Boiled beets: benefits and harms to the health of the body. The benefits and harms of beets for human health, contraindications to the use of Beets for urolithiasis

There are some types of vegetables that are mandatory in every home. Without them, existence is simply impossible, since it is they that make up the normal human diet. These are potatoes, onions, carrots, cabbage and, of course, delicious, healthy, nutritious beets. Let's talk about the properties, the useful composition of the root crop, what benefits it brings to our body, and what is the harm, are there any contraindications to the use of beetroot.

This vegetable is popular in all regions of Russia, and is also in demand in Europe, the USA, Latin America, the country of the East, Asia. In our climatic conditions, the root crop gives an excellent yield, is resistant to temperature extremes. The vegetable is useful in any form - steamed, boiled, cheese. They cook first and second courses with it, make salads and even amazing desserts. In addition to the fact that all the dishes with the use of beets have an amazing taste, it is also very useful.

A little about the history of beets

This plant was used for food and as a medicine by the ancient Persians and the inhabitants of Babylon. According to research by scientists, beets were cultivated no later than a thousand years before the beginning of our era. Even a document related to the ancient ones has survived - dense foliage and root crops were one of the favorite plants in the garden of the ruler of Merodach-Baladan. The inhabitants of Ancient Greece were very familiar with the red fruit, and they appreciated the beneficial qualities. Moreover, the root crop was brought as a gift to the god of youth and beauty Apollo on a platter made of expensive metal.

It is worth noting that for the most part the upper part of the plant was used for food - the tops, which are no less rich in vitamins than the root. But they figured out the taste and benefits of the root crop about five hundred years BC. To the surprise of people, it turned out to be satisfying and tasty.

Beets in Russia

Beet appeared on the territory of the Russian state in the 10-11th century, for the first time it was mentioned in his chronicle "Izbornik" by Svyatoslav. Initially, it was brought to the Kiev principality, then it began to spread to Novgorod, Muscovy, etc. Already in the 14th century, there was no corner in Russia where a valuable root crop grew. This easily became known to researchers who read the books of monasteries, where beets were especially popular as a lean and healthy root vegetable.

It grows well even in the North, where there are a minimum of warm days and constantly low temperatures. Today, thanks to the efforts of domestic breeders, amazing varieties of beets have been bred. Among its advantages is an important detail - it is available to everyone, without exception, at any time of the year, in order to buy a kilogram of fruit you need to spend mere pennies.

Now let's move on to a more detailed study of the substances present in the beet. In their writings, Plutarch, Cicero, Pial wrote odes to beets. On the healing properties of the fruit, whole treatises were published by the fathers of medicine - Hippocrates, Avicenna. The uniqueness lies in the fact that it does not contain substances that add weight, but there are components that improve the work of peristalsis, metabolism, nourish the body only with valuable components. It should be noted right away that the sweet root vegetable belongs to the amaranth family.

The list of vegetables includes ordinary, fodder, sugar and other varieties. The composition includes vitamins A, E, PP, all from group B, C, U. Also, the root crop is in second place in terms of iodine content (on the first, seaweed), second in iron content (on the first, garlic). Also among the useful components are phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, boron, potassium. Of the acids in the fruit, there are folic, malic, oxalic, citric and lactic acids. Caloric content of the product: only 40 kcal per 100 grams.

Useful properties of beets and beet tops

Raw grated beets, its juice removes free radicals, radionuclides, heavy metal salts from the body, thereby eliminating the risk of cancer. It also contains a special pigment betacyanin, an important barrier to the growth of cancer cells.

Betaine is a special type of vitamin that improves metabolism, cleanses the blood from toxins, toxins, stimulates the kidneys and liver. The substance thins the blood, which is an excellent prevention of hypertension, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, diseases of the cardiovascular system, and minimizes the risk of osteoporosis. The component effectively strengthens the vascular walls, activates blood flow up to the capillaries.
The vegetable helps the digestive tract work, regulates the stool, cleanses the intestinal walls, gets rid of fecal stones, and stimulates the contraction of the rectum.
Replenishes the missing amount of iodine, which regulates the thyroid and parathyroid glands, normalizes the hormonal background, the state of the genitourinary system.
Beet juice, its pulp have a general strengthening property, due to which immunity is increased. Consequently, the risk of infectious, respiratory and colds is reduced.

The presence of a mass of various vitamins allows you to make up for their deficiency, so it is useful to use beets for vitamin deficiency.

Beetroot substances reduce the level of bad cholesterol, eliminate plaque, which is an excellent prevention of strokes and heart attacks.
There is a tremendous stimulation of the work of the brain, the areas responsible for memory, speech, vision, thinking are activated.
The coarse fibers of the vegetable stimulate the production of bile from the gallbladder, which minimizes the risk of stone formation.
The root vegetable has a diuretic and laxative properties, eliminates constipation.
Potassium and magnesium have a beneficial effect on the human nervous system, improve sleep, relieve anxiety, fear, groundless experiences.
Vegetables are included in the diet of athletes, persons engaged in heavy physical activity, since the components contribute to the growth of human endurance.
Regular consumption of beets improves the condition of the skin, removes fine wrinkles, increases the firmness and elasticity of the skin.
Beet juice, boiled tops or root crops have an excellent effect on the condition of nails, hair, make curls shiny and healthy.

An excellent positive effect of beets is felt by women who have a particularly developed PMS. Regular inclusion of boiled or raw fruit in the diet allows you to survive these days unnoticed.

Can beets for pregnant women

It has long been proven that beet is a versatile plant that can be prepared and consumed in any form. Due to the minimum number of kilocalories, you can eat in any quantity and not worry about being overweight. Considering the fact that the substances of the root crop sanitize the gastrointestinal tract, get rid of putrefactive bacteria, it is directly indicated during pregnancy. Beets regulate fat metabolism, prevent blood pressure from increasing, which is very important for expectant mothers. The fruit has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, relieves puffiness, regulates kidney function, and eliminates depressive conditions.

The root vegetable promotes hematopoiesis, replenishes iron deficiency and is useful for the prevention of anemia and hypoxia of the embryo. To prevent the hemoglobin level from decreasing, pregnant women need to regularly include beetroot in their diet. The presence of folic acid guarantees the exclusion of pathologies in the development of the fetus, the nervous system of the embryo develops well. In addition, beets nourish the body with energy, relieve drowsiness, fatigue, and help fight mental stress.

