Beets contain high levels of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents that studies show may help reduce the risk of some cancers. They get their striking red colour from betacyanin, a plant pigment that some preliminary research indicates might help defend cells against harmful carcinogens. Also, high levels of a unique fibre found in beets may be linked to a lower colon cancer risk.
ⓘ 2 / 9
Beets are a good source of folate and betaine. These nutrients act together to help lower blood levels of homocysteine, which can increase your risk of heart disease by causing artery-damaging inflammation.
Read up on these facts about heart disease in women.
Beet greens are a good source of lutein, an antioxidant that helps protect the eyes from age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. They also contain a wide variety of phytochemicals that may help improve the health of your eyes and nerve tissues.
To keep your peepers healthy, follow these other eye care tips too.
4 / 9
British researchers conducted studies that found athletes who drank beet juice mixed with a little apple juice before working out reported better endurance and a lower resting blood pressure than those who did not. The performance boost is thought to be from the nitrates found in the root. Additional research suggests that a beet-apple juice mixture could make certain activities (like walking) less exhausting for seniors.
Check out these great workouts for people who hate exercise.
5 / 9
Beets produce nitric acid, which helps increase blood flow throughout your body, including to your brain. MRIs done on older adults showed that after eating a high-nitrate diet that included beet juice, the subjects had more blood flow to the white matter of their frontal lobes.
Here are more ways to reduce your risk of dementia.
Fibre helps keep your digestive system running smoothly, and beets are chock full of it.
Check out these home remedies for constipation.
7 / 9
If you’re prone to kidney stones, you might want to eat beet greens with caution. They’re high in oxalates, which can form small crystals and contribute to the development of kidney stones.
Learn to spot the hidden signs of kidney cancer.
8 / 9
Beets are high in oxalate, which can contribute to a health condition called gout, a type of arthritis that develops when too much uric acid builds up in the body.
Try these science-backed home remedies for arthritis pain.
You might find beets help you go to the bathroom, but don’t be alarmed if your urine or stool is pink or red. It’s not blood; and is actually harmless.
Next, read up on the best foods to prevent ulcers.