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Beetroot
Beetroot isa rich source of nutrients that strengthens the liver, and helps maintain cardiovascular, bone and joint health.
Beetroot contains an exceptionally helpful nutrient called Betaine which is attributed with improving liver function. Through acting on the liver, the liver is more effective at metabolising fats and detoxification. When fats are processed properly by the liver, the serum lipids, that are the fats released into the blood stream, are reduced. This can mean a reduction in cardiovascular disease. Proper metabolism of fats will also prevent the build up of fats in the liver which is a precursor to liver disease. The liver also has the job of detoxification. It downgrades toxins and processes them into forms either useful to the body, or dumped into the likes of bile for excretion. The betaine in beetroot, along with the vitamins A and C, help it to be a powerful antioxidant vegetable.
Betaine can also reduce homocysteine. Homocysteine is a natural by product we produce when metabolising, for example, red meat. It needs to be acted upon by nutrients like Betaine to become something helpful. Left to accumulate to excessive levels, Homocysteine is attributed with damaging cellular walls, especially those of our arteries. This leads to Homocysteine being deemed a possible factor in arterial damage leading to cardio vascular disease.
The dietary nitrates in beetroot have been shown in some studies to help relax the smooth muscles that control the dilation of blood vessels. The studies could show that participants in the trials experienced a reduction in blood pressure through the dilating activity attributed to having beetroot juice. The mineral Boron in beetroot also helps maintain the health of our blood vessels by improving the metabolism and storage of calcium. When this biological process goes awry. Calcium can be ‘dumped’ on artery walls leading to inflexible vessels, and, potential areas for fats to accumulate. Beetroot also contains good amounts of potassium and sodium which are also attributed with helping remove calcium build up on joints and arteries.
Information supplied by Steph Askeur
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