Can beets for children

In the children's diet, root crops, tops must be present without fail. But at what age can beets be given to a child, in what portions? These questions are quite naturally worried about compassionate mothers. We hasten to fill the gap and explain everything in order.

In what form to cook

It is best if the beets are boiled or baked in the oven and porridge is made in the form of mashed potatoes. You can also grate on a coarse grater, add olive oil, some nuts - this salad will be an excellent side dish for boiled chicken, cutlets or white fish. Regular consumption of root vegetables by a child:

activates mental abilities - improves memory, thinking, speech;
improve visual acuity, exclude the development of eye diseases;
will have a positive effect on the physical development of the baby;
will strengthen its endurance, add energy and vigor;
eliminate constipation, irregular bowel movements;
activates metabolic processes;
strengthens the walls of blood vessels.

In addition, regular consumption of beetroot will be an excellent prevention of colds and infectious diseases.

At what age to give a child beets

The root vegetable should be included in the diet only as an addition to the first, second courses and salads from zucchini, carrots. Add half a teaspoon of boiled beet juice to a serving and mix. For the first time, you should give a minimum portion at the age of 8-9 months and monitor the baby's condition. If there is no allergy or feeling unwell, you can gradually increase the dose.

Important: if there are side effects, you should urgently consult a doctor and forget about beets for at least 6-8 months.

Why beets are good for men

There is an opinion that the prowess of Russian men is largely due to the presence of sweet beets and their tops on the table. It should be included in the diet of the male half without fail, and here's why:

Beetroot juice is saturated with zinc, which plays an important role in the functioning of the reproductive system, which affects potency.
Substances enter the bloodstream and purify the blood, which is the prevention of prostate diseases.
Beta-carotenes prevent the formation of malignant processes, including adenomas.
The root vegetable is indicated for smokers who abuse alcohol, since the substances of the fruit cleanse the body of toxins and restore the functioning of the kidneys and liver.
The substances niacin, pantothenic acid and other vitamins activate the brain regions responsible for sex drive and pleasure.
Fortifying properties strengthen the immune system and protect against inflammatory, infectious processes.

Do beets have contraindications, what harm does it have?

We hasten to warn you that the root crop we are describing, like any other plant on this planet, has certain contraindications.

It is categorically impossible to eat beets under reduced pressure.
Exclude from the diet in any form - raw, boiled baked with high acidity.
In the presence of urolithiasis, oxaluria.

Important: there are a lot of recipes on the Internet with beet juice that get rid of kidney stones. Do not use them categorically.

If there is osteoporosis in an advanced stage, the root crop should be used with caution and only after consulting a doctor.
You can not eat a sweet root vegetable with diabetes mellitus, since it contains at least 25% of various types of sugars.
With constipation of a chronic nature, exacerbation of hemorrhoids.

Contraindications include individual root intolerance. To test if your body can digest a vegetable, you should start with the smallest portions.

And yet, the great Hippocrates said that the medicine from the poison differs only in the dose. Do not overdo it, everything should be in moderation. Enjoy eating, but don't overeat.

Beetroot drops from a cold

For whom it may seem strange, but the juice of a sweet root vegetable perfectly relieves nasal congestion, runny nose. To do this, you need to choose a healthy and ripe fruit, wash and clean thoroughly. Grate, squeeze the juice through cheesecloth, dilute with water 1: 1 and drip 2 drops into each nostril of the baby. Repeat the procedure 3-4 times a day.

Important: Always consult your doctor before using this prescription.

It is worth noting that the usual, but not allergic type of rhinitis can be treated in this way.

How to choose and store beets

The main guideline when choosing a product in a store or on a market counter is its appearance. Pay attention to the firmness and firmness of the vegetable. It shouldn't be soft or wrinkled. Walk your fingernail over the skin and notice the color. The bright burgundy color indicates the high quality of the product.

Beets are loved not only for their usefulness, but also for the ability to store for a long time while preserving all useful substances. For this, it is better to choose root crops obtained in September-October. Pour beets into the box, cover with sand and pour water on top so that the soil is moist. In this form, the beet will be perfectly preserved for at least six months.

How to cook beets

There is nothing easier than making a sweet root vegetable dish. It is enough to boil it, it is even better to bake it, having previously wrapped it in foil or simply eat it raw. It is imperative to rinse thoroughly before cooking or baking, and peel before cooking.

Many housewives complain that the beet is cooked for a long time. The trouble is, they don't know the secret of the chefs. It is enough to boil the root vegetable for only half an hour, remove it from the heat and immediately transfer it to a pan with ice water. After 10 minutes, the product will be ready for use.

As for the tops, you can add them to salads, cook soups - botvinnik. Believe me, this is an amazing taste and aroma, and it's also healthy!

Is it possible to lose weight on beets

We are in a hurry to please lovers of sweet root vegetables - with its help, you can lose kilograms quickly and easily. Nutritionists say that the beetroot diet is one of the most balanced and delicious. The menu can include lean meats, kefir, carrots, cabbage, tomatoes, raisins, prunes, etc. The diet should not include bananas, grapes, pastries, sweets, soda, alcoholic drinks and fast foods. So, we offer a menu for a week, thanks to which you can lose up to 5 kilograms.

Slimming with beets:

	Breakfast	Dinner	Dinner
First day	boiled brown rice and beetroot salad	steamed fish and slices of boiled beets	150 grams of vinaigrette without potatoes
Second day	omelet (steamed), salad with beetroot and carrots	breast (chicken), beetroot caviar	vegetable stew
The third day	beetroot and green apple, cottage cheese (granular)	vegetable soup and beetroot salad	boiled fish and vegetables (stewed)
Fourth day	buckwheat (porridge), root vegetable salad	beetroot and salad with tops	salad with root vegetables, prunes, nuts
The fifth day	cereal flakes with yogurt (low-fat), boiled beet	steamed chicken cutlet, boiled rice, root vegetable salad	smoothie - beet with kefir
Sixth day	toast with cheese (Adyghe) and tomato, salad with beetroot	grilled baked fish and root vegetable and cabbage salad	vegetable casserole and beet juice
Seventh day	regular muesli and vegetable salad	cabbage soup without meat, stewed beets	salad with root vegetables and carrots

During the day, you can afford a maximum of two snacks from vegetables, nuts and sour milk. It is important to drink plenty of fluids - 2 liters per day.

