cellulose by just juicing it.
Researchers at Barts and The London School of Medicine have discovered that drinking just 500 ml of beetroot juice a day can significantly reduce blood pressure. It’s suggested that this can be attributed to its high nitrate content. (Other nitrate rich foods are: spinach, carrots, cabbage and radishes)
Raw beet or its juice are both great to improve taste of your green smoothies, and it synergises well
with carrot. Its sweet taste makes it easy to inspire most in juicing, and later one can add more green elements, or simply add a super green powder or pure spirulina powder. I always like the refreshing addition of lemon juice.
When using raw beet juice start with small amount like ½ to 1oz, mixed with other juices like carrot, apple and ginger, as pure beet juice can upset the stomach in high dose.
Beet leaves can be quick stir-fried like swiss chard and tossed with sea salt and olive oil.
Pick firm and deep-red colour beets with nice round shape. If the beets are not organically grown, soak them in water with diluted chemical-free detergent, wash and rinse well.
This is an organic beet blended juice which is a convenient cleansing beverage that I enjoy taking.
anita on wellness 