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Beetroot juice, the vibrant ruby-red elixir, has become popular in recent times for the right reasons. Derived from the humble root vegetable, beetroot, the juice is loaded with essential nutrients and powerful antioxidants. Beetroot has special bioactive substances called betalains that have potential health advantages.
Very few people incorporate beetroo t juice into their diet. Beetroot juice is especially associated with a reduction in the risk of heart disease. The vibrant juice not only provides necessary vitamins but also helps in reducing blood pressure and inflammation and improving athletic performance. With the ongoing summer season, people are looking for hydrating and refreshing drinks to beat the heat. Beetroot juice is one of the popular cool and refreshing beverages that can be included every day in the diet.
Here are some of the health benefits of beetroot juice you can enjoy:
- Improved Heart Health
Beetroot juice is known to benefit heart health. According to the article, ‘Nitrate Derived From Beetroot Juice Lowers Blood Pressure in Patients with Arterial Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis,' from the journal Frontiers In Nutrition, dated March 15, 2022, beetroot juice is rich in nitrates, compounds that convert into nitric oxide in the body. Beetroot juice helps expand blood vessels, thus improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure. It also reduces the risk of hypertension, enhancing cardiovascular function. It is advisable to regularly consume beetroot juice for healthier heart health.
Enhanced Athletic Performance
It is often seen that athletes and fitness enthusiasts drink beetroot juice regularly to enhance their exercise performance. ‘Effects of Beetroot Juice Supplementation on Cardiorespiratory Endurance in Athletes. A Systematic Review,’ in the journal MDPI Nutrients, mentions that the nitrates present in beetroot juice increase the efficiency of mitochondria, the energy powerhouses of cells, which helps to achieve improved endurance and stamina. If you consume beetroot juice before exercise, it will enhance oxygen uptake, and reduce fatigue.
Boost Brain Function
In ‘Beetroot as a functional food with huge health benefits: Antioxidant, antitumor, physical function, and chronic metabolomics activity’ by Food Science And Nutrition, it is stated that beetroot juice benefits cognitive health. The presence of nitric oxide derived from the nitrates in beetroot juice increases the blood flow to the brain. This increased blood flow improves cognitive function, sharpens mental health, and may reduce age-based cognitive decline. Moreover, beetroot is rich in betalains and vitamin C, which protects the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation.
Detoxification And Liver Support
Beetroot juice is considered a natural detoxifier that helps in the cleansing process of the body. The presence of potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties from betalains helps neutralise toxins and fight against the free radicals that burden the liver. Furthermore, beetroot juice simulates bile flow and enhances liver function by promoting detoxification and the elimination of waste products from the body.
Improved Digestive Health
Beetroot juice is rich in fibre, which supports digestive health. Dietary fibre is known to promote bowel movements, thus promoting constipation. It also supports a healthy gut microbiome by being a prebiotic. Moreover, beetroot juice contains betaine, a compound that supports stomach acid production and digestive enzymes, which help in the breakdown and absorption of nutrients.
May Prevent Cancer
The cancer-fighting properties may prevent cancer and it is only due to the presence of phytonutrients and antioxidants. Betalains have anti-cancer properties, ranging from minimising tumour cell growth to reducing inflammation. Besides, the antioxidants in beetroot juice help fight against oxidative stress.