If the diet is effective, you can continue this diet for up to 10 days, then take a break for 3 days and repeat again.

Diet on beets and dairy products (kefir):

Considering the cleansing effect of both the first and second ingredients, you can immediately understand how many toxins, toxins and other harmful accumulations will leave our body. We hasten to warn you that this diet is contraindicated in chronic diarrhea, Crohn's disease and hemorrhoids.

So, let's begin.

The menu should have two components - low-fat kefir and a kilogram of raw peeled root vegetable. They can be enjoyed both separately and as a cocktail - smoothie. The only thing that can be added to the diet is to sprinkle with chopped fresh dill.

There is also a second way to lose weight on a beet with kefir. In this case, the fruit must be boiled, peeled and cut into cubes, pour over with kefir, add chopped celery stalks. You can consume food both hot and cold throughout the day.

Important: the diet described above is more suitable during vacation, when there is free time and the opportunity to frequent the toilet.

Best beetroot recipes

Botvinnik

To make a soup that can be eaten both hot and cold, we need:

chicken meat (you can have a ham, brisket);
4 potatoes;
4 carrots;
2 onions;
beets with rich tops;
2 tomatoes;
sunflower oil - 2 tablespoons;
pepper, salt to taste;
lavrushka, 15 grams of vinegar, dill, parsley, sour cream.

Boil the chicken meat, removing the foam, first remove the skin from the ham, the broth should turn out to be low-fat. Beets should be young, no more than 5 centimeters in diameter. Peel the root vegetables, cut off the tops and put the beets in the boiling broth, cook over low heat until soft, season with salt. Remove the meat, beet from the soup, cool, put the potatoes in cubes in a saucepan.

Separately chop onions, carrots, fry in vegetable oil, rub grated beets and tomatoes in the same place, stew. At the end, add vinegar and steam for five minutes. Pour the mixture into a saucepan with boiling broth, send the meat cut into pieces there, as soon as the soup boils, add chopped tops, a little sorrel and cook for 7 minutes with an open top. At the end, season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with sour cream and herbs.

If you have not yet included the sweet and healthy root vegetable we are describing in your regular diet, correct the mistake immediately. Go to the nearest store or market, there is a lot of this stuff. Prepare different dishes from it, make up for the lack of vitamins, improve your appearance, raise your own mood. And one unsightly and valuable gift of nature will help in everything - ordinary beets.

Goodbye to everyone.
Best regards, Vyacheslav.

Beet is a herbaceous plant of the amaranth family. For the first time, they learned about the beneficial properties of this root crop in Russia back in the 10th century. He came to us from Greece. At first, beets were known exclusively for the medicinal properties of the leaves. Then people began to eat the root crop. In Europe, the vegetable became popular primarily as a cure for the plague. The plant ripens in late summer and early autumn - August and September. Its unpretentiousness during cultivation and long-term storage make it possible to recognize the root crop as one of the most widespread, affordable and healthy food products.

Chemical composition

The most famous are three varieties of vegetables: table, fodder and sugar beet. The root vegetable is rich in vitamins, antioxidants and minerals.

Among them:

vitamins C, B, A, E, PP;
sodium;
phosphorus;
potassium;
magnesium;
iron;
zinc;
manganese;
copper.

Beetroot is a dietary product. Its energy value, with a huge wealth of substances useful for the human body, is 43 kcal per 100 g of product.

Healing properties

The red sweet vegetable has long been known in folk medicine. Both the root crop itself and the leaves of the plant have been used for centuries in the treatment of diseases of the liver, blood vessels, helped to cleanse the blood and intestines. Nowadays, official medicine recognizes the positive properties of beets, which affect the health and immunity of a person.

The root vegetable has the following beneficial properties:

dilates blood vessels, lowering high blood pressure;
increases hemoglobin;
cleans blood vessels and capillaries, promoting the elimination of cholesterol;
has a laxative effect, therefore it is indispensable for constipation;
cleans the intestines from toxins;
relieves swelling, removing excess fluid from the body;
strengthens the immune system;
increases efficiency;
slows down the growth of malignant neoplasms.

This is not a complete list of the medicinal properties of the product. In addition to traditional medicine, beets are used in cosmetology, dietetics, and cooking. However, the root vegetable has a number of contraindications.

Harm

In some cases, eating a vegetable can be harmful:

1. Diabetes mellitus. The root vegetable has a large amount of sugar, so it should not be included in the menu for this disease.
2. Low blood pressure (hypotension). Due to the fact that the product expands blood vessels, lowering pressure, hypotensive patients should use it with caution.
3. Urolithiasis. Despite the fact that there are many recipes based on beet juice, aimed at removing stones from the kidneys and bladder, doctors advise you to be careful with such recommendations.
4. Chronic diarrhea. The vegetable has a strong laxative effect, so people with diarrhea should not include it in their diet.
5. Allergies or individual intolerance to beets.

The named conditions are contraindications to the use of the product.

Usage

Beets can be eaten both raw and boiled. It is believed that the second option is more useful: thanks to heat treatment, the root crop is freed from harmful nitrates.

It is especially worth noting the usefulness of the juice, which acts as a laxative - it instantly "launches" the purification of the body from toxins. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to use it by nutritionists, if there are no contraindications.

In dietetics

Beets are often the staple food of the diet. It is advised to eat it boiled or steamed. It not only promotes weight loss, but also, due to the large amount of fiber contained in the red vegetable, cleanses the intestines of toxins, improves the functioning of the digestive system.

The root vegetable helps to increase efficiency, gives vigor and energy, providing the body with trace elements necessary for health.

Basic rules of the beetroot diet:

it is recommended to eat no more than 1.5 kilograms of vegetables per day - it is rich in sugar, an excess of which is undesirable;
it is necessary to include meat, fish, other vegetables in the diet;
you should drink at least 2 liters of still water;
exclude alcohol.

This diet should not exceed one week. During this time, you can lose 3 to 5 kg of excess weight.

In cosmetology

The use of natural masks with beets improves the condition of the skin and get rid of many problems. Among them:

dryness;
dull color;
oily areas of the skin;
acne, acne.

