"Beets are a unique source of phytonutrients called betalains. Betanin and vulgaxanthin are the two best-studied betalains from beets, and both have been shown to provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification support. The detox support provided by betalains includes support of some especially important Phase 2 detox steps involving glutathione. Although you can see these betalain pigments in other foods (like the stems of chard or rhubarb), the concentration of betalains in the peel and flesh of beets gives you an unexpectedly great opportunity for these health benefits.
Unlike some other food pigments, betalains undergo very steady loss from food as the length of cooking time is increased. For example, one recent study has shown the red betalain pigments in beets to be far less heat stable than red anthocyanin pigments in red cabbage. The difference between 15 minutes of steaming versus 25 minutes of steaming, or 60 minutes of roasting versus 90 minutes of roasting can be significant in terms of betalain damage. For these reasons, we recommend that you keep beet steaming times to 15 minutes or less, and roasting times under an hour."
From the World's Healthiest Foods Newsletter
http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=49
Most lists of "super foods" don't include beetroot juice, but maybe they should.
Beet juice may boost stamina to help you exercise longer, improve blood flow, and help lower blood pressure, some research shows.
Why? Beets are rich in natural chemicals called nitrates. Through a chain reaction, your body changes nitrates into nitric oxide, which helps with blood flow and blood pressure.
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/truth-about-beetroot-juice
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1 comment:
That's interesting! I was just thinking I need to rethink beets because I read they are so high in potassium. I've decided I need more potassium in my latest self-diagnosis. But unfortunately I have a negative view of them because of childhood borscht experiences, lol.
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