Benefits of Beetroot Juice

Beetroot is not only delicious, but also has many health benefits. Curious which these are? See a list here. Here are 5 major health benefits of beetroots or beetroot juices.

1. Help with inflammation

Red beets contain so-called betalains. These pigments not only provide the red color, but also have an anti-inflammatory effect. For example, a study in rats showed that the consumption of beet juice and beet extract could reduce kidney inflammation. Also scientists demonstrated that betalain capsules made from beet extract, can help to ease the pain of people with osteoarthritis to relieve.

2. Good for your brain

Mental, age-related decline can be caused by reduced blood and oxygen supply to the brain. From research has shown that the nitrates can occur in beets this process by dilation of the veins and thus to stimulate the blood flow direction of the brains.

In addition, in 2010 , scientists found that eating beets improves blood flow to the frontal lobe of the brain. This area is related to high-level thinking such as decision making and working memory.

Another study looked at the effect of beets on reaction time. What turned out? The participants who had consumed 250 milliliters of beet juice for two weeks were 4 percent faster during a computer task than those who received a placebo drink.

3. Improve athletic performance

Researchers have shown that the nitrates in beets improve the functioning of mitochondria. These are substances that are responsible for the energy production in the cells.

In addition, another study in men showed that drinking 500 millimeters of beet juice led to greater stamina after six days. The time to fatigue was found to be increased by 15 to 25 percent. Ultimately, this resulted in an improvement in their overall performance.

In 2011 , scientists examined the effect of beet juice on the performance of cyclists who had to cycle both 4 and 16.1 kilometers. What turned out? The daily consumption of 500 millimeters of beet juice led to an improvement in their end time, by 2.8 and 2.7 percent respectively.

4. Keep blood pressure low

High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of heart disease, heart attacks and strokes. Studies have shown that eating beets can lower blood pressure within hours. This effect appeared to apply in particular to systolic blood pressure, or upper pressure. Raw beets were also better than cooked beets.

Researchers hypothesize that the blood pressure lowering effect of beets is related to the high concentration of nitrates in the vegetable. In the body, these substances are converted into nitrogen dioxide, a molecule that dilates the veins and lowers blood pressure.

5. Help you lose weight naturally

Research has shown that beets contain nutrients that are useful for weight loss. Although they are low in calories, they are packed with water, fiber and protein. These substances are very important for maintaining a healthy weight.

Another study showed that the fiber in beets makes you feel full and less hungry. Ultimately, consumption of the vegetable resulted in a lower overall calorie intake.