One of the recipes for a face mask using a vegetable:

1. Boil the beets.
2. Grate or mix in a blender.
3. Add some honey.
4. Mix well.
5. Apply the mask to your face for 15 minutes.
6. Wash off with warm water.

Thanks to this mask, the skin will be enriched with nutrients, dryness and irritation will disappear, the complexion will significantly improve. It is recommended to apply it every two weeks.

In folk medicine

Beetroot, especially freshly squeezed juice, provides invaluable help in the fight against menstrual pain, helps to survive the difficult menopause. Doctors advise to consume beet juice in these conditions, one to two tablespoons three times a day before meals.

During pregnancy, beets become one of the main foods that support a woman's health. If the expectant mother suffers from constipation, then recipes for dishes with beets will help get rid of a delicate intestinal problem. The vegetable has a diuretic effect, so regular consumption of the vegetable for edema will relieve pregnant women of excess fluid in the body.

In addition to physical health, the root vegetable can fight the manifestations of depression and the effects of stress. Beets are high in iodine, which contributes to the healthy functioning of the thyroid gland and female hormones, thereby improving mental health.

Taking into account the ability of beets to stop the growth of malignant cells, doctors advise regularly eating the vegetable for men suffering from prostate adenoma. This insidious disease is one of the most common diseases over the age of 60. For the prevention and maintenance of prostate health, experts advise to regularly eat beets for middle-aged and older men.

Beet juice saves you from the effects of a hangover. Due to the presence of magnesium, it regulates the state of nervous excitability after excessive libations, relieves hypertensive crisis, and cleanses the blood vessels. It is recommended to drink fresh beetroot juice along with carrot juice upon waking up in the morning.

The red root vegetable is rich in pantothenic acid and vitamins B and E, which stimulate the pituitary gland of the brain, which is responsible for sexual desire. With a drop in sexual interest, doctors pay attention to the benefits of a glass of beet juice drunk on an empty stomach. Thanks to its regular use, male sexual strength will be preserved for many years.

In cooking

Beets are used in the preparation of first courses, salads, side dishes. One of the simplest and healthiest recipes that uses a vegetable is a salad with garlic and walnuts.

Ingredients in the dish:

small table beets - 3-4 pieces;
a handful of peeled walnuts - 100 g;
two cloves of garlic;
mayonnaise (one tablespoon).

Preparation:

1. Boil the beets until tender.
2. Peel and cut into slices.
3. Grate on a coarse grater.
4. Chop the nuts with a knife.
5. Finely chop or grate the garlic.
6. Mix all ingredients.
7. Add mayonnaise.

Young children really enjoy mashed beets. To do this, you need to boil the root vegetable, peel it, cut it into small pieces and beat them with a blender. Beetroot puree can be given to children from one year old, but a baby under five years old is allowed to eat no more than two teaspoons a day.

A healthy root vegetable is also easy to prepare for the winter. Preservation is carried out both with and without sterilization of cans. You can make pickled, stewed beets, as well as dressing for borscht, using other vegetables with it - carrots, tomatoes, peppers.

You can talk about the benefits and dangers of beets forever. From childhood, any Russian person is familiar with this root crop, the beneficial properties of which were highly valued even in antiquity. We are used to seeing it as an indispensable component in such familiar dishes as beetroot, vinaigrette, herring under a fur coat, and in restaurants you can find real culinary delights from beets: marmalade, sorbet, ice cream and many delicious salads.

The composition and calorie content of beets

Beets are a very rich vegetable. A real "pharmacy" that allows you to improve your health, which includes such substances as:

Di- and monosaccharides
Alimentary fiber
Starch
Organic acids to help normalize digestion
Beta carotene

100 grams of beets contains:

Protein - 1.5 grams
Fat - 0.1 grams
Carbohydrates - 8.8 grams

As for calorie content, it is important to consider 2 key aspects here:

Raw beets have a calorie content of only 40 kcal (of course, per 100 grams).
If we are talking about a boiled vegetable, then the numbers increase slightly - 49 kcal.

In any case, it is a complete dietary product, which also contains many vitamins and useful elements (micro-, macro-):

	The amount of mg in 100 grams (or mcg)









Manganese

This is far from a complete list, although it may seem that the entire periodic table is listed here. In fact, a vegetable contains a complex of amino acids, including:

Histidine
Bethanine
Arginine and others.

When cooking a product in beets does not decrease the amount of nutrients, there is no transformation of the composition, so the vegetable is useful in any form.

The benefits of beets for the human body (fruits, juice, tops)

Of course, in the composition of dishes, the benefits of beets are somewhat reduced, therefore, for recreational and medicinal purposes, it is better to use raw or boiled, make fresh juice or broth from it, and also use beet tops for food.

Why buy a dozen expensive medicines in a pharmacy, if an excellent healing agent grows in almost every vegetable garden and lies in abundance on store shelves! Given the numerous medicinal properties of beets, you should definitely set aside a place for it on your site and add this wonderful root vegetable to your diet more often.

Video about the beneficial properties of beets

The healing properties of red beets were recognized by Hippocrates. This root vegetable was used to heal skin inflammations and infectious diseases, and Dr. Paracelsus successfully treated various blood diseases with beets, including iron deficiency anemia.

There are not as many vitamins in beets as in carrots or bell peppers, but beet leaves are a good source of vitamin A, while roots contain vitamin B9 in sufficient quantities, thanks to which beets are very useful for preventing heart disease. There are even separate varieties of leaf beet (for example, Mangold or some fodder varieties). And by the presence of iodine, iron and zinc, the root crop is significantly superior to other vegetables, being the best natural medicine for problems with hematopoiesis, for dysfunction of the gonads and metabolism.

Beet Leaves are a Good Source of Vitamin A

A rich chemical composition, including amino acids, organic acids, bioflavonoids, pectins, glucose, fructose, minerals and trace elements, provides the unique properties of beets.

