Beets are one of the world’s healthiest foods. With abundant and unique sources of phytonutrients like betalains and vulgaxanthins, beets offer more than a purple color. These phytonutrients promote antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory properties, and detoxifying properties. Beets are especially important in Phase II of the detoxification step.
Beets get their vibrant red color from betacyanins. Beets contain numerous antioxidants like manganese, vitamin C, and phytonutrients. Anti-inflammatory benefits are due to phytonutrients like betanin, isobetanin and vulgaxanthin. Anti-inflammatory properties work by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes that trigger inflammation.
Packed with antioxidants and phytonutrients, beets also contain betaine. Betaine is a nutrient that is made from choline. B vitamins like choline are important for helping reduce inflammation and reducing homocysteine levels. High homocysteine levels are linked to greater incidence of heart disease. Betaine has been shown to reduce inflammation, reduce C reactive protein, reduce interleukin-6 which all lead to inflammatory responses. Not only do beets reduce inflammation, but they also support detoxification especially Phase II detoxification in the liver.
Recent scientific studies, beets have been shown to reduce tumor cell growth. Studies that demonstrated reduced tumor cell growth include: cancers of the colon, stomach, lung, breast, prostate and testicular. Beets also contain a good amount of fiber that is very important for preventing colon cancer.
Fitlife Tips:
- If you’re going to steam or cook your beets make sure to keep it under 15 minutes of cooking. Beets like most vegetables are sensitive to oxidation.
- If you eat beets and your urine is purple or red, don’t worry this is called beeturia.
- Buy organic beets.
- The greens of beets contain oxalates. If you have gallbladder or kidney issues try to avoid juicing the greens.
Source: http://fitlife.tv/beet-juice/
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