17 Powerful Health Benefits of Beets (Beetroot Cures for the Body)
Introduction
Beets, or beetroot, are much more than just a vibrant, ruby-red vegetable. For centuries, they have been celebrated for their unique earthy flavor and their remarkable healing properties. Today, as interest in natural foods and superfoods continues to surge, beets stand out as one of the most nutrient-dense root vegetables packed with a wide array of health benefits. From boosting heart health to enhancing athletic performance, beets are true powerhouses that nurture your body in countless ways.
Whether roasted, juiced, or blended into smoothies, incorporating beets into your diet can be transformative for your overall wellness. This post explores 17 powerful health benefits of beets, revealing why beetroot cures for the body are still celebrated in both traditional and modern medicine. If you’re curious about how this humble vegetable can help improve your health, keep reading!
Why You’ll Love Beets: The Superfood Appeal
What makes beets stand apart isn’t just their vibrant color but the impressive nutritional profile and versatile culinary uses. Beets are naturally sweet, earthy, and can be enjoyed raw, cooked, or pickled. But beyond taste, beets are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and compounds like nitrates and betalains, which contribute to their impressive health-boosting qualities.
You’ll love beets because they:
- Support heart and brain health
- Help detoxify your body naturally
- Enhance exercise performance and stamina
- Promote glowing skin and healthy digestion
- Offer anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits
In addition, beets are gluten-free, low-calorie, and fit perfectly into plant-based, keto, and paleo diets. Their versatility means you can incorporate them into salads, juices, soups, or even desserts.
Curious how to make a tasty beet juice? Check out our Fresh Beetroot Juice Recipe that highlights beets’ natural sweetness and health benefits.
Ingredients for a Simple Beetroot Juice
If you want to try a simple beet juice to start reaping health benefits, here’s what you need:
- 2 medium fresh beets (washed and peeled)
- 1 medium apple (for sweetness)
- 1 small carrot
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1 cup of water or coconut water
Necessary Tools
- Juicer or high-speed blender
- Knife and cutting board
- Citrus juicer (optional)
- Fine mesh strainer (if using blender)
- Glass jar or bottle for storing
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
Not a fan of ginger? No problem! You can swap it for a small piece of turmeric root to boost anti-inflammatory benefits. If you prefer a sweeter juice, add a small pear or some fresh orange juice. For extra greens, toss in a handful of spinach or kale — these mild-tasting greens complement the earthiness of beets beautifully.
If you don’t have a juicer, simply blend the ingredients with water and strain the pulp for a smooth juice.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Beetroot Juice
- Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and peel beets and carrots. Core the apple but keep the skin on for fiber and nutrients. Slice everything into smaller pieces for easier blending or juicing.
- Juicing or Blending:
- Juicer: Feed all ingredients into the juicer one by one.
- Blender: Add chopped ingredients and water/coconut water into the blender. Blend until smooth. Strain using a fine mesh sieve or nut milk bag for juice.
- Add Lemon Juice: Stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice for a refreshing tang and vitamin C boost.
- Serve Fresh: Pour the juice into a glass and enjoy immediately for maximum nutrient retention.
- Optional Storage: If needed, store in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 24 hours.
Pro Tips for Success
- Choose fresh, firm, and vibrant beets for the best flavor and nutrients. Avoid beets with wrinkles or soft spots.
- Beets can stain clothes and cutting boards easily—use gloves and clean surfaces promptly.
- To maximize nitrate absorption (which benefits heart health), consume beet juice fresh, and avoid heating it.
- Start with small amounts if you’re new to beet juice, as it can cause digestive upset for some.
- Combine beet juice with hydrating coconut water for an electrolyte boost during workouts.
Serving Suggestions
Beets shine not only in juices but also in a variety of dishes. Here are some ways to enjoy them:
- Roasted Beet Salad: Combine roasted beets with goat cheese, walnuts, and arugula for a nutrient-packed salad.
- Beet Hummus: Blend cooked beets with chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice for a colorful dip.
- Beet Soup (Borscht): Enjoy a warm bowl of traditional Eastern European beet soup, perfect for colder months.
- Smoothie Booster: Add raw or cooked beets to your favorite smoothie recipe for a natural color and nutrient boost.
- Pickled Beets: Quick-pickle beet slices for a tangy, probiotic-rich side dish.
Explore our Roasted Beet and Walnut Salad Recipe for an easy, delicious way to savor beets.
Storing and Reheating
- Raw Beets: Store unwashed in the refrigerator’s vegetable drawer for up to 2 weeks.
- Cooked Beets: Refrigerate in airtight containers and consume within 3-4 days.
- Beet Juice: Best consumed fresh, but you can refrigerate it in a sealed container for up to 24 hours. Shake well before drinking.
- Reheating: If using cooked beets in soups or dishes, reheat gently over low heat to preserve nutrients and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per 1 cup raw beetroot)
- Calories: 58
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Dietary Fiber: 3.8 g
- Sugars: 9.2 g
- Protein: 2.2 g
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Vitamin C: 8% DV
- Folate: 37% DV
- Potassium: 9% DV
- Manganese: 22% DV
- Nitrates: High (naturally occurring, supports blood pressure)
Beets are naturally low in fat, high in fiber, and packed with antioxidants and minerals.
FAQs About Beets and Their Health Benefits
Q1: Can beets help lower blood pressure?
Yes! The nitrates in beets convert to nitric oxide in the body, which relaxes blood vessels and helps reduce blood pressure. Multiple studies support this effect.
Q2: Are beets good for digestion?
Absolutely. Beets are rich in fiber, which promotes gut health and regular bowel movements.
Q3: Can I eat beet greens?
Definitely. Beet greens are nutrient-dense and can be sautéed or added to salads like spinach.
Q4: Will beets stain my urine or stool?
Yes, a harmless condition called beeturia causes pink or red urine/stool after eating beets.
Q5: Are beet supplements as effective as fresh beets?
Beet supplements can provide nitrates but may lack the full spectrum of nutrients and fiber found in whole beets.
Conclusion
From ancient traditions to modern superfood status, beets have secured their place as a powerful natural remedy for the body. The 17 health benefits of beets—from improving heart health to boosting athletic performance and detoxifying your system—make this humble root a must-have in your kitchen.
Whether you juice them, roast them, or add them to salads, beets deliver a wealth of nutrients that support your well-being in countless ways. Start incorporating beets today, and experience firsthand how this vibrant vegetable can be a true cure for your body.
For more nourishing recipes and wellness tips, explore our Plant-Based Superfoods Collection and continue your journey to vibrant health.