Beets are useful in that:

prevents anemia and promotes the production of hemoglobin;
helps to create new cells in the body, providing a rejuvenating effect;
improves digestion and intestinal motility;
improves metabolism and, consequently, helps with smooth weight loss;
eliminates toxins;
reduces the risk of occurrence and reduces the growth of malignant tumors;
cleans blood vessels;
helps in the treatment of hypertension and atherosclerosis;
stimulates sexual activity in men;
relieves premenstrual pain in women;
has a laxative and diuretic effect;
has an anti-inflammatory effect;
relieves pain, promotes recovery;
helps to cope with depression;
increases the body's endurance;
helps to preserve the health of vision;
indispensable for thyroid diseases due to the record amount of iodine.

Beets, which have a caloric content of only 40 kcal, occupy an important place in the diet.

It is especially useful to eat beets and beetroot dishes during pregnancy, because the root vegetable contains so much iron, iodine and folic acid necessary for carrying a baby! And the strengthening of intestinal motility with the destruction of putrefactive bacteria with the help of a root crop during this period will be very useful.

Beets, which have a caloric content of only 40 kcal, occupy an important place in the diet. Dishes made from it are delicious, they satisfy hunger well, but at the same time they are low in calories and cleanse the body well, helping to cope with obesity.

Raw or boiled?

There are adherents of eating only boiled vegetables, someone believes that there can be no better raw beets. We propose to figure out who can and cannot both options, what are the objective advantages of the chosen form of use.

Boiled vegetable

It is no secret that most vegetables tend to lose their useful qualities during heat treatment. Beets are a nice exception to the rule. Even boiled, it perfectly retains all the minerals with vitamins. The only transformation taking place with it is an insignificant increase in calorie content.

Since beets contain enough iron, this helps to quickly restore blood loss and effectively fight diseases such as anemia. That is why women are advised to regularly consume beets, including boiled ones, for menstrual bleeding. The presence of boron in the composition promotes the production of hormones. This list can be continued for a long time, since the beneficial properties of a vegetable after cooking will not differ in any way from the properties of a raw one.

As for the prohibitions. There are some nuances here. With the abuse of boiled beets, you can come to such a problem as a decrease in the natural level of absorption of calcium by the body. In this regard, it is not recommended to use boiled beets for people with a deficiency of this substance. The rest of the list of contraindications is 100% similar to the prohibitions for raw vegetables (you will get acquainted with them below).

Fresh vegetable

It is rare to find skeptics about eating raw beets. Since childhood, we are familiar with salads, in which, among other things, this vegetable is present. This is not surprising given the objective health benefits of eating raw beets:

Anti-inflammatory properties, both externally and internally.
A natural antioxidant that removes accumulated toxins from the body, salts with cholesterol, simultaneously protecting against negative radioactive effects.
Beneficial effect on the digestive tract.
Improving the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
Restoration and renewal of liver cells.
Strengthening bones and preventing osteoporosis when consumed wisely.
Complex strengthening of the immune system.
Improving vision.
The increase in energy reserves and efficiency is a natural "doping".
Excellent prevention of prostate adenoma.

Benefits of beets for pregnancy and breastfeeding

Women who are preparing to become mothers, as well as those who practice breastfeeding, should pay attention to beets and be sure to eat them. As already noted, this vegetable contains many vitamins and other useful components that the body needs so much in a similar state:

Folic acid is indispensable for the prevention of malformations of the baby in the womb. It helps the child's central nervous system develop normally.
Thanks to iron, you can forget about its deficiency, which many pregnant women face. Plus the element helps to exclude oxygen starvation of the fetus, as it saturates the blood with oxygen.
No one would argue that iodine is extremely important during pregnancy and lactation, and it is also found in beets. This is especially important for those women who have problems with the thyroid gland.
Practice shows that with high blood pressure, beets can act as "pills" to lower these indicators.

However, beetroot should be treated with caution by those mothers who are prone to indigestion or have diabetes.

Benefits of beets for weight loss

Beetroot is often found as a basic ingredient in mono diets for a couple of days. This is not surprising given the composition of the vegetable. In terms of losing weight, elements such as are especially important:

Iron
Potassium

Among the main advantages of introducing beets into a losing weight diet:

Thanks to betaine, protein is better absorbed in the body through food.
Taking beets before meals can significantly reduce hunger and get satiety quickly.
Since there is enough fiber in beets, it increases in volume in the stomach without being digested, giving signals of the absence of hunger.
Acceleration of metabolism.
Removal of slags and other harmful substances.
Both raw beets and cooked can help fight fat accumulation (curcumin is responsible for this) while adhering to the basics of PP.

THIS IS INTERESTING: nutritionists believe that it is better, while on a diet, to give preference to raw vegetables, since boiled ones have a higher glycemic index, plus an increased calorie content.

Benefits of beets for pancreatitis and other gastrointestinal diseases

We have already listed the positive qualities of beets and their effects on the body. Naturally, this also affects the scope of the gastrointestinal tract. People suffering from pancreatitis and other gastrointestinal diseases can count on the help of beets, as they:

Prevents the development of pathogenic bacteria and microbes in the body.
Removal of toxins from the intestines.
With the help of a root vegetable, you can prepare a composition for getting rid of lamblia.
Beets are essential for relieving constipation.
Regular use of vegetables in food allows, in combination, to improve the activity of the digestive organs.

Contraindications and potential harm for women and men

It would be wrong to say that a vegetable is unhealthy. In fact, the harm of beets can only be manifested if it is thoughtlessly consumed in large quantities in the presence of certain health problems.

Beets interfere with calcium absorption

So, do not get carried away with either raw or boiled beets for gastritis with high acidity, since this root vegetable is able to further increase the acidity of the stomach. With diabetes mellitus, it is also advisable to limit the consumption of a vegetable, because it contains a considerable amount of sugars. And if with chronic constipation red beets are beneficial, then with chronic diarrhea it is definitely not worth eating, so as not to aggravate the situation, especially in old age.

It is undesirable to drink fresh juice of root vegetables with gout, rheumatoid arthritis, with intestinal disorders and with low blood pressure.

Keep in mind that beets interfere with calcium absorption. This is especially true in case of osteoporosis or a predisposition to it, but pregnant women should definitely pay attention to this property of beets and do not eat it beyond measure.

Beets are completely contraindicated in case of urolithiasis due to the content of oxalic acid. Despite the popular recipes found on the Internet for treating stones in the bladder and kidneys with the help of beetroot juice, this is strongly discouraged!

The amazing medicinal properties of beets are preserved even with prolonged winter storage.

