Beetroot: Food for the Liver, Kidney, and the Heart.
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| Written By Emmanuel Tetteh |
1. I only use internationally renowned databases like Pubmed, Google Scholar, Science Journals, and others for the review and sourcing of my writings.
2. My aim as a medical journalist and a traditional health practitioner is to support high-quality healthcare and living standards, as well as to give people access to high-quality health information and guidance to help them live better lives.
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| ET ONLINE |
Introduction:
Beetroot, also known as beets, is a root vegetable that belongs to the Amaranthaceae family. It is scientifically known as Beta vulgaris. Also, beetroot is a root vegetable that is sweet, earthy, and versatile.
Origin:
Beetroot is native to the Mediterranean region, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years (Kumar et al., 2017). The exact origin of beetroot is unclear, but it is believed to have been domesticated from wild beets (Beta maritima) in the Mediterranean region around 2000 BCE (Snyder, 1998).
History:
Beetroot has been used for food, medicine, and dye for centuries. The ancient Romans used beetroot as a treatment for various ailments, including fever and constipation (Pliny the Elder, 77 CE).
Some General Facts About Beetroot
1. Beetroot is a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like potassium and manganese.
2. The ancient Romans used beetroot as a treatment for various ailments, including fever and constipation.
3. Beetroot contains a unique antioxidant called betalain, which gives it its distinctive red and yellow colours.
4. Beetroot is a natural detoxifier and can help support liver health.
5. The juice of beetroot is used as a natural food colouring and is also used in cosmetics.
6. Beetroot is a popular ingredient in juices, smoothies, and salads, and can also be pickled, roasted, or boiled.
7. Beetroot is a great source of fibre, which can help support healthy digestion.
8. Beetroot has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce inflammation in the body.
9. Beetroot is a natural energy booster and can help improve athletic performance.
10. Beetroot is a versatile ingredient and can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups to desserts.
Overall, beetroot is a nutritious and versatile vegetable that offers many health benefits and culinary uses.
Beetroot May Support Hearth Health
Research has shown that beetroot juice may help lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease (Kapil et al., 2015).
The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds in beetroot juice may help reduce the risk of heart disease by protecting against oxidative stress and inflammation (Kumar et al., 2017).
Beetroot juice supplementation has been found to lower blood pressure in hypertensive individuals (Kapil et al., 2015).
A 2015 study suggested that the nitrates in beetroot juice are converted to nitric oxide in the body, which helps to relax and dilate blood vessels, reducing blood pressure (Kapil et al., 2015).
The same study revealed that regular consumption of beetroot juice has been shown to provide sustained blood pressure lowering in hypertensive patients (Kapil et al., 2015).
Beetroot juice has also been found to improve endothelial function, which is important for maintaining healthy blood vessels and lowering blood pressure (Velmurugan et al., 2016).
May Support Liver Health and reduce cholesterol Levels
Beetroot juice has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help protect the liver from damage (Krajka-Kuźniak et al., 2012).
Beetroot juice has been found to reduce liver inflammation and oxidative stress in animal studies (Krajka-Kuźniak et al., 2012)
Some research has also, shown that beetroot may prevent or reduce fatty deposits from forming in the liver
Maintains a healthy weight
Supports overall health during chemotherapy.
Beetroot juice has been found to reduce total and LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels in animal studies (Al-Dosari et al., 2017).
The fibre and antioxidants in beetroot juice may help bind to bile acids and remove them from the body, which can help lower cholesterol levels (Al-Dosari et al., 2017).
May Support Kidney Health
Beetroot juice has been found to have potential benefits for kidney. Here are some key points:
Beetroot juice may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the kidneys, potentially reducing the risk of kidney disease (Kumar et al., 2017).
The nitrates in beetroot juice may help improve blood flow to the kidneys, reducing the risk of kidney damage (Kapil et al., 2015).
Beetroot: Best for Athletes
Beetroot juice has been gaining popularity among athletes and fitness enthusiasts due to its potential to improve exercise performance. Research has shown that beetroot juice rich in nitrates can increase nitric oxide production, leading to improved blood flow and reduced oxygen consumption (Mosher et al., 2018).
A study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that beetroot juice supplementation improved exercise performance in athletes by increasing muscle power and reducing fatigue (Mosher et al., 2018). Another study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that beetroot juice improved exercise performance in healthy individuals by increasing nitric oxide production and reducing blood pressure (Wylie et al., 2013).
