Beets, or red beets, are one of the cheapest, most common, and healthiest vegetables in the world! You can buy them anywhere and anytime, regardless of the season. Since they are rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, minerals and many other valuable substances, it is worth making them a frequent guest in the kitchen. The elixir of health, vitality and youth – beet juice – can be easily obtained from red beets at home. There are several ways of preparing it. Its base can be raw or pickled beets, we can also add many other ingredients to it, we can also make beet syrup.We can also make beet syrup or beet sourdough with similar properties. How do I make beet juice? Why should I regularly drink beet juice?
Table of contents
- 1 Beet – nutritional values. A vegetable with outstanding health benefits
- 2 Essential beet juice – health properties
- 2.1 Beet juice for a healthy cardiovascular system
- 2.2 Beet juice for good immunity and effective fight against pathogens
- 2.3 Beet juice for weight loss, digestion, normal blood sugar levels and good liver function
- 2.4 Beet juice helps in deacidification and cleansing the body from toxins.
- 2.5 Other valuable properties of beet juice
- 3 Who will particularly benefit from drinking beet juice?
- 4 How to drink beet juice?
- 5 Beet juice – recipe, ways of serving. What can be combined with the purple vegetable?
- 6 Pickled beet juice – recipe
- 7 Beet syrup – recipe
Beet – nutritional values. A vegetable with outstanding health benefits
If we want to strengthen our body and improve our well-being, we should use beet juice regularly! Red beets are among the leading vegetable powerhouses when it comes to nutritional value and the presence of biologically active compounds. It even contains several elements rarely found in food, such as caesium and rubidium.
A strong red-purple color of beets is a result of a high content of pigments from the beta-cyanine group (mainly betanin), showing an extremely beneficial effect on our health, including the circulatory system. These pigments, as well as several other bio-substances present in the composition of red beet, act as antioxidants, protecting our body from harmful free radicals.
List of ingredients contained in red beet:
- Vitamin A,
- vitamin C,
- vitamin E,
- vitamin K,
- a broad spectrum of B vitamins,
- potassium,
- magnesium,
- manganese,
- calcium,
- iron,
- sodium,
- zinc,
- selenium,
- silicon,
- chlorine,
- phosphorus,
- fluorine,
- copper,
- cobalt,
- caesium,
- lithium,
- rubidium,
- dietary fiber,
- choline,
- phytosterols,
- flavonoids,
- proteins,
- alpha-lipoic acid (ALA),
- betacyanins (betanin),
- betaxanthins (vulgaxanthin),
- organic acids (including malic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, oxalic acid),
- resveratrol,
- nitrates.
Essential beet juice – health properties
Beet juice, thanks to a wide range of biologically active substances, supports the work of all organs and systems of our body. Its valuable properties will also be appreciated by our skin and figure! Here are some of the most important actions of this elixir of health:
Beet juice for a healthy cardiovascular system
Regular drinking of beet juice is one of the most effective natural ways to comprehensively improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Thanks to the content of antioxidants and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, this drink supports the work of the heart, improves circulation and helps lower and normalize excessively high blood pressure.
Thanks to nitrates, it stimulates the production of nitric oxide in the body, dilating blood vessels and increasing the transport of blood and oxygen to cells and tissues.
Vitamin C and numerous flavonoids present in beet juice improve the condition of blood vessels – they strengthen and seal them, prevent excessive permeability. By improving the function of veins, beetroot juice reduces the severity of problems with varicose veins and reduces swelling of the lower limbs.
What is more, thanks to numerous antioxidants and phytosterols, beet juice lowers the level of cholesterol (the unhealthy fraction, LDL), protects the heart, reduces the risk of heart attacks and cardioIt also protects the heart, reduces the risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular diseases such as ischemic heart disease (coronary artery disease), regulates the level of homocysteine, prevents the build-up of atherosclerotic plaque and the formation of blood clots.
Beet juice is also a good way to prevent and combat anemia. Thanks to the content of iron, zinc, copper and B vitamins, beet juice mobilizes the body to increase the production of red blood cells and has a blood-forming effect.