Where are the health benefits: raw, boiled, baked, steamed, fried, or fresh juice

The most beneficial properties of beets are manifested in freshly squeezed juice. All vitamins and minerals in root vegetable juice are concentrated. This juice is useful for severe fatigue, vitamin deficiency, a lack of hemoglobin, constipation, as well as for the purpose of general cleansing of the body and removal of toxins. Drinking fresh beetroot juice at the first sign of a cold helps the body to cope with the disease immediately.

But pure beet juice is too saturated, so it is usually mixed with carrot juice in a ratio of 1 to 10, eventually increasing the amount of beet juice to half a glass. When preparing vegetable juice, first squeeze the root vegetables of the beets so that the juice settles a little, and only after a couple of hours the carrots are squeezed out. In case of hypertension, it is better to drink beet juice with a diluted spoonful of honey.

You can use the juice squeezed from the beetroot roots and for the treatment of a cold: in this case, slightly fermented juice is instilled into each nostril three times a day, two to three drops.

The most beneficial properties of beets are manifested in freshly squeezed juice.

Other uses for beets:

The most useful is raw beets, but they should be eaten in small portions, otherwise problems with the gastrointestinal tract are possible. You can reduce the active effect of a raw vegetable if you grate it and let it stand for a while or mix it with other vegetables in a salad;
boiled, baked and stewed root vegetables are recommended for constipation, digestive disorders, diseases of the gallbladder and liver, boiled beets can also be eaten by patients with diabetes mellitus;
dishes with beets help in the treatment of atherosclerosis and obesity, fruits baked in the oven are especially tasty (sometimes they are made in the microwave, which is less useful, but comes out faster than with the oven);
pickled and pickled beets have long been used as the best remedy for scurvy;
It is very useful to add beet tops to salads, soups, casseroles or soak dried in wine vinegar - in autumn beet greens contain more vitamins, minerals and protein than root vegetables. Often, useful kvass is made from the leaves;
for constipation, grated boiled beets are seasoned with olive oil and used as a mild laxative at night;
externally, the gruel from the raw fruit is applied to ulcers and cracks, changing the compress as it dries. Masks with the addition of vegetables have a beneficial effect on the skin with teenage acne.

Korean-style beets will be a pleasant snack for spicy lovers, as well as grated fruit combined with horseradish. However, remember that there are very few health benefits in such products!

Video about the benefits of beets

What to combine root vegetables with in salads and other dishes

The most popular and useful combinations are:

beet, apple and carrot juice (taken in the morning on an empty stomach);
root vegetable with sour cream and garlic (there are options with mayonnaise, but this product is clearly not useful for health);
salad with root vegetables, nuts and prunes - a real treat and good for the intestines;

The amazing medicinal properties of beets are retained even with prolonged winter storage. This means that in the spring time, when the body is experiencing a particular lack of vitamins and minerals, the root vegetable can become a real life-saving tool for improving health! Therefore, the question of what is more in beets - benefit or harm, is now much easier to answer.

Useful recipes to remember

If you study the recipes of traditional medicine, you can find many options with the inclusion of sugar beet, as well as those where it acts as the main ingredient. Here are some of the most simple and effective recipes for different life situations.

Hypertensive patients can mix ¼ of freshly squeezed beetroot juice with a teaspoon of flower honey and drink before meals to reduce blood pressure.
Have a runny nose? No problem! Wait until the beet juice turns sour, and then put it in the nasal passages 3 times a day, 2 drops.
For scurvy, it is recommended to cook and eat sauerkraut. You can prepare it according to the traditional recipe.
You can also treat ulcers with the support of the described vegetable. Grate the beets to make a gruel, and apply to the affected skin.
Wait for the mixture to dry and change the dressing. This recipe, by the way, is good for acne in adolescence.

Each of us knows the taste of beets since childhood. This red, juicy vegetable, both raw and boiled, is included in the recipes of many dishes of world cuisines. Cold snacks (caviar, salads, pickled products), hot dishes (soups, borscht, stewed vegetables), drinks (kvass, juice) and even savory desserts (candied fruits, pastries, ice cream) are prepared from the root vegetable.

It is hard to imagine rich borscht or cold beetroot soup without the addition of beets. And the top of the most popular salads among our fellow citizens includes a traditional New Year's dish - herring under a fur coat and everyone's favorite vinaigrette.

This vegetable can be safely ranked as a food that improves health. Due to the unique biochemical composition, all parts of the plant - young tops and root crops, are actively used in traditional and folk medicine. Even in the days of Hippocrates, beets were used in the treatment of infectious diseases and skin pathologies, and Paracelsus used fresh plant juice to eliminate iron deficiency anemia.

However, with certain ailments and breakdowns in our body, the biologically active substances of beets, which usually benefit the body, can result in unexpected harm. To avoid this, you should know exactly how and in what quantities to use beets for medicinal and culinary purposes.

Useful properties of beets for humans

The energy value (caloric content) of raw beets is about 40 kcal, and boiled beets - 49 kcal. The product belongs to the dietary one and is recommended for inclusion in the diet of those who control their weight and adhere to a low-calorie diet.

Beetroot vegetables contain the following phytonutrients useful for the human body:

vitamins (carotenoids, groups B, E, PP, C);
mineral substances (macro- and microelements, including basic ones, potassium, iron, calcium, sulfur compounds, magnesium, chlorine, zinc, copper, manganese, boron, vanadium, rubidium, iodine, fluorine, etc.);
natural sugars occupying up to 25% of the volume (glucose, sucrose, fructose);
an activator of the synthesis processes of phospholipid cell membranes - betaine (it is this compound that provides the rich red color of the fruit pulp);
ash;
bioflavonoids;
oxalic acid;
antioxidants;
essential and nonessential amino acids;
pectin fibers;
indigestible plant fibers (cellulose).

The aboveground part of the plant, in addition to the listed substances, contains a high concentration of vitamin A. That is why young beetroot shoots are recommended to be eaten raw, boiled and baked, for example, as a filling for a Georgian pie.

The biologically active compounds present in the product, most of which are in an easily digestible form, provide the following medicinal properties of beets:

diuretic and decongestant;
cleansing the gastrointestinal tract, in particular the liver, and activating the processes of evacuation of metabolites;
anticholesterol and hematopoietic;
antimicrobial and antibacterial;
immunomodulating and tonic;
anticancer and anticancer;
toning and rejuvenating.

