12 Health Benefits of Beetroot

Surely most of us are not familiar with beetroot.   It is one raw food loaded with cancer fighting nutrients waiting to be discovered in our region.  It is not much in our local markets, an indication that the awareness of it is still low.   It  is loaded with nutrients that benefits our body.   I like to eat it raw, it appears in  thick reddish color looking exactly like blood.   The presence of Betacyanin is the compound that gives beetroot its purplish-red colour and is also a powerful antioxidant. 
Here are 12 health benefits of beetroot
(1) Helps reduce bad Cholesterol
It helps reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and does not allow it to deposit on the walls of the artery. This protects the heart from potential heart attacks and stroke reducing the need for medication.
2.) A source of  folic Acid
The presence of this nutrient makes it  great for pregnant women and unborn child Another amazing quality of the root is that it has an abundant supply of folic acid. Folic acid is important for pregnant mums and unborn babies because it is an essential component for the proper formation of the unborn child’s spinal cord, and can protect the child from conditions such as spina bifida .
3)  A Source of Iron
The presence of iron makes also great for pregnant women and children.  Iron helps the woman stay strong and helps in the pumping of oxygen.  quick way to replace lost blood, I have actually tried it and it was great for the purpose, being a raw foot and easily digested.  It also in improving stamina fast.
4)  Beetroot is a source of the mineral Silica
This is a rare nutrients which helps the body use calcium efficiently.  Silica is found in our bones and teeth.    Having a glass of beetroot juice will help us beet osteoporosis and other bone related ailments.
5) Contains some natural sugars
This can help diabetics during occasional sweet craving to deliver some vital nutrients to the cells while fulfilling their sweet craving,  just a little will do the job, because beetroot is actually very sweet, with a moderate glycemic index.satiating your sugar craving.

6) A Source of Nitrates
The presence of nitrates in the root vegetable helps widen the blood vessels thereby increasing blood flow to the genital.  It therefore helps in improve sexual stamina and overall sexual health.
7)  Helps Prevent Cancers
Betacyanin content in beetroot has been shown to help prevent cancers by slowing their growth and spread.  Research recently are confirming the efficacy of beetroot juice in fighting cancers. Studies have revealed that beets are good at preventing colon, skin, stomach and certain cancers, since they contain the pigment betacyaninis, which counteracts cancerous cell growth. Nitrates used in meats as preservatives can stimulate the production of nitrosamine compounds in the body which can also result in cancer. Studies have now shown that beet juice inhibits the cell mutations caused by these compounds.
8)  Helps Beat constipation
Due to its high fiber content.  It acts as a laxative. It helps in regularizing your bowel movement by softening stools. It also cleanses the colon and flushes out the harmful toxins from the stomach.
9) Helps Prevent Dementia
Beetroot is a brain food.  and is being shown to increase the oxygen uptake by the body,  a study also found that because of presence of nitrate, it could also help in the proper functioning of the brain and beat the onset of dementia. (5) It has also been seen that nitrate when converted to nitrite helps in the better transmission of neural impulses, making the brain work better:
10)  Beets are high in many vitamins and minerals
Potassium, magnesium, fiber, phosphorus, iron; vitamins A, B & C; beta-carotene, beta-cyanine; folic acid. These are but a few of the many nutrients, vitamins and minerals that can be found in beets and beet greens. These are important in building a healthy body.
11) Good For Detox:  Beetroots are a wonderful tonic for the liver, works as a purifier for the blood, helping flush toxins out of the body.
12)  Manages Blood Pressure
People with high blood pressure can benefit greatly from regular consumption of beetroot due to its high nitrate content. The body converts nitrates to nitrites and a gas called nitric oxide. Both these components help to widen the arteries and lower blood pressure.

Ref:www,healthsite.com
www.fullcircle.com
www.organicfacts.net
Top 10 Home Remedies.com