Beets are considered a very useful product and are deservedly included in a healthy diet. Most often, it is recommended to use it in boiled or baked form. The use of raw beets deserves special attention: why and how to do it right, let's figure it out.
Useful composition
Raw beets are low in calories. 100 g of beets contains only 40 Kcal, so it is rightfully referred to as important dietary products. In comparison with such an equally popular vegetable as potatoes, beets win in some positions. It has almost two times more carbohydrates than potatoes, four times more vitamin B1.
Raw beets contain: glucose, fructose, organic acids, potassium, manganese, iodine, cobalt, copper, zinc, phosphorus, sulfur, betanine, chlorine, pectins, etc.
Due to such a rich and unique chemical composition, raw beets have many beneficial properties and are able to have a therapeutic effect on the human body.
The benefits of eating raw beets
The benefit of raw beets is a moot point. On the one hand, many of the beneficial substances contained in it are not able to persist under the influence of high temperatures. On the other hand, after cooking, beets partially lose their aggressive properties.
Nutritionists are often recommended to use the vegetable in its raw form, but with reservations, which we will discuss below.
In science, it is believed that having a fairly rare and harmoniously balanced composition, fresh beets are useful for some body systems. And menno ....
Digestive system
Fiber, which is present in large quantities in raw beets, improves the digestive system, normalizes the secretion of gastric juice and cleanses the intestines from harmful substances. Betanine activates the breakdown of proteins and supports liver function.
Excretory system
Beetroot has a mild laxative and diuretic effect. Pectin substances help cleanse the body of putrefactive bacteria and cholesterol. Potassium protects the kidneys from the appearance of stones and prevents the formation of edema. The presence of calcium and potassium in beets helps to remove salts of heavy metals.
The cardiovascular system
Raw beetroot helps strengthen capillaries and blood vessels, effectively renews blood and serves as an excellent prevention of atherosclerosis. Beetroot increases hemoglobin in the blood and enriches it with oxygen. The normal consumption of fresh beets maintains normal blood pressure with hypertension. Magnesium in its composition lowers blood pressure and prevents blood clots. The beneficial effects of raw beets in the treatment of anemia are widely known.
Nervous and muscle systems
Vitamin B9, found in beets, affects mood improvement and helps to avoid nervous strain. Its high content improves metabolism and stimulates the nervous and muscular systems of the body.
Respiratory system
Due to the large amount of vitamin C, the inclusion of raw beets in the diet will be a good prevention of such a dangerous disease as asthma.
During pregnancy
Beets must be present in the diet of pregnant women. Folic acid, which is part of it, is vital at the planning stage of pregnancy and especially in its first trimester. Without this substance, the healthy nervous system of the unborn baby is unable to form. Beets help prevent anemia and constipation in pregnant women.
For beauty
The inclusion of beets in the diet returns a natural fresh complexion, and due to the low calorie content, the root crop is present in many diets and weight loss programs. For everyone who wants to lose weight, this vegetable is simply a find, since beetroot diet is one of the most inexpensive, satisfying and effective.
Possible harm to raw beets
For all its usefulness, eating raw beets has a number of contraindications. In some diseases, a fresh vegetable can cause significant harm to the body. The harmful properties of beets are in certain limitations, which are due to the state of human health.
The most common diseases in the presence of which the use of raw beets is contraindicated in connection with the risk of exacerbation of their course, the following:
osteoporosis;
urolithiasis and gallstone disease;
renal failure and kidney stone disease;
gastritis;
diabetes;
chronic diarrhea;
hypotension;
peptic ulcer;
gout;
bowel disease
With a tendency to heartburn and intestinal colic, eating fresh beets is undesirable. In allergy sufferers, it can provoke allergy attacks in the form of edema and swollen lymph nodes. Cardiologists do not recommend the use of beets with garlic to people suffering from cardiovascular diseases.
There are some restrictions on the use of fresh beets, even for completely healthy people. Excessive consumption of raw root vegetables is not recommended, the daily rate for an adult should not exceed 250 g.
Due to the ability of a vegetable to absorb all harmful and toxic substances, it is undesirable to eat raw beets grown in ecologically unfavorable regions.
Tasty and healthy raw beetroot drinks
In the absence of contraindications, raw beets will be a good addition to the daily diet.
It is better not to drink the beet juice immediately, let the sediment settle, and then dilute: one part of the beet - two parts of water.
A glass of diluted beet juice in the morning after breakfast will invigorate and maintain vitality throughout the day.
Fresh beet juice, taken in moderation, normalizes the liver and kidneys, lowers blood pressure, cleanses blood vessels, dissolves blood clots, reduces blood cholesterol, normalizes sleep, and relieves a hangover syndrome.
For colds, fresh beet juice in undiluted form can be used to rinse a sore throat and nasal instillation due to its significant anti-inflammatory and bactericidal action.
To mitigate the effect of beetroot juice on the digestive tract, it is recommended to mix it with juices of other vegetables and fruits (apple, orange, carrot, tomato, celery juice).
As a similar substitute for raw beet juice, beet kvass is perfect. This drink is absorbed by the body much easier than juice from raw beets.
In order to lose weight and cleanse the body, do not be lazy to make yourself a salad brush from raw beets. The same amount of beets, carrots and cabbage needs to be chopped, seasoned with a drop of lemon juice and a spoonful of vegetable oil. Use a salad brush before eating 3-4 tablespoons throughout the day.