Beet juice for good immunity and effective fight against pathogens
Red beet juice is a drink with a strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. Drinking red beet juice systematically will make us less susceptible to various infections, colds, respiratory tract inflammations, flu and other viral diseases.
Beet juice comprehensively supports our immune system, strengthens the body, fights excess free radicals responsible for oxidative stress of cells and causing their damage and dangerous mutations.
Thanks to its antioxidant properties, beetroot juice reduces the risk of various diseases of civilization, such as cancer, atherosclerosis, stroke, hypertension, diabetes. Also, as a result of antioxidant activity, beet juice slows down the aging process of the body.
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Beet juice for weight loss, digestion, normal blood sugar levels and good liver function
Beet juice contains dietary fiber, which is one of the most important components of the daily diet of people losing weight. Thanks to it, it stimulates intestinal peristalsis, improves digestive processes and helps stabilize blood sugar levels. It also increases control over appetite, suppresses cravings for sweets, and eliminates hunger attacks resulting in uncontrolled calorie consumption.
And thanks to alpha-lipoic acid, it improves metabolism and helps burn calories faster. All this makes it easier for us to go through the process of losing weight.
Raw beet has a low glycemic index (30), so juice from this vegetable can permanently enter the menus of people struggling with insulin resistance, diabetes and pre-diabetes. It is even highly recommended – thanks to alpha-lipoic acid and dietary fiber, it slows down the breakdown of sugars, prevents sudden spikes in blood glucose and increases tissue sensitivity to insulin.
However, not only for overweight and glycemic problems, but also for various digestive ailments and in the case of overloaded liver, beet juice will help us.
It stimulates the removal of waste products from the body, improves the work of the digestive system, eliminates constipation, flatulence, helps restore a regular rhythm of bowel movements. It is helpful in hyperacidity, reflux, heartburn, stomach ulcers. It has a beneficial influence on liver (detoxifies, protects, supports regeneration), supports bile ducts.
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Beet juice helps in deacidification and cleansing the body from toxins.
A very important property of beet juice is its deacidifying and detoxifying effect. Beetroot juice is alkaline, which helps to restore the acid-base balance in the system. Thanks to dietary fiber and antioxidants, it stimulates the process of toxins and deposits excretion from the body, thus improving metabolic processes.
By counteracting acidification and cleansing the body of harmful substances, it improves our mood and helps get rid of persistent ailments such as: headaches, bad taste in the mouth, bad breath, digestive problems, decreased concentration, apathy, weakness.
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Other valuable properties of beet juice
- Beet juice strengthens bones and joints. It also has a beneficial effect on the work of muscles (increases their level of oxygenation and nutrition) and increases the endurance of the body.
- Beet juice helps to go through the menopause more easily (it reduces hot flashes, fights migraines, improves mood, increases resistance to physical and mental fatigue).
- Beet juice increases the degree of oxygenation of the brain, so it can be very helpful in preventing or inhibiting the development of dementia.
- Beet juice accelerates wound healing.
- Rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, beet juice is a natural elixir of youth and good skin condition. It stimulates the production of collagen, protects skin cells from free radicals, inhibits the aging process and the formation of wrinkles. It improves skin firmness, nourishes the skin and makes it look more vital. If we consume beet juice regularly, we will also nourish and strengthen our hair and nails.
- A portion of beet juice a few times a week is an effective way to regain vitality and energy and improve mood. What is more, this drink, thanks to its high nutritional value, supports concentration and comprehensively improves brain function.
Who will particularly benefit from drinking beet juice?
Beet juice is recommended for people who fight hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases. The beetroot juice is also recommended for people with weakened immune system, infections, colds, anaemia and during convalescence after illnesses, operations and injuries.
Drinking beet juice will also be recommended in situations of physical and mental exhaustion, hormonal fluctuations, in depressive states, in case of bad nervous condition. Consumption of beet juice is also a good option in the case of a not entirely healthy diet containing a lot of highly processed food, as well as the use of stimulants, leading a “busy” lifestyle, significant mental effort and chronic stress.
Beet juice is also useful for people who are exposed to hard physical work and for amateur and professional sportsmen. It is also worth drinking in case of skin diseases, bad skin condition, weakened nails, thin, brittle, lifeless and falling out hair.