The benefits of raw beets

Despite the fact that most vegetables are healthier unprocessed, since they retain all the vitamins, in the case of beets, the situation is not so straightforward. The fact is that a raw root vegetable contains a large amount of fruit acids that irritate the walls of the stomach and intestines.

That is why salads from raw young vegetables are recommended to be consumed only by those people whose digestive system is completely healthy. Raw beets are most delicious when young. Young plant roots collected in summer have a thin skin and tender pulp.

The benefits of boiled beets

The most amazing property of beets is the preservation of most of the nutrients after heat treatment. That is why it is useful in boiled and baked form, as well as in absolutely all dishes. Scientists have found that cooked beets are better absorbed by the body than raw beets.

The inclusion of beets in the daily diet is useful for the following diseases:

constipation, disturbances in the digestive system, dysbiosis;
atherosclerosis, hypertension, ischemic heart disease;
hepatitis, fatty liver degeneration;
intoxication of the body, slagging;
iron deficiency anemia;
obesity;
impotence and forgive;
depression;
hypovitaminosis;
climacteric disorders

How long should beets be boiled until tender?

Answering the question - how much to cook beets? - it should be emphasized that this depends on the size of the fruit and the degree of its ripeness. If for small roots, collected in June-August, a quarter of an hour is enough, then large fruits stored in the cellar require long cooking - from 1 to one and a half hours.

In order not to be mistaken, the beets should be pierced with a knife. If the blade enters, as if in soft butter, then the product has already cooked. However, you shouldn't overcook the root vegetable to avoid losing its beneficial compounds.

Beet juice: benefits and recipes

Juice squeezed from root vegetables is a concentrated elixir saturated with vitamins. Traditional medicine recommends the use of beet juice to treat many diseases. Phytotherapists advise drinking it at the first sign of a cold, anemia, chronic fatigue syndrome, constipation, vitamin deficiency.

Before drinking, the drink should be kept in the refrigerator in an open container for at least 2 hours. During this time, irritating mucous substances evaporate from the concentrate. Freshly prepared juice can burn the epithelium lining the stomach and lead to vomiting.

To improve the taste, it is recommended to add a small amount of natural bee honey to the drink, which will not only increase the sweetness, but also enhance the healing effect of the elixir due to the enzymes and amino acids present in the beekeeping product.

Here are just some time-tested healing recipes:

Decrease in blood pressure. With arterial hypertension, root juice diluted in half with honey is used. The product is stored in the refrigerator and consumed 15 ml three times a day before meals.
Increased hemoglobin. With anemia, experts recommend drinking freshly squeezed apple and beet juice (1: 1), half a glass of the mix twice a day before meals.
Reducing the manifestations of menopause (hot flashes, palpitations, fluctuations in the emotional background). Fresh beet juice should sit in the refrigerator for several hours. Drinking a tablespoon three times a day.
Treatment of colds. Mix in a glass container 50 g of vodka, honey, beetroot and cranberry juice, let it brew for 72 hours. Take a tablespoon 3-4 times a day with meals.
Rhinitis therapy. With a cold, clean beet juice is instilled 1-2 drops into each nasal passage. You can also insert turundas soaked in fresh root juice into the nostrils.
Increase in potency, prevention and treatment of prostatitis. Combine in equal proportions freshly prepared juices of the following fruits: cucumber, vegetable bell peppers, carrots and beets. Take a mix of ½ glass twice a day before breakfast and dinner.

Beets are a real boon for everyone who is losing weight. The low energy value of the product does not lead to a set of extra pounds, thanks to which even a large portion of beet salad seasoned with unrefined vegetable oil will not harm your figure, but it will relieve hunger pangs and improve the functioning of all organs and systems, saturating every cell of the body with healing compounds.

In addition to the inclusion of beets in the diet for weight loss, according to reviews of people who have tried various methods of weight loss, it is advisable to use the product for therapeutic purposes to activate intestinal motility, remove excess fluid from tissues and stimulate all types of metabolism, including lipid, due to which it occurs increased burning of subcutaneous fat.

For everyone who is losing weight, beets are recommended to be consumed in boiled or baked form, since they practically do not irritate the delicate mucous membrane of the stomach, but at the same time contributes to the normalization of the stool and getting rid of edema. The daily consumption rate is up to 200 g of the product, which is about 100 kcal.

It is best to combine boiled beets for weight loss with unrefined vegetable oils of the first cold pressing, for example, corn, flaxseed, pumpkin seeds, olive or sunflower seeds. Adding fresh leafy greens to the salad: parsley, dill, arugula, coriander, young shoots of garlic and onion feathers improves the nutritional value of the dish and further enhances metabolism.

An amazing combination with powerful medicinal properties - kefir with beets. The fiber-rich root vegetable improves the functioning of the intestines and cleanses the body of toxins, and kefir complements these functions, additionally enriching the microflora with beneficial bacteria. To make a sour milk shake for weight loss, you will need to mix 150 ml of kefir with probiotics or natural yogurt with two tablespoons of finely grated boiled beets. This drink is the perfect breakfast or dinner for anyone looking to be slim.

Contraindications and harm to beets

Like all vegetables, beets have a number of restrictions on their use, including:

allergies, individual intolerance;
stable hypotension;
osteoporosis (the product impairs the absorption and assimilation of calcium);
a tendency to diarrhea;
oxaluria (urolithiasis);
increased acidity of gastric juice;
diabetes.

It is undesirable to eat more than 200 g of beets per day, as this can negatively affect the state of the excretory system. The harm of beets to the body is minimal if consumed in moderation. Due to the ability of root crops to accumulate nitrates, which the plant draws from the soil after applying large portions of nitrogen synthetic fertilizers, it is recommended to cut off the top of the beets by ¼.

How to make kvass from beets at home, and how is it useful?

At home, it is not difficult to prepare a unique healing drink - beet kvass. This elixir will be useful for people suffering from constipation and edema, as well as for all patients with heart and vascular problems.

Regular consumption of beet kvass will allow to normalize blood pressure and cleanse blood vessels from atherosclerotic deposits, as well as improve blood composition. The use of kvass from beets lies in the ability of the drink to cleanse the body of poisons, radionuclides, toxic substances and metabolites. Regular intake of the elixir prevents malignant degeneration of cells, eliminates constipation, and promotes weight loss.

