Beetroot is a superfood. We'll tell you what makes it so good for you.
A superfood is a nutrient-rich food that contains an above-average amount of vitamins and minerals per gram. Beetroot fits into that category. Although many of these superfoods originally come from Peru or other distant countries, we also have numerous regional superheroes. So let’s talk about the beetroot: what makes it so special?
Nutrients and health benefits of the “Super Root Vegetable”
Vitamins and minerals keep us healthy and protect our body from negative influences and toxins. The same goes for the beetroot. Liver and bile can be protected and strengthened by substances such as betaine and folic acid. The positive influence on the bile ducts, which are kept free by the plant substances, improves digestion and toxins can be excreted from the body more efficiently. Exactly these two substances also help our body to lower hom*ocysteine levels and thus protect against diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease are also increasingly associated with high hom*ocysteine levels - incorporating beetroot into our daily diet can, therefore, be a real "health booster".
But it is not only betaine and folic acid that ensure a good metabolism and healthy cells - Beetroot also contains potassium and iron which can provide excellent support. The vitamin A and C contents protect our mucous membranes, making our skin appear firmer and healthier. They also help us build a strong immune system, which lays the foundation for a healthy life, free of diseases.
What’s in beetroot?
In addition to the above-average nutrient content, beetroot mainly consists of water. About 87% of the root consists of water and is supplemented by 8% carbohydrates and 3% fibre. 100 grams contain only about 42 calories and at the same time only 0.1 grams of fat.
Beetroot gets its red colour from the already mentioned plant substance betaine. This natural colouring can also be found under the name E162 in the list of ingredients of certain products and provides the intensive colour in the manufacture of red products such as strawberry ice cream.
As with all fruit and vegetables, important nutrients are lost due to excessive heat exposure. The root should therefore ideally be eaten raw in order to get all the nutrients. The leaves of the beetroot should by no means land in the compost bin - they can also be consumed and contain important nutrients that support our body such as antioxidants, B6 and Zinc. And if you choose organic products, this is not only good for your body, but also for our environment.
Beetroot products from Lifefood
We at Lifefood use beetroot as an ingredient in some of our products and of course, we are keen for you to benefit. Beetroot not only finds its place in the raw and vegan Lifebar, but also offers fans of chips and similar products a healthy alternative with our delicious vegetable chips.
Our Lifebar Beetroot not only comes with healthy - and gently dried - beetroot, but also dates, raisins, and sunflower seeds - all combined in one energy bar. Simply the ideal snack in between meals. The dates contained in the bar add a natural sweetness, which keeps the bar healthy. The content of vitamins B1, B2, B6 and, vitamin A come from the sunflower seeds - these not only give our body healthy fats but also support our metabolism and consequently stimulate our digestion.
For those who prefer savoury flavours our gluten-free beetroot chips combine a slightly sweet component with a hearty mustard note of ground mustard seeds. Due to the gentle drying of the beetroot, all nutrients can be optimally absorbed and processed and thus serve as an ideal alternative - without any guilt!
ORAC content in Lifebar beetroot
In the past, we have carried out several tests on antioxidants and specifically tested them on ORAC (a specific value of several different antioxidants that measures total antioxidant capacity). The FDA recommends a daily intake of 3000-5000 units (unit is μmol TE). The standard consumption in the standard diet is only about 1200.
The actual ORAC content contained in a Lifebar beetroot is 4800 μmol TE, i.e. exactly four times as much as the amount a standard citizen consumes on average. In addition, a Lifebar beetroot would theoretically cover the ORAC content of an entire day.
Beetroot for a healthy body and more vitality
Beetroot supports our body in many ways. Not only the metabolism is positively influenced, but also cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by regular intake. The root can be used in many ways and can find its place in both sweet and savoury dishes.
It should be noted that beetroot is a real superfood that should definitely be at the top of our shopping list and can play a major role in maintaining our health.
Sources:
Zentrum der Gesundheit
Veganblatt
Eat move feel
Essen und Trinken
FAQs
Beetroot and its juice help your heart and lungs work better during exercise. Nitric oxide from beets increases blood flow to your muscles. Some athletes eat beetroot or drink beet juice when exercising to improve their performance. Beets are rich in folate (vitamin B9), which helps cells grow and function.
