Beets have been growing underground for thousands of years and are known for their deep red hue and sweet earthy taste. These little red bulbs are versatile and can be cooked in many different ways, from boiling and roasting to juicing and pickling.
Beets are packed with nutrients and have been used for medicinal purposes for hundreds of years. In this article, we will explore the many benefits of beets, particularly for the liver, and why you should add them to your diet.
What are beets?
Beets or beetroot are a root vegetable that is popular around the world. They are available year-round and can be eaten cooked or raw. Beets are known for their vibrant deep red color which comes from a compound called betalain.
They are sweet in taste, and when cooked, can become incredibly soft and tender.
The beetroot is a member of the Chenopod family, which also includes spinach, chard, and quinoa. Beets are a good source of Vitamin C, folate, and fiber, among other essential vitamins and minerals.
They also have an impressive nutritional profile and are low in calories, making them a great addition to any diet.
How do beets benefit the liver?
The liver is a vital organ in the body that acts as a filter for toxins, drugs, and other substances. It plays a crucial role in the digestion of food, produces bile, and metabolizes fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.
Unfortunately, due to our modern lifestyle, the liver can become overloaded or damaged, leading to various liver problems. One of the best ways to support liver health is through a healthy diet.
Beets are an amazing liver-loving food, particularly for improving liver function, reducing inflammation, and protecting against oxidative stress.
The liver is continually exposed to oxidative stress, which can damage cells and disrupt normal liver function. Beets contain antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and betalain, which can help neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation in the liver.
Beets contain betaine
Beets are also a good source of betaine, which is a natural compound that protects the liver from fatty deposits and has been shown to reduce liver enzymes, indicating better liver function.
Betaine is also thought to improve synthesis of neurotransmitters like serotonin, protect cells from environmental stressors, and support DNA production.
Related Article
Red bulb magic for liver health
Beets lower the risk of liver disease
Beets help reduce the risk of liver disease and cancer by supporting liver function and reducing inflammation. The fiber in beets also helps by binding to toxins in the intestines and removing them from the body, reducing the burden on the liver.
This means that by including beets in your diet, you are helping to reduce the risk of liver disease and damage.
How to incorporate beets into your diet
The good news is that it’s easy to add beets to your diet. Here are some simple ways you can incorporate beets into your meals:.
1. Roasted beets – Roasting beets in the oven brings out their natural sweetness. Simply clean and scrub the beets, toss in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in a preheated oven for 45 minutes to an hour.
2. Beet salad – Beets make an excellent salad ingredient. Try adding cooked beets to your favorite salad recipe or take inspiration from Mediterranean cooking and make a beet and feta salad.
To make a beet salad, simply dice cooked beets and toss with feta, greens, and your favorite dressing.
3. Beet juice – Drinking beet juice is a great way to get the benefits of beets. Simply juice a couple of beets and mix with other vegetables or fruit to create a tasty liver-loving juice.
Beet juice recipe
If you’re looking to try beet juice, here’s a simple recipe:.
Ingredients:.
- 2-3 large beets
- 1 large apple, cored
- 1 large carrot, peeled
- 1 inch piece of ginger, peeled
- 1 large lemon, peeled
- 1 cup of water
Instructions:.
- Add all ingredients to a juicer and juice until smooth.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy!
The bottom line
Beets are a versatile and nutritious vegetable that are great for liver health. They are loaded with antioxidants, betaine, and fiber, which help support the liver, reduce inflammation, and protect against liver disease.
Try incorporating beets into your diet by roasting, juicing, or adding them to salads for a healthy liver-loving meal.
