Classed as a powerful superfood by today’s nutritional health experts, beets are commonly cooked or sliced thin for salads and are also easy to juice. Beet juice has long been touted as a blood purifier and blood builder because it helps build red blood cells.
Ironically, at one point in history, beet greens were eaten but the roots tossed aside or used as animal feed.
New research indicates that beetroot juice makes blood vessels wider, which reduces blood pressure and allows more blood to flow. At the same time, it reduces the amount of oxygen that muscles require during activity. When these two effects are combined, they have a significant impact on performance of both low and high intensity physical exertion.
So, what’s so great about beet juice?
This sweet and earthy juice is a plus for anyone looking for an easy and quick health boost. Beets contain a plentiful supply of sodium, potassium, calcium, copper, selenium, zinc, iron and manganese.
The beautiful color of beet roots are a sure indication of the powerful antioxidants they contain. Beet juice contains both flavonoids and carotenoids that help destroy free radicals, escort toxins from the body, and promote a sharp mind and strong body.
An excellent source of vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C and folate, beet juice lowers blood pressure within just one hour of drinking and will help maintain healthy blood pressure if consumed on a regular basis. It contains properties to help prevent heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular conditions.
Our livers work hard and regular consumption of beet juice helps protect them from oxidative damage and stress. Compounds in beets help the liver detoxify and stimulate liver cell function.
When toxins sit around in the body and fester, they often lead to serious health conditions, such as cancer. Research indicates that beet juice, consumed on a daily basis, does an excellent job of breaking down and eliminating cancer causing poisons in the body.
Beets increase the body’s production of glutathione, which in turn binds to toxins in the body, escorting them to the colon for elimination. According to Dr. Sherry Rogers, author of “Detoxify or Die”, glutathione can help remove hundreds of the toxins that we are being bombarded with from our contaminated (inorganic and artificial) food supply.
Beet juice and exercise
Wouldn’t you love just a little extra energy for your next workout? You may be amazed to learn that this could come from a glass of beetroot juice.
A group of cyclists took part in a study that examined the impact of drinking a one-half litre of beetroot juice before biking. Researchers at the University of Exeter found that when the cyclists drank the juice 3 hours before their workout, they were able to bike 20 percent longer compared to the placebo group that drank blackcurrant juice.
The beetroot juice allowed the cyclists to exercise using considerably less oxygen than normal, even without any additional training.
Researchers believe that consuming beetroot juice could also help non-athletes and older people who have cardiovascular issues do things that they could not normally do.
Why is beet juice so effective?
Beetroot juice contains high levels of nitrate that is converted by bacteria on the tongue into chemical nitrate which enters the bloodstream and reduces blood pressure. Other nitrate-rich vegetables such as lettuce, spinach and other leafy greens also contribute to a healthy cardiovascular system.
For best results, juice your own organic beets and drink a glass prior to your workout. You can also try one of these supercharged workout mixtures below:
Ginger Beet Muscle Builder
Ingredients:
- 1 medium peeled orange
- 3 large kale leaves
- 1 medium green apple, cut into wedges
- I large organic carrot
- I large organic beet, peeled and cut into wedges
- 1 inch piece of peeled fresh ginger
Juice and serve over ice. Drink 30 minutes prior to your workout.
Beet and Grape Refresher
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of organic beets peeled and cut into wedges
- 2 cups organic seedless black grapes
- 1 large organic carrot peeled and cut into strips
Juice and serve over ice. Drink 30 minutes prior to your workout or even after for a great hydrator.
Pineapple Cucumber Beet Juice
Ingredients:
1 small organic beet
1/2 medium cucumber
1 cup of pineapple chunks
Drink this juice on an empty stomach 30-60 minutes prior to your workout for improved performance.
-The Alternative Daily
Sources:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23174856