Is it okay to eat beetroot every day? ›
Can you eat beets everyday? It's always best to follow a varied diet. Eating a small amount of beetroot every day is unlikely to do any harm, but a high intake could lead to low blood pressure, red or black urine and feces, and digestive problems for anyone with a sensitivity to the nutrients.
What does Super beets do for your body? ›
Beets are high in nitrates that your body converts into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide may have several health benefits, such as protecting your cells from damage and relaxing your blood vessels. As a result, it may help decrease blood pressure and improve circulation ( 1 , 2 , 3 ).
Can beetroot burn belly fat? ›
There is no evidence to suggest that beetroot can directly burn belly fat. Beetroot is healthy and nutritious. But no single food can cause fat loss in a specific body area. Following a balanced, calorie-controlled diet and engaging in regular physical activity are essential.
Who should not take beetroot? ›
Anyone who has low blood pressure or is currently taking blood pressure medication should speak with a healthcare professional before adding beets or beetroot juice to their diet. Beets contain high levels of oxalates, which can cause kidney stones in people with a high risk of this condition.
What are the pros and cons of beetroot? ›
Beetroot juice has higher nitrate levels; while typically, these nitrates might help with blood pressure, drinking beetroot juice in the morning might lead to health risks due to the formation of potentially cancer-causing substances in the long run. Allergy to beetroots is very rare.
What is the healthiest way to eat beets? ›
Retain the good-for-you nutrients in beets by roasting them or sautéing them instead. Or lightly steam them for just a few minutes, suggests Doyle.
How soon after eating beets is urine red? ›
The urine color change may appear in the first few hours after drinking something containing beetroot. It may continue for a day or two after eating the coloring, especially in the stool.
Why do I feel dizzy after drinking beet juice? ›
A doctor can advise on whether drinking beet juice alongside taking medications to lower blood pressure may lower a person's blood pressure too much. If this occurs, the individual may experience symptoms such as : dizziness or lightheadedness. blurry vision.
What organ are beets good for? ›
They're knobby, blood-red and give off a rich, earthy aroma. But it's certainly worth the effort to get to know this nutritionally dense root vegetable. “Beets are unique for their cardiovascular and heart health benefits,” says registered dietitian Sarah Thomsen Ferreira, RD.
People may have red or black colored stools and pink or red urine when eating more beets or beet products. These are usual side effects and are not harmful. While side effects are typically mild, the proposed benefits of beetroot powder are not guaranteed.
Are beets high in sugar? ›
Moreover, beets are low in calories with zero cholesterol and a small amount of fat. However, the root is high in sugar and carbohydrates, so while you can consume the greens on top of the root in unlimited quantities, you should only have the root a few times a week. Beets are best from early spring to late fall.
What does beetroot do to the brain? ›
The nitrates in red beets help widen blood vessels, facilitating blood flow to the brain, which may improve brain function. Nitrates may also lower blood pressure which can help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke (Mirmiran et al.
Is beetroot good for you to lose weight? ›
Beetroot Juice Benefits For Weight Loss:
Beetroot is a calorie-efficient, nutrient-rich food. It may be a crucial component of a diet plan for losing weight. Due to its high fibre and low-calorie content, beetroot may help with weight loss in part. Fibre can aid in slowing digestion and help you feel fuller for longer.
What organ is beetroot good for? ›
Beetroot maintains a healthy liver
Regularly drinking beet juice, or adding them to your diet, has been found to increase the amount of certain detoxifying liver enzymes. These help to protect the organ, and allow it to work more efficiently.
What are the side effects of eating beetroot everyday? ›
People may have red or black colored stools and pink or red urine when eating more beets or beet products. These are usual side effects and are not harmful. While side effects are typically mild, the proposed benefits of beetroot powder are not guaranteed.
What does beetroot do to your bowels? ›
Ultimately, the fiber from beets adds bulk to stool while also softening it, decreasing the chance of constipation. Or, if you tend to have loose and watery stools, the fiber may aid in solidifying stool as it absorbs water and adds bulk.