The beet juice should also be consumed by people suffering from liver and bile ducts problems, digestive disorders, diabetes, heart attacks, kidney ailments.The beetroot juice should also be used by people with liver and bile ducts problems, problems with digestion, overweight and those looking for natural methods for detoxification, shedding a few pounds and comprehensive supply of valuable nutrients to the body.
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How to drink beet juice?
Both raw beet juice and pickled beet juice should be drunk daily or almost daily in order to feel its full health-promoting effects. Start with smaller amounts (e.g. one third of a glass of beet juice combined with one third of a glass of water). Gradually increase the amount you drink until you reach about 200 ml a day.
It is best to drink beet juice in the first part of the day – it will then improve our metabolism, give us energy for many hours and provide us with many valuable ingredients, supporting us at the time when we are most active.
Beet juice – recipe, ways of serving. What can be combined with the purple vegetable?
Preparation of beet juice is very simple and instant.
First cut the raw beet into thicker slices and then put them into a juicer. Instead of a juicer, we can use a slow juicer. If you don’t have either of these, you can cut the beets into finer pieces and then blanch them.
Each of these methods of extracting juice is good, the choice depends of course on the equipment you have, as well as your own convenience and tastes. Juice made in a juicer is clearer and thinner (a lot of the pulp comes away), while juice extracted from a juicer is moreThe juice made with a juicer and a blender is thicker, more concentrated (it is not devoid of pulp), and thus has slightly more nutritional value.
Juice made from raw beets has a specific, slightly earthy taste. Some people like it very much, but there are also those who do not like it at all. If you are not fond of the taste of pure beet juice, you can vary it with other ingredients and in this way get rid of the characteristic aftertaste.
What to combine beet juice with? There are many possibilities. They are perfectly suitable, among others:
- apple,
- orange,
- grapefruit,
- strawberries,
- lemon,
- lime,
- avocado,
- peppers,
- carrots,
- cucumber,
- celery,
- tomato,
- turnips,
- kohlrabi,
- celery,
- spinach,
- garlic,
- lamb’s lettuce,
- parsley,
- marjoram,
- dill,
- thyme,
- lovage,
- coriander,
- basil,
- mint,
- ginger.
The listed ingredients, of course, can be freely combined with each other.
Here is a very simple recipe for beet juice with additions:
Wash 4 large raw beets, 2 apples, 2 carrots and half a celery, slice and then run through a juicer. Add lemon juice, a pinch of salt and sugar to taste, a pinch of chili for spiciness and you’re done.
Pickled beet juice – recipe
Pickled beets (as well as the juice made during the pickling process), are rich in probiotics (lactic acid bacteria beneficial to our bodies), which makes them endowed with additional health-promoting properties. Of course pickled beets also contain a whole range of valuable bio-substances which raw beets have in their composition.
Pickled beet juice (or beetroot sourdough) positively influences the condition of intestinal microflora, improves digestion, reduces inflammation, fights pathogens, supports intestinal work, stimulates the process of detoxification of the body and accelerates building high immunity.
How to make pickled beet juice?
About 1-1,5 kg of beets we peel, wash and cut into small pieces. Put them in a large glass jar. Between the beets put allspice, a few cloves of garlic, peppercorns and bay leaves. Pour about 2 liters of boiled cooled water with 2 tablespoons of salt. The water should completely cover the beets. Place a slice of sourdough rye bread on top. Cover with a plate. Set aside in a warm place for about a week. After this time the juice is ready to drink.
Beet syrup – recipe
Apart from beet juice, beet syrup also has health-promoting properties. It is particularly useful during lowered immunity, weakened organism, colds and respiratory infections. It is great for coughs and hoarseness, helps with sore throats, dry throat, sinusitis and catarrh.
How to prepare beet syrup?
Cut off the bottom of a large beet and set it on a plate or tray. Hollow out the vegetable from the top. The hole should be about 2-3 centimeters in diameter, it should also be quite deep, but you need to be careful not to pierce through. Pour honey or sugar inside. The syrup will begin to appear after a few hours. Drink beet syrup after 1 tablespoon several times a day.