To make kvass, you will need to peel the root vegetables from thin skins, grate them, fold the beet mass into a three-liter jar, filling it 1/3, add 0.2 kg of granulated sugar and dried brown bread crusts (50 g). All ingredients are poured to the top with boiling water, cover the container with gauze and put the jar in a dark place for fermentation. After 2-3 days, the liquid is filtered and consumed as a soft drink, but no more than 1-2 glasses per day.

Now that you know what the true health benefits of beets are, all that remains is to deliberately diversify the menu by adding new dishes from such a valuable vegetable culture. I wish you active longevity and good health!

Many people underestimate the health benefits of beets. On the basis of the root vegetable, the usual first and second courses, salads, all kinds of snacks are prepared. Also, the vegetable is appreciated by people who lead a healthy lifestyle. Beets are rich in vitamins and minerals. The product fights against many ailments, the main feature of the root crop is that it is useful in any form.

The chemical composition of beets

It doesn't matter whether the vegetable is boiled or raw. Thanks to trace elements in the body, the work of all internal organs is normalized. The root vegetable includes:

groups of vitamins B, P, PP;
iodinated compounds;
potassium;
iron;
sulfur;
manganese;
cesium;
phosphorus;
folic acid;
amino acids.

Mineral components help the body fight various diseases of the cardiovascular and skeletal systems. Also, the root crop has a preventive effect on serious ailments.

Amino acids fight early aging. The components cleanse the body of toxins and toxins. Amino acids perfectly remove harmful substances from the organs. Folic acid supplies the circulatory system with essential molecules.

The benefits of boiled beets

Enzymes help the body to resist various viruses and disease-causing bacteria. Also, the chemical constituent of the root vegetable rejuvenates the body at the cellular level.
Experts strongly recommend eating a vegetable for people who are most often subject to colossal stress and anxiety. Beetroot has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, relieves stress and soothes.
Also, the product is an excellent means of cleansing the body as a whole. In the modern world, ecology leaves much to be desired. Therefore, beets are able to remove accumulated toxins. In addition, the root vegetable strengthens the circulatory system, making the capillary walls more elastic.
Experts insist that women consume boiled root vegetables during menstruation. The product actively restores blood loss on women's days. Also, hemoglobin rises in the body. The process takes place due to the high iron content in beets. The vegetable actively resists anemia.
It is recommended to use the ready-made vegetable for the stronger sex. The root vegetable helps to improve potency and sexual attraction to women.
Also, beets normalize the digestive tract. The vegetable removes toxins from the intestines, as a result, all pathogenic bacteria in the stomach die. The product has a slight laxative effect.
If you are diagnosed with gastritis, beets will help cope with the disease. In case of inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract mucosa, the vegetable should be consumed only in a boiled form. The root vegetable eliminates digestive disorders, gradually regenerates stomach tissues.

Beets are considered a useful and effective product in the fight against pancreatitis. The root vegetable corrects the metabolic processes of the whole organism, has diuretic and laxative properties.

In addition, beetroot removes toxins from the intestines, absorbs and removes poisons from its walls.

It is forbidden to use boiled root vegetables if you have an acute form of the disease. The contained fiber is poorly absorbed by the inflamed organ. The raw product is contraindicated in any quantity.

At the initial stages of pancreatitis, boiled beets can be consumed every morning at 90-110 grams, gradually increasing the amount in the absence of side effects.

Benefits of beets for weight loss

Boiled beets are loved by individuals who are actively seeking to lose extra pounds and maintain a figure at the current level. The vegetable is a low-calorie food.

The root vegetable enriches cells with nutrients, maintains metabolism at the proper level, so the feeling of fullness remains for a long time.

It is not difficult to make the right diet with boiled beets, as a result, the work of the whole body will improve. Your metabolism, digestion processes are normalized. Thus, old fatty layers will disappear.

Benefits of beets for breastfeeding

At the moment, there is no definite answer as to whether it is possible to eat boiled beets for nursing mothers. Experts say that red vegetables are contraindicated in women during lactation.
The fact is that a vegetable can provoke an individual intolerance in a baby. Beetroot is a unique root vegetable. Despite its color, the vegetable is considered hypoallergenic. Therefore, the cooked product is recommended to be included in the diet.
Due to its many beneficial qualities, beets will saturate the body of a nursing girl with all the necessary trace elements. Further, some of the vitamins and minerals will be transferred to the baby along with milk.

The benefits of beet juice

lowers blood pressure;
strengthens the immune system;
normalizes the thyroid gland;
restores and cleanses the liver from toxins;
removes stones from the kidneys and gallbladder;
has powerful anti-inflammatory properties;
resists the formation of oncological pathologies;
lowers the level of bad cholesterol, leaving good;
normalizes the girl's condition during menstruation;
helps the body to resist viruses.

increases sexual activity;
improves liver function;
increases efficiency;
reduces the content of homocysteine;
relieves premenstrual syndrome;
eliminates constipation;
regenerates abrasions and wounds;
improves vision;
suppresses the processes of putrefaction in the intestines;
eliminates inflammation.

The harm of boiled beets

It is not recommended to use boiled root vegetables with high stomach acidity, acute gastritis. The content of vitamin C has a detrimental effect on the inflamed mucous membrane.
Do not overuse the vegetable if you are calcium deficient. The root vegetable washes out the mineral component from the body and does not allow it to be absorbed.
It is forbidden to eat the vegetable for people suffering from diabetes. Almost everyone knows that it is from beets that sweet sand is obtained. Consider this fact.
With extreme caution, you can use a root vegetable in the presence of urolithiasis. If you neglect the permissible daily allowance for a vegetable, you will only harm your health.
It is forbidden to include boiled beets in the menu for people who have problems in the form of chronic diarrhea or diarrhea. The vegetable has laxative properties that will only aggravate your condition.

Beets have many beneficial properties on the body. It does not matter in what form to use the root vegetable. Contraindications to the use of vegetables are minimal. If you follow the daily rate, the product will bring tremendous benefits to the body. Try beetroot juice with a variety of vegetable and fruit juices. Make sure you are not allergic to any of the ingredients.

Video: how to cook beets properly

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