Health benefits of beets

Beets are an ancient, prehistoric food that grew naturally along coastlines in North Africa, Asia, and Europe.

Originally, it was the beet greens that were consumed; the sweet red beet root that most people think of as a "beet" today wasn't cultivated until the era of ancient Rome.

Aside being delicious the versatile vegetable contains a variety of unique health boosting nutrients.

Lowers blood pressure

Drinking beet juice may help to lower blood pressure in a matter of hours.

The benefit comes from the naturally occurring nitrates in beets, which are converted into nitric oxide in your body. Nitric oxide, in turn, helps to relax and dilate your blood vessels, improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure.

Fight inflammation

Beets are a unique source of betaine, a nutrient that helps protects cells, proteins, and enzymes from environmental stress.

It is also known to help fight inflammation, protect internal organs, improve vascular risk factors and enhance performance.

Anti-cancer properties

The powerful nutrients that give beets their deep crimson colour may help to ward off cancer. Research has shown that beetroot extract reduced multi-organ tumor formations in various animal models when administered in drinking water.

Helps in detoxification

Traditionally, beets are valued for their support in detoxification and helping to purify your blood and your liver.

The betalin pigments in beets support your body's Phase 2 detoxification process, which is when broken down toxins are bound to other molecules so they can be excreted from your body.