Beets

Beets are rich in betaine, which stimulates liver cell function and helps keep the bile ducts healthy and flowing; this enables the body to eliminate toxins properly. Beets also protect against heart disease because another benefit of betaine is its ability to reduce homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is the toxic amino acid that increases risk of cardiovascular disease.

Betaine, also known as trimethylglycine (TMG), is a minor "mood enhancer". Through a series of events, it increases serotonin levels and can be used to help relieve many cases of depression.

Beets also help protect against cancer, particularly colon cancer, and there is something called "Beet Therapy" which doctors have used to get rid of tumors and to help with blood diseases and leukemia.

Among the other healthy uses of beets are:

*Helping cleanse the colon
*Strengthening the gall bladder
*Increasing stamina
*Treating and curing boils, abscesses and even acne.

Antioxidant superstars, red beets contain betalains, compounds that fight inflammation and support your detox by neutralizing toxins and making them water soluble and easily flushed from the body. In one study, beet fiber increased the production of detoxifying enzymes in the liver.


1.) Brain and Energy Boost
Beets are high in natural nitrates, which are converted to nitric oxide in the body. Nitric oxide is known to expand the walls of blood vessels so you can enjoy more oxygen, more nutrients, and more energy.

2.) Super Antioxidant for a Long, Healthy, Pain-Free Life.
Antioxidants help to reverse the daily accumulated wear and tear on the body, known as aging. Beets are a very good source of commonly known antioxidants like vitamin C and manganese, but it is their lesser-known antioxidants which give them their true value. The blood-red color of beets comes from a powerful group of antioxidants called betalains. There are hundreds of studies on the positive health benefits of betalains. A short summary of the results shows that they help in the areas of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and inflammation.

3.) Anti-Inflammatory Benefits
The inflammatory response is a natural function of the body which saves our lives when it responds to the acute stresses in our lives, like bacterial infection and injury. Due to the constant stress in our modern lives, however, this inflammation becomes chronic. It is as though our body is constantly in a battle.

Beetroots, cooked

Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz)
Energy	180 kJ (43 kcal)
Carbohydrates	9.96 g
- Sugars	7.96 g
- Dietary fiber	2.0 g
Fat	.18 g
Protein	1.68 g
Vitamin A equiv.	2 μg (0%)
Thiamine (vit. B1)	.031 mg (3%)
Riboflavin (vit. B2)	.027 mg (2%)
Niacin (vit. B3)	.331 mg (2%)
Pantothenic acid (B5)	.145 mg (3%)
Vitamin B6	.067 mg (5%)
Folate (vit. B9)	80 μg (20%)
Vitamin C	3.6 mg (4%)
Calcium	16 mg (2%)
Iron	.79 mg (6%)
Magnesium	23 mg (6%)
Phosphorus	38 mg (5%)
Potassium	305 mg (6%)
Sodium	77 mg (5%)
Zinc	.35 mg (4%)
Percentages are roughly approximated using US recommendations for adults. Source: USDA Nutrient Database