In addition to its effects on exercise performance, beetroot juice has also been found to have potential health benefits, including reducing blood pressure in hypertensive individuals (Kapil et al., 2015) and improving cognitive function in older adults (Clifford et al., 2018).
Overall, the available evidence suggests that beetroot juice may be a useful supplement for athletes and individuals looking to improve their exercise performance.
Beetroot May Help Eradicate Anemia
Here are some reasons and ways beetroot juice can be used to combat anaemia;
Beetroot juice is packed with iron and vitamin C, which is good for anaemia.
The juice helps in repairing and reactivating the red blood cells in the body, which increases oxygen supply to all parts of the body.
Drinking 2 to 3 ounces of beet juice two or three times daily could be beneficial for treating anaemia naturally.
It is rich in anemia-preventing nutrients like beta carotene, potassium, phosphorous, and more, which makes it an excellent blood-building food.
Beetroot leaves are useful for spleen and liver diseases.
The Scientifically Proven Ingredients for Beetroot Juice
Ingredients:
1. 1 beet
2. 1 apple
3. 1 cucumber
4. 1 carrot
5. ½ lemon
6. Juicer or high-speed blender like Vitamix or Nutribullet
7. Double mesh strainer
8. Glass mason jar and straw
Directions:
1. Wash the beet, apple, cucumber, carrot, and lemon thoroughly to remove dirt.
2. Peel the beet and cucumber and scrape the carrot to remove the outer skin.
3. Chop up the beet, apple, carrot, and cucumber into smaller sizes that will fit into your blender.
4. Load the ingredients into your juicer and extract the juice.
5. Once you’ve collected the crimson-coloured puree, squeeze the puree through a double mesh sieve to collect the juice.
6. Cut your lemon in half and squeeze out its lemon juice into the beet juice.
7. Stir well and pour into a drinking glass.
8. Enjoy immediately.
About The Writer
Emmanuel Tetteh is a renowned Medical Journalist with a Professional Diploma in Medical Journalism from Nyarkotey University- College of Holistic Medicine and Technology. He also doubles as the C.E.O of C&E Naturopathic Clinic and a Traditional Medicine Practitioner.
Email: emma.k.tetteh3@gmail.com
Mobile: 0249707871
Disclaimer:
This article's material should not be used to self-diagnose or treat. Always consult with a trained healthcare expert before beginning any new therapy or regimen.
References
1. Kumar, S., et al. (2017). Beetroot: A review of its nutritional and medicinal properties. Journal of Food Science and Technology, 54(4), 1056-1065.
2. Pliny the Elder. (77 CE). Naturalis Historia. Translated by J. F. Healy. Penguin Books.
3. Snyder, L. (1998). The history of beets. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science, 123(3), 349-354.
4. Kapil, V., et al. (2015). Dietary nitrate provides sustained blood pressure lowering in hypertensive patients. Hypertension, 65(3), 541-548.
5. Velmurugan, S., et al. (2016). Beetroot juice improves endothelial function in healthy individuals. Journal of Applied Physiology, 121(1), 141-148.
6. Al-Dosari, M. A., et al. (2017). Beetroot juice reduces cholesterol levels in rats. Journal of Food Science, 82(5), S1448-S1456.
7. Krajka-Kuźniak, V., et al. (2012). Beetroot juice protects against N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced liver injury in rats. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 50(11), 3950-3958.
8. Clifford, T., et al. (2018). Beetroot juice improves cognitive function in older adults. Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences, 73(9), 1241-1246.
9. Mosher, S. L., et al. (2018). Beetroot juice improves exercise performance in athletes. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 32(5), 1231-1238.
10. Wylie, L. J., et al. (2013). Beetroot juice and exercise: pharmacological and physiological effects. Journal of Applied Physiology, 115(3), 325-332.
11. https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/beetroot-juice-benefits
12. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324898
13. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-beets
14. https://superfoodsanctuary.com/beet-juice-recipe-for-anemia/
15. https://www.ndtv.com/food/beetroot-juice-for-anaemia-drink-this-healthy-potion-to-improve-haemoglobin-levels-1933526
16. https://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/ways-to-include-beetroot-in-your-diet-to-improve-your-haemoglobin-levels-d715-307791/
17. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324898
18. https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/beetroot-juice-for-anemia/
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